Page 153 of Unspoken Rules

So I pull out my phone, text Mila the good news, then busy myself with whatever I can to keep my mind occupied.

I get antsy after about ten minutes and figure I should go downstairs to get some coffee and food for us, since neither of us has eaten a thing. It’s possible Tabitha is here too, and she may be hungry.

I take my time getting to the cafeteria, which isn’t officially open yet. There’s just a small area with few items and a self-checkout. I grab coffees and muffins for the three of us, pay, then head back upstairs.

I’m buzzed back into the floor and go right to the waiting area where I pick at my muffin and sip my coffee. I don’t know if they’re allowed to take anything into the room, but I text Cole to let him know I have food and a coffee for him, in case he wants to run out and grab it. I also want to know what the hell is going on, but don’t ask him that. This is his son. He’s the priority. Not me.

The text goes through, and I wait a moment to see if he responds. He doesn’t. He also doesn’t come out to get it either. A half hour passes. I’m getting worried.

They said he woke up, but Cole didn’t get much info after that.

I lean in the chair to see down the hall, getting a better view of Chris’s room. The doctor walks out, followed by a nurse and a concerned-looking Cole.

The doctor and Cole stand just outside the door while the nurse walks away. They speak to one another quietly. No matter how hard I strain, I can’t hear what they’re saying. But I can see the patience on the doctor’s face and the worry on Cole’s.

He’s waving his hands around, shaking his head. His jaw is tight. The doctor looks sympathetic. Cole looks like he’s ready to strangle someone. What is going on?

I get to my feet, ready to run down there and ask.

That’s my best friend in that room, and though I may not have priority, I still want to know what’s going on. Chris is my friend. I love him and want to make sure he’s okay. No, I need to make sure he’s okay. The worst thoughts are going through my head.

The second I take a step forward, Cole turns his gaze on me. Our eyes lock. And I get the sinking feeling in my gut that something is very, very wrong.

Cole’s eyes soften. He runs a hand through his hair. The doctor says something, pats Cole on the back. Cole nods. Takes a breath. Then walks toward me.

“What’s going on?” I ask the second he’s in earshot. “Please tell me he’s okay.’

“Sit down, Bryson,” he says, gesturing to the chair.

“No. Tell me what’s going on. Is he okay?”

Cole holds my gaze for a moment before nodding. “He’s okay.”

“Then what is it?” I demand through gritted teeth. Because I know it’s something. I’m not stupid. I can read the room. Tears sting my eyes as I wait for his response.

“Medically, he’s okay. He’s healing exactly how he should be,” he begins.

“But?” I urge. My heart is pounding, the muffin and coffee in my stomach threatening to make another appearance.

“He’s…” Cole closes his eyes, shaking his head. “Fuck. Chris thinks it’s three years ago.”

“What?” I breathe out. I search his eyes, looking for any sign that this is a joke. Waiting for him to smile and tell me he’s just joking. That Chris is fine, forgave both of us, and thought this would be a hilarious prank to play on me.

“The doctor says it’s common for coma patients to wake up and have memory loss. Sometimes they lose a few weeks, sometimes years. Sometimes they wake up and think they’re still children.”

“But—” I fall into my seat. “Hold on. Three years ago?”

Cole nods, sitting beside me.

“A lot of times the memories come back. Maybe not all of them, but a lot. Sometimes…” he trails off, not saying the words. But I know. So I say them because I need to be sure.

“But sometimes they don’t.” Cole nods again. “But health-wise, he’s fine?”

“Yes, which is great news. Amazing news.”

“It is great news,” I agree in a whisper. “When can I see him?”

“Whenever you want. But Bryson?” I turn to face Cole. “Just be careful with what you say. The doctor said giving him too much information about things he doesn’t remember could be detrimental.”

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