For the first time in hours, my knees feel like they might give out. I sit down slowly, pressing a hand to my chest as if that will hold me together. My head tips back against the wall, and I’m finally able to breathe.
Everyone left to change out of their match gear and get some sleep. I said I would follow, but I just couldn’t leave the hospital. So instead, I crash in the on-call room after asking the nurses to page me if there is any movement in Archie’s room.
And finally, I receive the good news. He’s waking up. He’s alert and responsive, and Dr. Naresh lets me see him.
I force myself to stay composed as I cross the hallway, but my legs feel oddly weightless—like they’re not quite touching the floor. The fluorescent lights above create a low background hum, and everything feels strangely suspended in time.
When I step into the recovery room, the world narrows.
Archie’s there, propped up against crisp hospital pillows. A nasal cannula curls beneath his nose, and there’s still a sheen of post-op pallor on his face. But his eyes are open. Warm. Clear.
And when he sees me, he smiles. “Kat.”
My chest constricts.
“Are you…” His voice is hoarse, gravelled. He clears his throat. “Are you the one who made me all shiny and new again?”
I manage a smile, crossing the room slowly. “No. I couldn’t do it.”
His brows knit. “Why not? You’re such a rockstar doctor.”
“I couldn’t…” My voice catches. My throat burns. “Gosh, Archie. I thought I was going to lose you.”
I press my palm to his and finally let the tears flow freely. Silent and hot, they trail down my cheeks unchecked.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper. “I was scared. I was so, so scared. I didn’t want to accept that we could be together, didn’t want to listen to you. But after last night, not knowing if you’d make it… I realised something.”
He squeezes my hand, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles.
“I can’t be without you,” I breathe. “I don’twantto be without you.”
His gaze softens. “You don’t?”
I shake my head, a watery laugh breaking through the tears. “I’ve never loved anyone so much in my entire life.”
He releases a long breath, eyes shining with more than just exhaustion. “I know the feeling.”
I inch closer,until the railing of the bed presses into my hips. He lifts one hand—IV and all—and cups the side of my face. Then, he tilts his head, just slightly, and I bend toward him. Our lips meet. It’s gentle, careful of wires and soreness, but there’s so much meaning in it, like an unspoken confession. I feel it in my chest, my fingertips, my spine.
When I pull back, a smile pulls at my lips. His forehead rests lightly against mine.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he whispers.
“Good,” I murmur. “Because I don’t think I’d ever be able to handle that again.”
He caresses my hair again. “I’m sorry I put you through this. From now on, it’s happiness only, I promise.”
“How do you know that?” I ask, my chest feeling lighter than it has in weeks.
“Haven’t you heard? I have the Universe on my side.”
I giggle as he pulls me toward him. Maybe I should be more open-minded about this fate stuff. Archie just might be onto something.
Epilogue
18 months later
Archie
