“Don’t worry too much, Miss Jacobson. Ethan will be okay.” Edward comforted her before leaving for other matters. “Would you like something to eat, Miss Jacobson? Jacques kindly asked.
Josephine shook her head and sat down where she could see Ethan. She watched the nurses perform various examinations on him, and her morning passed just like that.
It was already 3.00PM by the time Jacques returned from his rest. When he stepped out of the elevator, he found Josephine sitting there like a statue, waiting for her man.
Jacques brought a snack with him and handed it to her, feeling bad for the woman. “Please eat something, Miss Jacobson. Mr. Ethan will scold me if he wakes up and finds out I haven’t been taking care of you.”
“I really hope he wakes up soon.” Josephine felt as if she had been living in a dream these past few days, for everything seemed so surreal.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The rescue team had departed, and the Quarles were preparing to take Ethan back to the family hospital for treatment. Josephine was invited to accompany them.
Ethan was taken care of by the medical staff on the plane, and as much as Josephine wished to see him, she could only spend a brief ten minutes with him. Still, it was already a gift to her. After a 28-hour flight, they finally arrived at the Quarles Residence, and Ethan was immediately taken to the ICU for examination.
Donna, who had been waiting at the hospital, had red and swollen eyes. Her heart was shattered, and when she saw Josephine, she went up and hugged the young woman. Both women burst into tears simultaneously.
“You’ve had it rough this time, Josephine,” said Donna, deeply moved by Josephine’s affection for her son. She saw Josephine’s sacrifices and dedication, even braving the harsh Arctic conditions.
“I just want Ethan to wake up. It would make everything worthwhile,” said Josephine as tears welled up in her eyes. Donna patted her and took the tissue from her assistant before handing it to Josephine. “You’re exhausted too. Go rest.”
“I’m alright, Mrs. Quarles. I want to stay with Ethan.” “Silly child, what if Ethan wakes up and finds you collapsed? What would we do then? Go rest!” Donna expressed her concern, noticing that Josephine had visibly lost weight.
Jacques, who stood aside, chimed in, “You haven’t shut your eyes since getting on the plane, Miss Jacobson, and have been drinking coffee to stay awake. As young as you are, you won’t be able to hold on. Your health is important. Please rest!”
Donna was taken aback and urged the young woman at once, “No more staying up, Josephine. I still have hopes for you to become my daughter-in-law. Go rest! We’re all here.”
Donna’s words brought some peace to Josephine’s heart. That’s right, his family is here! They have the best doctors and medical technology. He’ll be fine; he’ll recover.
With that, Josephine went to rest while Donna approached the ward and noticed her husband standing there, exhausted. She hugged him, and Edward held her hand. “He’s our only son. Nothing can happen to him.”
“He’ll be fine.” Donna nodded tearfully. Meanwhile, Josephine called her parents to update them on her situation. She continued to lie to them, saying she was on a trip, and she sent them the photos Ethan had taken for her.
“Have a great time! It’s good to explore the world while you’re young!” Heidi sounded happy for her on the other end of the line.
“I will. I’m a little tired from all the fun, Mom, so I’ll go get some rest.’ Josephine couldn’t chat with her mother for too long, afraid that her voice would reveal her tears.
“Alright, go rest! Have fun and take good care of yourself, Heidi reminded. After hanging up the phone, Josephine looked at the photos she had sent to her mother. One of them was a selfie taken by Ethan. He had a radiant smile, and his eyes were filled with light. Josephine’s tears unexpectedly fell again.
She didn’t want to be so fragile. She wanted to be strong, but she couldn’t. She missed him too much, yearning for him to wake up. On the table aside was a sleeping pill Jacques had given her to help her sleep. However, without the assistance of medication, she truly didn’t want to sleep. She didn’t want to sleep at all.
