Page 227 of The Bonus

she hasn’t had a bleed on her brain and

activity looks normal.

He thinks once the swelling goes down she will be okay.

A message bounces straight in.

Thank god

Why isn’t she awake then?

I reply.

He said that the induced coma gives her brain a chance to rest and recover.

That they will reduce it in the morning.

I watch the dots as she types.

Fingers crossed

I reply.

Are the kids okay?

Yes, sleeping sound.

I’m glad they didn’t see her after the fall.

Me too.

Thanks so much for having them.

I’ll call you as soon as I know something.

Try and get some sleep

Xox

I let out a low, steadying breath as I stare at my love.

I brush her hair back from her forehead. Her bruised and beaten-up face feels so broken. Did she hit every fucking step on the way down?

She must have.

“When you wake up, I’m going to kill you for being so clumsy,” I whisper. “You didn’t have to be all dramatic and throw yourself down the stairs to get out of an argument.” I keep stroking her hair. “We both know you would have won, anyway.”

Beep…beep…beep…beep.

Her silhouette blurs. “Please wake up.”

“What’s wrong with my hand?” a sleepy voice whispers.

I wake with a start, my head resting on the bed as I sit beside it. “Grace.”

She frowns as she looks me over.

“You’re awake, baby.” I smile. I reach over and buzz for the nurses. “Oh, thank god you’re awake.” I push the hair back from her bruised face and hold her to me. “I’ve been panicking all night.” I pull back to look her over and she frowns at me.

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