“Who’s here for Harry Gale?”
I stride to him.
“Family?” He arches an eyebrow.
“I’m his daughter’s husband,” I lie. I won’t have him tell me I’m not “family enough.”
“Okay.” He blows out a breath. “Overall, the surgery went well. Your father-in-law is stable. He’s a very lucky man. I’ve seen people go for a lot less.”
My shoulders shrink with relief.
“But… he’s in a coma.”
Fucking shit.
He goes on to tell me about a bunch of medical conditions I don’t understand. Something about his leg, a concussion and broken ribs.
“We’re doing everything we can for him right now, but the rest is up to him. He might wake up tomorrow like he might wake up in a year.” His eyes apologize profusely.
“What are his chances?”
“The simple fact that he made it through is a miracle, so at this point, anything could happen. I’d say his chances are pretty good, but we make no promises.”
“Thank you.”
“Get them home.” He motions to Winter and Jay sleeping. “Get some sleep and come back tomorrow for visiting hours. You’ll be able to see him. I assume the police will also want to talk to you first thing in the morning, so you kids need to rest.”
He begins to walk away.
“I’m sorry. I have one more question. What happened to the other driver? I know it was a hit-and-run, but maybe someone who fit the profile was admitted later tonight?”
“Not that that I know of, I’m sorry, but I’m sure the police will know more about this than I do.”
I thank him again and return to the waiting room.
I squeeze Winter’s shoulder. “Hey, wake up.”
She slowly comes back to her senses. “What time is it?” She rubs her eyes and sits up straight with a stretch. Even with her hair a mess from sleeping on a waiting room seat, she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.
“Thre
e thirty,” I reply and sit alongside her. “You’ve been out for a while.”
“Any news?”
Here we go.
“Yes. He’s stable.”
She seems as relieved as I am, if not more.
“But…”
I know this is going to break her heart.
“He’s in a coma.”
She breaks apart right in front of me. Tears pool in her eyes and fall freely.