131 Trusting The Enemy
131 Trusting The Enemy
(Winona)
I stand just outside the intensive care unit near Jayden’s door, my heart pounding. There’s a small window but I can’t see him from the position of his bed. I look up the corridor and see Dr. Green approaching, his face serious but his eyes show the kindness he always has.
“Winona,” he says, stopping in front of me. “Jayden’s stabilized enough for you to go in, but it’s crucial that he remains in a quiet and stable environment. No drama or excitement, which is why we’re only allowing one visitor at a time.”
I nod, my throat tight with emotion. “Thank you, Dr. Green. I understand.”
My heart soars that I can be with him. I’m not letting him go again. No matter what.
“He’ll stay under medication for an induced coma for a few more days,” he continues. “But if things continue to improve today, I may allow Abby to visit briefly with you later on today. I can’t see how having his daughter in there can set him back.”
“Okay,” I say with a small smile. “Thank you.”
He gives me a reassuring nod before turning and walking away. Taking a deep breath, I push open the door to Jayden’s room. I step into the room and I need to swallow all the emotion I feel seeing him lying there like this.
Jayden, still and pale, hooked up to a machine that’s helping him breathe. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor is a small comfort, a reminder that he’s still here with us, fighting.
“Jayden,” I whisper, my voice trembling as I approach his bedside. “It’s me, Winona.”
Kissing his cheek, I’m pleased that he feels warm, not cold and clammy like the last time I touched him.” I’m here, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
I pull up a chair and sit beside him, taking his hand gently in mine. Tears well up in my eyes, but ! blink them back, determined to stay strong for him. Crying won’t get him through this.
“I love you, Jayden,” I say softly, my voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for saving my life. You took that bullet for me, and I can never repay you for that. But I need you to keep fighting, okay? Abby and I need you.”
I brush a lock of hair from his forehead, my fingers trembling. “Abby is coming to visit soon. She misses you so much. We both do. You have to get through this Jayden. We need you to come back to us.”
I lean in closer, my lips almost brushing his ear. “I even have hope for Judy. She’s been great, really since this happened. I think she’s genuinely sorry for how she’s treated me. She seems to be accepting us at last.”
I let out a shaky breath, my eyes searching his face for any sign of recognition. “You have to wake up. Jayden. We can’t do this without you, I can’t do this without you.”
J squeeze his hand gently, willing him to feel my presence, to know that I’m here for him, no matter what. The steady beeping of the monitor is the only response, a painful reminder of his fragile state.
“I’m so sorry for everything,” I continue, my voice breaking. “For all the pain we’ve been through. But I
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131 Trusting The Enemy
believe we can get through this. I believe in us. You’re the love of my life, Jayden. Even if we can’t be together, I know there will never be anyone else for me.”
I rest my head on the edge of his bed, my tears finally spilling over. The emotions of the past few days crash over me.
“I’m not giving up on you,” I whisper. “I know you’re strong. You’ve always been strong. We’ve been through so much, and we’ll get through this too. Just come back to me, Jayden. Please.”
I stand up and pace the floor, talking to him, sharing memories and hopes for the future. I’ll stay here as long as it takes. Jayden is my everything, and I’ll never stop fighting for him.
I glance at the little window in the door and see Judy peering through. I give her a small smile and give her a five finger sign for five minutes. I walk back to Jayden and kiss his cheek again.
“Dr. Green said you have every chance,” I whisper, my voice steady. “So hang in there, Jayden. Fight with everything you’ve got. We’re all here, rooting for you. I’m going to make a call and see if I can get Abby dropped here after preschool. She’s loving it with her friends.”
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