The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 77

The Stand In Wife’s Revenge

Chapter 77

The weight of the world fell on me once more as soon as the elevator doors opened. I took a shallow breath to try to steady myself as the hospitals sterile cold air seemed to press in on me.

Despite Avas quiet but reassuring presence at my side I was only able to concentrate on the fear that was tearing at my chest. I was surprised when the doctor who had been waiting at Fionas room entrance called us into a different room.

This room was more clinical colder and surrounded Fionas motionless body with a few more monitors and beeping devices.

As we entered the door clicked softly behind us and my gaze instantly landed on her. Still unconscious Fiona lay in bed

still connected to a system of machines that hummed softly all around her.

She was more lifeless than I had ever seen her and her skin was ghostly pale. The room seemed to be so still that

everything around us seemed to be absorbed. She was constantly reminded of her vulnerability by the machines around

her. With the use of a ventilator her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths

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The dripping IV fluids into her arm seemed almost inconsequential in comparison to the overwhelming reality of her condition and the faint sound of the heart monitor was a somber melody. Although they couldnt give her life intrusive and

invasive life support devices were keeping her alive. Not quite.

Normally professional the doctors face now had a grim serious expression. He spoke without looking into my eyes the weight of his words already weighing heavily on the room before he even spoke.

I wasnt duped by the doctors low steady voice as he said “I’m afraid her condition has worsened. We’ve been keeping a careful eye on her brain function but nothing much has changed. Her brain has become much more swollen.”

#nable parsh

Time seemed to have stopped around me as he paused giving me time to process the words. I was unable to breathe move or think just. No. There had to be a change. I had to wake her up. But as I heard the doctor go on the harsh truth of it all struck me like a blow to the body.

“Her blood pressure has significantly decreased as well. In an attempt to preserve some circulation we are giving

short–term solution. The likelihood of organ failure increases with the length of time she vasopressors but this is only stays in this condition. She is already exhibiting symptoms of ischemia which indicates that her vital organs are suffering from a lack of oxygenated blood flow. There is a risk to the kidneys liver and heart.

I felt cold and shivered as the medical jargon crashed over my body in waves. As the doctor went on to explain nothing helped my tight chest or the short bursts of breath that were coming from it. There was nothing that made it simpler.

The doctor continued saying “Her brain function is severely compromised Alexander and the longer she remains

vegetative state. We dont know what sort of cognitive unconscious the more likely it is that she will remain in a

persiste

function she will still have even if she wakes up. Here are the dangers… destructive.”

I had trouble breathing. Despite my nails digging into my palms and my hands clenching into fists I was unable to release

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Chapter 77

my grip.

With my voice shaking under the pressure of everything I strained to ask “What does this mean? What is the duration of her stay? What are we capable of doing?”

The doctor paused his gaze darting from Ava to me. “We’re just attempting to control her symptoms at this time he stated slowly his voice steady but replete with uncertainty. There is nothing we can do to undo the harm that has already occurred. if her consciousness doesnt return quickly. The outlook for her is not good. Were. If her condition does not improve within the next week’s we will be discussing end–of–life care. She was able to. She could leave at any time.”

He said something that felt like a kick to the stomach and I staggered back my legs feeling like they might collapse. I was unable to comprehend this. Is life coming to an end? The death of Fiona was impossible. She was unable to. This woman was the reason I had lived.

I had been in love with her for years creating a life with her and making plans for the future. How come its too late and Im hearing this now? There was nothing to say but the doctor stood silently waiting for me to speak. There is nothing to improve any of this.

Even though I could feel Ava by my side I was unable to gather myself enough to acknowledge her or even look at her. Before my mind could stop it I staggered forward and ended up at Fionas bedside. I felt the stone–like cold of her skin

against mine as I reached for her lifeless cold hand.

Yes it was not right. She had icy fingers. A harsh unnatural coldness had taken the place of the warmth that had previously

existed. I attempted to warm her hand with mine by squeezing it but her touchs lack of blood only made things seem more

dire.

The harsh reality that pressed in on me was indecipherable despite her closed eyes pale lips and the hospitals sterile odor.

She was not present. Not the same person she was before.

She was in a coma somewhere far away and there was no assurance that she would ever awaken. I allowed the weight of everything to fall on my shoulders as I lowered my head but I resisted. I battled the tears the fear and the overwhelming

sadness that felt like it would shatter me.

Behind me Ava moved up, her presence both reassuring and agonizing. Just a few inches away I could feel her warmth but I wanted Fiona. Fiona who had always been there for me told me everything. When Ava put her hand on my shoulder I

hardly moved.

I was unable to take my eyes off Fiona’s pallid face. When I didnt believe in myself the woman who had supported me restored my sense of wholeness and believed in me was the one I couldnt look at.

“I’m so sorry” Ava said in a quiet but sympathetic voice.

However as my mind whirled in a sea of bewilderment and sorrow I heard Ava behind me gasp quietly. She briefly

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Chapter 77

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tightened her grip on my shoulder before I looked up to see her looking down at Fiona with wide eyes. Her expression was one of shock and incredulity and her face was pale.

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