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I can’t bring myself to leave her side, afraid that I might miss any sign of her awakening. My gaze remains fixed on her face, observing the slow rise and fall of her chest. Each shallow breath she takes feels like a lifeline. I can’t help but hold onto hope for a second chance, an opportunity to make things right and become the man she truly deserves. I’m ready to fight for her love if need be.
“Hi, Jeffrey. Why don’t you go home and change, or at least grab something to eat?” Michael suggests, his voice surprisingly steady.
“I’m okay staying here,” I tell him.
“My mom’s a fighter. She’ll make it through. You’ll see,” he says with a small smile, his words carrying a quiet confidence.
I glance back at Phebe before looking back at Michael.
“I need to use the restroom. I’ll be back soon,” he says, and I nod. I watch him leave quietly.
He’s only gone for a few minutes when Mary Ann breaks the silence.
"Jeffrey, Phebe spoke to me before the accident," Mary Ann says with a bittersweet smile.
"Oh," I respond, my gaze shifting to Phebe.
"I don’t mean to pry, but do you really think what you have with Phebe is worth throwing away for Mildred?" She asks, and I freeze in place.
"I don't understand, " I stammer.
"I shouldn't be saying this, but I'm worried about my niece. I want to know your feelings towards her. Mildred went to Phebe's apartment and told her about your engagement. "
"Engagement? What engagement are you talking about?"
"But Mildred…" She trails off, her expression puzzled.
"Mildred and I ended a long time ago. In fact, I haven’t seen her since she left Miami," I tell Mary Ann, causing her to gasp in shock. Fury rises within me at the extent of Mildred’s actions. Once everything settles I’ll make sure she faces the consequences.
" Mary Ann, I won’t deny my feelings for Phebe. I love her. I've struggled with this for weeks. My life has no meaning without her and our unborn baby, as well as her child," I confess, my voice heavy with honesty and regret.
I pour my heart out to her, reaching out to hold Phebe's hand and gently caress it, desperately wishing she could hear me.
Mary Ann offers me a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with kindness.
"I believe you, Jeffrey."
Our eyes meet, and there's a fleeting moment of hesitation before she lets out a gentle sigh.
"There is something you need to know, Jeffrey. Michael is your son."
"What?" I whisper in shock and Mary Ann nods, tears streaming down her face.
* * *
In the following days,I unexpectedly grow closer to Michael. His presence is comforting, and it’s hard to believe that I have a grown-up son. We spend time together talking, sharing stories, and even sharing laughter. His resilience and bravery are truly remarkable, and I can't help but be impressed by the young man he's become. Phebe is an incredible mother to have raised a son like him. I only wish I was there. But I know her hands were tied.
My eyes return to Phebe. Her motionless body instilling fear within me like nothing else. These past few days have aged me twice as fast. Each passing moment without her awakening terrifies me. What if I never get another chance with her? The only source of strength for me right now is Michael's words, and his unwavering belief in his mother's resilience.
"Michael, I'm scared. I'm scared that she won't wake up," I admit, softly.
Michael turns to me, his gaze steady and reassuring.
"I know it's tough, but Mom's strong. She's been through a lot before, and she's fought her way through it all."
"Michael," I cautiously begin, turning to face him. His expression remains calm, and he nods.
"I want to talk about something that Mary Ann revealed a few days ago. "
