I was sitting in the hospital awaiting the report on Khari. I'd found him in his bed, unconscious with an very empty pill bottle in his hand. I didn't even make it up the street good before my intuition ordered me to turn around. I was happy I did. I wasn't sure if I found him in time or what. But, I was praying I did. My family was here to support me and surprisingly, Danielle and Kaleigh were here as well. I thought they were still in Baton Rouge, but Kaleigh said that they made it back late last night. Some of his teammates and his coaches were here, too. Danielle had an unreadable expression on her face. I'm sure this was the last thing she wanted to hear. She's just lost the love her life and was on the brink of losing her best friend.

I didn't want to know her pain, honestly. Khari was the love of my life and my best friend. I prayed so many times that Khari survived. I internally chastised for leaving him in the first place. For not responding to the text. I can't help, but to wonder why he wanted to end his life. Did he feel like he had nothing else to live for? Sure he was hurt, but an ACL recovery can be made. Yes, he lost his best friend unexpectedly, however, this is what life is about. We're going to lose people we love. They don't belong to us. On the flip side, I knew it was just too much handle at one time. He'd just recovered from his mother's horrific death and had to experience another one. At that moment, I just cried.

My emotions were starting to become overwhelming. I'd held everything in and was finally at my breaking point. I felt my mother pull me into her and I balled my eyes out. "Let it out, baby." She said quietly as she rubbed my head. It took me a while to get myself together, but once I did, I lifted my head away from her chest. She smiled at me a little to lighten the mood and handed me some tissue. I dabbed my eyes, sighing softly.

"He's gonna be ok." Danielle said beside me. It was the first words I'd heard her utter in a long time. I looked over at her and embraced her in a hug. I'm sure she needed one as well. "He's gonna be good." She said again. Hours passed and we still was waiting on the news from any doctor. I was starting to grow weary and worried. My leg bounced so hard that I'd caught a slight cramp. I was pretty sure that I had bit all of my fingernails off. Everyone else had fell asleep, but sleep couldn't find me.

I said another quick prayer, hoping that God send down a blessing. Just when I was finished with my prayer, a doctor approached. "Family of Khari Valentine?" I stood up, abruptly as everyone began to wake up. Standing right in front of the Doctor, I was trying to read him. He had a good poker face, though. I wasn't sure if that was good or bad. As everyone gathered around him, he took off his glasses and looked at us. "Khari is doing well. He's in stable condition. The drugs are out of his system and I must say that he's lucky."

I let out a huge sigh of relief like everyone else. "Can we see him?" His coach asked.

The doctor shook his head. "He only requested a Malia King, that's it. Visiting hours are up, but I will give you an hour so he can rest. The rest of you can see him tomorrow morning or afternoon, whichever you prefer. I just advise you all to get some sleep. He's in Room 208" We all nodded and he gave us a tight smile before walking away.

"Well, call me when you've made it back to your dorm, dear." My mother said as she gave me a hug. "Tell Khari that I'm praying for him." I nodded my head, returning the hug. Everyone said their goodbyes and I headed to Room 208. I took a deep breath before entering the room. He was laying in the bed, watching tv. He looked over at me as I closed the door gently.

"Hey." I softly spoke.

He pointed the remote towards the tv, flicking it off. "Hey." He mumbled. Flipping my hair to one side, I walked over to his bed. Looking into his eyes, all I saw fear. He was a far cry away from the confident man I knew him to be. He looked like the scared little boy who asked me to help him with his journey to Christ. I touched his cheek, rubbing it gently before tears escaped my eyes. "I'm sorry.." He said.

I shook my head. "Shhh.. It's ok. You're okay, we're okay.. This is just another test that you passed." I caressed his beard before kissing his lips gently. He cupped my face, deepening the kiss before I could pull away. I could taste the pain he was feeling. The kiss was just that intense. He slowly pulled away and placed his forehead onto mine. "I love you." I said, flickering my eyes open, landing them on him.

"Still?" He looked at me.

"Always." I assured him, searching his eyes for anymore doubt. There wasn't any. "I must say this though.. From here on out, can you just express what and how you're feeling before you resort to this again? I don't want another scare like this... Seeing you lifeless shattered my heart into millions of pieces. You're not a burden.. Your problems are my problems." He slowly nodded his head, kissing my forehead. I sighed contently at the contact. I felt whole again.

"This won't happen again." He said. "When I woke up, all I could think about was writing this story.. My story. I survived so I want other people to know what I've gone through. My story can help someone else." He chuckled lightly. "I saw my mom for the first time in weeks. She was disappointed to say the least and was telling me that it wasn't time yet. I still had something to live for. And someone." He looked back at me.

"Your mother is a smart woman." I smirked causing him to laugh. It was the first time he'd laughed in over two weeks. I missed it because it was definitely infectious. For him to laugh when he's in this situation is really good and progressive. I pulled away and dug into my purse. I found a small writing pad and a pen, handing it to him. He looked at me, confused. "You have to start somewhere. Time to get started on this story. Write." I ordered.

The corner of his lips formed a smile as he shook his head. "Yes ma'am."

I smiled back, taking a sets right beside his bed. I hope that the doctor forgot about my visitation because I'd planned on spending the night. I cuddled into the chair, placing my hand under my chin and watched him think and write. I chuckled lowly at him causing his eyes to land on me. "What?"

"I really do have you wrapped around my finger."

He smiled again, and focused back on his writing. "Indeed." He mumbled.