With You

Wake Up

Los Angeles General Medical Center

Clovel stirred, the darkness that had held him for days slowly starting to fade. His mind, heavy and clouded, was suddenly overtaken by memories that rushed in all at once, vivid as if they were happening now. He saw Tiana, her smile so warm it could melt the coldest winter, standing beside him in his living room.

Christmas music played softly in the background while they set up decorations together, pine needles crunching underfoot. Her laughter echoed in his head, sweet and full of life. "I love you so much," her voice replayed, as clear as if she were right there beside him.

In an instant, the warmth of the memory was shattered. The sharp beeping of machines broke through the silence, each sound harsh and steady. The faint drip of an IV bag blended with the soft hum of fluorescent lights.

Clovel's eyelids fluttered open, his vision blurred, the sterile brightness of the hospital room making him squint. Each blink felt heavier than the last, his body sluggish and weighed down.

"In your name, we pray. Amen.," a soft voice murmured. He turned his head slowly, his neck stiff, and saw his mother seated by his bed. Her head was bowed, her lips moving as she whispered a prayer, her hands clasped tightly over his. Her hair was disheveled, and her face was lined with exhaustion, but her grip was firm, as if holding him tethered to life itself.

"Mama?" Clovel muttered, his voice raspy and strained, barely more than a whisper. His fingers twitched, managing a weak squeeze of her hand.

Her head snapped up instantly, her wide eyes locking onto his. For a moment, she froze, as if unsure whether she was dreaming. Relief and disbelief flooded her face all at once, tears spilling down her cheeks as her lips began to tremble.

"Clovel," she whispered, her voice breaking on his name. She leaned closer, cradling his hand between hers as though afraid to let go. "Oh, my baby... thank you, Lord, thank you."

Challan rose from the chair, the legs scraping faintly against the tiled floor as she quickly came to Clovel's bedside. His sister's face was a mix of relief and worry, her features softening as her eyes scanned his face, taking in every detail to confirm he was truly awake.

"Clovel..." she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion. She reached out, gently brushing a hand across his forehead as if to reassure herself. "You just had to start the new year with a bang"

Clovel cracked a faint smile, the corners of his lips twitching as he mustered his strength. "Shut up," he rasped, his voice still weak but laced with the familiar teasing tone they all knew.

He shifted his gaze to his mother, his brows furrowing slightly. "What day is it?" he asked, his voice hoarse but steady enough to carry the question.

His mom wiped at her tears quickly, smoothing her hand over his. "It's January 5th, baby. ," she said softly, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and disbelief. "You've been out for four days."

"Four days?!?" Clovel exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief as he instinctively tried to sit up. The motion was cut short by a sudden, searing pain in his abdomen that sent shockwaves through his body, nearly bringing tears to his eyes.

He hissed sharply, gripping the side of the bed as his breathing quickened. He groaned, his face contorting in agony.

Clovel, be careful, baby!" his mother said firmly, her voice tinged with concern as she placed a hand on his shoulder, gently urging him back down. "You were shot. You can't be moving like that."

Clovel froze, his body still trembling from the sharp pain in his abdomen. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at her, his mind trying to process her words. "Shot?" he whispered, his voice strained. "How-?"