Sienna

It was just after midnight when I got the urgent page. I was already in bed and well into my sleep cycle but immediately jumped up at the alarming sound. I quickly pulled on my pants and jacket over my pajamas then fixed my ponytail. Making sure I had my badge I rushed towards the patient's wing to see Sebastian, Dr. Han and the three nurses working the floor all gathered at her room. My heart dropped as I feared the worst case scenario had taken place. Slowly, I approached the room hearing Sebastian speaking in a low, calming tone

"It's okay, it's okay" he chanted softly. I peaked in first, this time my heart practically stopped when I saw movement form the bed

She's awake!

My mind blanked for a moment as I stepped further into the room, unable to trust my own eyes from that far back. Before I knew it I was side by side with Sebastian, he glanced at me quickly then his eyes were back on her. Only then did I hear the buzz of murmuring emanating through the room. Each of us had hoped this day would come but I think a small part of us never expected it to, now as we look upon the scared and confused eyes of the weak woman it became real.

"Can you speak?" Sebastian asked her, holding her small hand in his, she barely opened her mouth but nothing came out

"Bring some water and ice chips ASAP" I tell one of the shocked nurses. It took her several seconds to register that I was talking to her and move her feet.

The woman's eyes shook and shifted all over, trying to focus and understand what was going around around her and who all the people were. Dr. Han stood on the other side of the hospital bed taking quickly scribbled notes on his clipboard, no doubt astonished by what he was witnessing. It was nothing short of a miracle.

"I have water and ice chips" the nurse returned with two cups. I take them and set them on the try beside the bed

"Can we clear the room please? Everyone needs to leave except Dr. Moon and Dr. Han, thank you"

Slowly everyone except myself and the two doctors began moving toward the door. The last person out closed it softly behind them. Sebastian stepped aside allowing me to take his place and her soft hand.

"If you can hear and understand me, nod your head please" she nods, which is a good sign "My name is Sienna, this is Dr. Sebastian Moon and that is Dr. Lee Han, we're going to take care you"

"Mmm-" she moaned trying to speak but quickly became frustrated at not being able to "Mmmm-"

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, she was so scared. Her eyes focused on me as she exhaled "Let's try drinking some water" I picked up the cup by the handle, holding it close to her mouth so she could reach the straw. I'm sure she was thirsty.

"This is remarkable" Dr. Han spoke under his breath; it was a rhetorical statement. His eyes sparkled as he clung to his clipboard

"Yes it is," Sebastian smiled. He looked relieved yet tired.

With big sips and swallows she finished the water, somewhat soothing her dry and raw throat, so I set the empty cup on the tray. I felt so many things in the moment but the strongest of them was pride. I was proud of us for never giving up and seeing it pay off.

She was awake after 11 years.

It was a breakthrough for us. Fifteen years of late nights, exhaustion, failure and disappointment have finally yielded the results we secretly prayed for. My internal celebration was interrupted by the sounds of sniffling. I looked down to see her crying, her beautiful eyes glossy and her cheeks streaked with the salty tears.

"Mm-Ma-ri" her voice was a very scratchy whisper but the name she uttered was crystal clear

"She's fine" I smiled at her, tears spilling from my eyes as well "Your daughter fine"

I can't say for sure but it looked like she released a sigh of relief. I took a tissue from the box on the nearby table and dabbed at her eyes. Her hand reached for mine, squeezing it, it wasn't very strong but it was promising. With time and rehabilitation she would be good as new.

"Do you know your name?" Dr. Moon asked, he'd been observantly quiet until now. She looked confused for a split second then slowly nodded

"Ca-car..." she painfully swallowed "Car-la"

Myself and the two doctors shared a look, her memory seemed to be intact which was a key concern but she knew who she was and remembered her daughter which is a major feat.

"That's right. We're so glad you're awake but you still need to rest. The nurse will come back in and check you out first, understand?"

Again she confirms with a head nod. I enclosed her hand in both of me and offered a warm smile "Everything is going to be okay Carla. I promise."

"We will come back in the morning and do a full check up and run some tests so it would be a good idea for us to get back to bed" Dr. Han suggested. That's when I noticed they were also in their pajamas with lab coats thrown over

"I agree. Good night Carla, see you in the morning" Sebastian said softly "Good to have you back"

"Good night sweetie, I know you're very confused and anxious but it's very late right now so we will come back later in the day. Can you try to get some rest?"

"Ye-yes"

With that we left the room and sent in the head nurse to take her vitals. Heading back to the living quarters in silence it was safe to say all three of us had a million thoughts running around our minds. Arriving at Lee's room first he paused in front of the door to give me a hug.

"I can't believe she's awake"

"Me either but I'm so happy she is. I don't know if I will be able to go back to sleep, my heart is racing right now" I said releasing him

"Try anyway to get some rest"

"You too" I looked at Sebastian, he was still in awe; I could see the cogs turning in his head. "Walk me to my room"

We strolled unhurried, quietly until we reached my door "Thank you Sienna, for everything"

"Thank you Sebastian for listening and taking a chance" he also gave me a hug and wished me a good night "What do you think it was that suddenly woke her up?"

"I don't know but Seokjin has called me 5 times tonight so I'm wondering if they've talked to Mi-kyung and maybe she triggered something"

"Hmm"

"I'll find out tomorrow"

"Okay. Well we have a long day ahead of us so get some sleep, you're going to need it" I closed my door and slipped off my jacket and pants to crawl in bed.

Carla's awake.

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😁