The dark clouds were slowly lifting, making way for the morning sun to break through, casting a warm red glow on the horizon. Leon remained awake, his gaze fixed on the reassuring red light above the operating theatre. Beside him, Finn dozed on the bench, while James had gone back to the Deskmore house to inform Laya about the situation.
It was around 6:30 am when the red light shifted to green. Leon stood up waking up Finn. The doctors emerged, removing their masks and gloves. Leon rushed to the lead surgeon, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope.
"Doctor... how is she?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"The surgery was a success," the doctor replied, a wave of relief washing over Leon. A smile broke through his anxious demeanor, illuminating the weight that had burdened him for hours.
"But..."
"But what?" Leon's heart sank slightly.
"She suffered a head injury," the doctor continued. "We need to monitor her consciousness for clearer results. For now, she's out of danger."
"She's out of danger! That's all that matters. Thank you, doctor," Leon breathed out, a lightness beginning to replace the heaviness in his chest.
"When will she wake up?" Finn asked, his voice tinged with urgency.
"We can't say for sure," the doctor replied, hesitating.
"What do you mean?" Leon questioned, anxiety creeping back.
"Head injuries can be tricky; they require time to heal. It may take a week or more, depending on her progress."
"Okay," Finn said softly, sensing the weight of the moment. He gently pulled Leon aside. "Leon, as a doctor, I can assure you that given the condition she was in when she arrived, this is the best outcome we could hope for. Don't panic; she will wake up."
"Hmm," Leon responded, comforted yet still restless.
"She'll be moved to the ICU and will stay there for observation before being transferred to a regular ward. But for now, let's go back," Finn urged gently.
"No... I want to stay," Leon insisted, his resolve firm.
"Leon, they won't let you in for a couple of days. We need to think about you as well. What if, when she wakes up, she sees you in this exhausted state? What would Mehul do?"
"But..." Leon hesitated, torn between wanting to stay and the need to take care of himself as well as Mehul.
"Visit her after you've had a chance to rest," Finn encouraged.
After a moment of contemplation, Leon nodded, understanding. Before turning away, he took one last look through the transparent window of the ICU door. She appeared frail and unrecognizable, her hair shaved and her body connected to various machines. Yet within the haze of uncertainty, hope flickered. She had survived the surgery, and with time, she would awaken.
Leon left the ICU, carrying the weight of love and hope for the days to come.