Having devoted the entire day to Lindsey’s care, Nancy had sumbed to exhaustion and drifted into an uneasy slumber.
Stirred by the soft voice, her eyes snapped open, instantly alert.
“Linds! You’re awake atst.
” Nancy’s joy was palpable as she enveloped Lindsey in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks.
As though struck by a sudden realization, she released Lindsey, her words tumbling out in a jumble.
“How are you feeling? Are you still in pain? You had me so worried.
I can’t even begin to describe…”
Nancy said with tears streaming down her face.
Lindsey offered aforting pat on Nancy’s hand.
“I’m okay.
Please don’t cry.
Really, I’m fine.
”
Sniffling, Nancy wiped away her tears.
“I was just terrified that you wouldn’t wake up, Like your mom.
I don’t know what I would have done…”
“No, that can’t happen.
I’m lucky.
See? I’m alive and kicking!”
Lindsey managed a faint smile, though her pallor only entuated her fragility.
“How long have I been out?”
“One day,” Nancy replied.
Something struck Lindsey like a bolt.
In the realm of business, a day could usher in monumental changes.
“How are things at thepany?” she inquired anxiously.
There was a momentary pause, during which Nancy avoided Lindsey’s gaze.
But swiftly, Nancy masked her expression with a reassuring smile.
“Right now, your priority is to rest and recuperate.
Let me handle thepany for the time being.
Don’t worry, I’ve got it under control.
”
Lindsey felt a twinge of reassurance at her words.
She trusted her implicitly.
However, a nagging thought crept into Lindsey’s mind.
Leaning forward eagerly, she asked, “And Sumner? How is he faring? He was with me in the car.
I vaguely recall him calling out to me after the ident.
Is he badly injured?”
Nancy bit her lip, ready to say something, but she paused on second thought.
“Nancy, what happened? Tell me.
” When Lindsey saw Nancy’s reaction, she started to be nervous.
She took Nancy’s hand, even though hers was still on the drip, and asked her pointedly.
Nancy sighed and gently shook her head.
“Sumner’s condition is more critical than yours.
He’s still in the ICU, yet to regain consciousness.
”
Lindsey was dumbstruck, a sense of foreboding settling over her heart.
“What happened to him? Where was he injured? What did the doctors say?”
Nancy bit her lip, deliberating her words carefully.
“He was the one who contacted the authorities when he could barely hang on.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
He lost consciousness after providing a rough location to the police.
When the rescue team found you, your car had taken quite a hit.
Sumner shielded you, but both of you were ensnared beneath sharp rocks, and one of his legs was trapped under a massive one.
He was bleeding profusely when they freed him.
”
Recalling the harrowing scene, tears welled in Nancy’s eyes.
Sniffling, she continued, “The rescue team mentioned your car careening off the cliff during andslide.
In an attempt to protect you, Sumner…”
Unable to articte the grim reality, Nancy faltered.
“The doctor said that there was no other problem, but his leg…”
“What happened to his leg?” Lindsey held Nancy’s hand tightly.
Nancy also took a firm hold of Lindsey’s hand.
She feared Lindsey would not be able to handle it.
She then inhaled deeply before speaking.
“His leg is severely fractured.
The doctors operated on it, but the damage was beyond serious.
There’s uncertainty about his recovery.
He may never…”
“To walk again?” Lindsey’s voice quivered with disbelief, her eyes widening in shock.
Nancy nodded solemnly.
“The doctors are uncertain.
Even if he does regain mobility, it may not be in the way we hope for.
”