John would have never dreamed of something like this.

The two of you had been childhood best friends, distance growing between you once you each went off to college. Today is the first day you have seen each other in a few years. Deep down, he would rather you were not around each other at all due to these circumstances. You had arrived at the Chicago County General Hospital with a multiple undefined injuries and a conclusion so bad that it left you with vomiting and vertigo. John jumped at the opportunity to assist you, despite resistance from his coworkers once they realized he had a lot of emotional investment in your case. They were now match for how he felt, though.

"You can do it," he repeats to himself at your bedside, clutching onto your hand. "I know you can."