337: PRIORITIZING RECOVERY ARIEL’S POV Where’s Luke? “Is he okay?” I questioned my mother, looking fixedly at her. Her smile faltered slightly, a shadow passing over her features. “Luko, he’s still unconscious, sweetheart. But the doctors are doing everything they can for him. He’s a fighter, just like you.” My heart clenched at the news of Luke’s condition, a wave of worry crashing over me. “I need to see him, Mom. I need to make sure he’s okay.” “We’ll ask the doctors, dear,” my mother assured me, her voice soothing. “But for now, you need to focus on getting better at yourself. You’ve been through a lot.” “I know, Mom. But I need to go and see Luke. Please don’t stop me.” I tried getting up, but my mother was firm on me. “You will see him, Ariel. But not in this condition; you’re too weak to move. “And it’s not quite advisable.” “I don’t care about the lectures or whatever. I just want to see Luke. Did you see the look in his eyes when those men were beating the hell out of us? Did you?” My mother’s tone was low as she replied. “You clearly knew I wasn’t there.” “Yes, that’s what I’m trying to tell you. The pain, everything–Luke stood by my side, willing to die for my sake. And now you’re telling me not to go and see him?” “You’re getting things wrong, Ariel. That wasn’t what I meant.” “I’m not buying any talk right now, and I don’t care what anyone has to say.“I just want to go and see Luke,” “You’re stressing yourself, Ariel. Now your wounds might just become more painful.” “I don’t care about that. The wounds are already there, anyway. I only want to see the one person who supported me in that dark moment. You literally had no idea what we had to go through.” “That doesn’t mean that you have to stress yourself.” “Stress mymeOkay, that is quite fucked, because I’m not doing that right now. I’m just being concerned about my husband.” “I know that.“And trust me, I’m also concerned about Luke.” וי I gave her a skeptical look, and after seconds, I told her, “No, you’re not.” “Why do you tell who?” “Isn’t it quite clear?” “Quite clear?” Her face was filled with confusion. “You don’t want me seeing my husband, who’s unconscious at the moment.” “Because you’re not in your great form, she defended herself immediately. “Who knows? Maybe you might stumble when you stand on your feet.” I couldn’t help but chuckle, looking in a different direction. “How nice. Keep making fun of me.” My mother took a deep breath. She gently placed her hand on my shoulder. “I understand your situation, Ariel. But right now, I’m worried about you. Everyone’s worried about you. You love Luke; we all know that But please, love yourself as well.” “I do love myself,” I said right away, interrupting her from completing whatever speech she had in line next to say. But she quickly defended herself. “Yes, you do. But you’re not fit to walk or move around right now. You just woke up from a coma, so it’s best you get all the rest you need. Okay?” I was silent, and just when she thought I was about to heed her words, I gave her a shocking response. Well, not that shocking since we already had this argument going on. And the words were like this: “I’m still not changing my mind.” My mother let out a frustrated sigh, and after that, a doctor walked inside the room. My mom tumed to him while he took some steps closer. “Doctor, I’m so glad you’re here. Please help me talk to her? “I see she’s finally awake.” The doctor smiled at me. He was dark–skinned, really handsome, had a nice haircut, and his smile was so captivating. He even had this remarkable figure for any lady to crush on him. But count me out of it. “Doctor, I need your help,” my mother said to him. “What’s going on here?” He inquired, shooting glimpses at both me and my mother. My mother quickly filled him in on our conversation, expressing her concerns about my insistence on seeing Luke despite my fragile state. She emphasized the need for me to prioritize my own recovery. He listened attentively, nodding occasionally as my mother spoke. When she finished, she left the room, saying she would be back, while he turned his attention to me, his expression thoughtful. “I’m Dr. Jamal,” the doctor introduced himself as he approached my bedside, his voice gentle and calming. His presence exuded warmth and reassurance, and I found myself instinctively drawn to his demeanor. “I understand that you’re eager to see your husband, Ariel,” he began, his tone soft but firm. “But your mother is right.“Your body needs time to heal, especially after what you’ve been through. Pushing yourself too hard could jeopardize your recovery.” I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. It was hard to argue with both my mother and now the doctor. “I know you’re worried about Luke,” he continued, his gaze meeting mine with empathy. “But you have to trust that the medical team is doing everything they can for him. Right now, your focus needs to be on 2ST PRIORITIZING RECOVERY regaining your strength.” I shifted uncomfortably in the hospital bed, torn between my desire to see Luke and the logic of this man’s words right here. Just great. To my surprise, Jamal leaned in closer, his expression becoming more earnest. “Let me share a story with you, Ariel. A patient of mine once insisted on leaving her hospital bed to visit her loved one, who was also hospitalized. Like you, she was determined and fiercely loyal.” I listened intently as he recounted the patient’s story, detailing how her impulsive decision to leave her bed resulted in a setback in her recovery. He described the complications that arose and the additional strain it placed on her body. “But you know what?” He continued. “Despite all the setbacks, she eventually got to see her loved one. And do you know how?” I shook my head, curious about the outcome of the story. “By taking care of herself first, he replied, his eyes locking with mine. “By following her doctor’s advice, she regained her strength and was able to be there for her loved one when they needed her most.” His words resonated with me, sinking in deeper than I expected. Perhaps there was wisdom in prioritizing my own well–being before rushing to Luke’s side. Jamal reached out and gently squeezed my hand. “Trust the process, Ariel. We’re here to help you every step of the way.” In silence, I glanced down at his hand on mine and gave him a knowing look. He quickly released my hand. “Oh, sorry. This is just how I usually interact with my patients. Don’t think otherwise.” I chuckled, shaking my head. “So, I hope you’re clear on this whole health thing.” “Maybe,” I replied, causing him to laugh lightly. “Ariel, please get some rest. Health is wealth.” “Thank you so much for your concern. I’ve heard you,” I told him, not fixing my eyes on him. I’ll check up on you later. Promise to take care of yourself, okay?” I nodded, and he left the room. It should take about two minutes when the door is opened again. And I was shocked as hell to see this person standing in the room.
