My father and wife never got along for the longest time, and it seemed they never would until he fell into a coma. When he finally awoke, he shared a shocking revelation about her, changing the trajectory of all our lives.
The day we’d prayed for finally came! After a year in a coma, my dad opened his eyes! His eyelashes fluttered like a butterfly tentatively landing after a storm, and at one point, his lips curved into the faintest of smiles. Relief flooded me, but I wasn’t aware that my celebration would be short-lived.
I felt like I could breathe for the first time in months because my dad was back. We had waited so long for this moment. It has been so long that it felt surreal to see him awake!
My family and I had been alerted by the doctors that he seemed to be coming around, so we started visiting together as often as possible.
On that fateful day, the hospital room was packed with everyone present. My mom clung to his hand like it was her lifeline. My wife Leah stood by the window, holding our youngest daughter, Emily.
My brother Jared leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, his usual casual smirk nowhere to be seen. Balloons bobbed cheerily in one corner, and the flowers we brought freshened up the room, their bright colors contrasting with the sterile white walls.
“Dad,” I said softly, leaning closer to his bed. “Can you hear me? How do you feel?”
He blinked a few times before his gaze landed on me. He barely smiled and looked weak, but his eyes were filled with happiness. His voice was also weak and raspy as he broke his silence. “…Like I’ve been on the longest nap of my life.” A nervous chuckle rippled through the room. My mom sniffled and kissed his hand, whispering, “You’re back. I can’t believe it.” She gave him some water to sip, and I tried to lighten the mood by asking, “How was it, Dad? Did you have dreams, or was it just dark nothingness all the time?” That’s when Dad’s expression shifted. His eyes grew sharper, more intense. It was as if he were trying to convey something he wasn’t sure we’d be ready to hear.