Chapter eight

“What are you doing out here, honey?” Kris asked her husband, worry and disbelieve in her voice. Richie was standing in the hallway in front of their son’s room, the blinds on the huge windows were close, and so you couldn’t look in side. Panic crept into her.

“They are checking on him. Nothing happened. Just a routine check.” Richie said calmly and pulled her to his body. She let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Richie sighed and looked over to Jon over Kris’ head.

His friend raised his index finger. One! One sandwich. Well, at least something, not enough in her condition though. He kissed her temple softly. He really wanted to take her home to bed. She was exhausted from sleeping in this chair every night, but she refused to leave John alone. She wanted to be there when he would wake up. Richie sighed again; he really hoped it would be soon.

The blinds were raised and the door opened. Doctor Cunningham stepped out into the hallway.

“How is he doing?” Kris asked immediately.

“Unchanged.” He answered softly. Jon cursed, while tears started to shine in Kris’ eyes. Richie pulled her into his arms again.

“I told you that’s not a bad thing.” Doc Cunningham tried to calm her. “He needs time.” Kris nodded and walked over to her son. She kissed his cheek and whispered “I’m here baby” before she sat down in the chair again holding his small hand.

Suddenly she gasped. “He squeezed my hand!” she screamed. The three men still standing in the hallway rushed into the room.

“He squeezed my hand, Richie!” Kris got all excited, while Doctor Cunningham checked John’s eyes. Richie and Jon were standing on each side of Kris. Jon was sure she would collapse when it was a false alarm.

“John, can you hear me?” Doctor Cunningham asked and touched John’s cheek. “John?” the little boy stirred.

“Oh, my god!” Richie whispered.

“Talk to him.” Doc Cunningham told Kris.

“John, baby…come on, wake up. Daddy and grandpa are here as well. Wake up, John. Open your eyes, baby.” She said with a soft inviting voice while running her hand over his still bandaged head.

After another long minute and Jon already close to give up his hopes, his grandson opened his eyes. Confused he looked around. Everybody was holding their breaths. Would he say something? Would he recognise them?

“Mommy? I thought we go home?” John said in his typical whiny voice. They all laughed and tears were streaming down Kris’ face.

“Oh, baby. We go home. I promise. We go home!” Kris hugged him and held him close to her body.

John seemed a bit irritated but that much affection, but didn’t pull back. He spied his dad and grandpa over his mother’s shoulder and waved softly. Richie stepped behind Kris and kissed his son on the cheek. Reluctant Kris let go of John and Richie could pull him into his arms.

Sniffing Kris leaned into her father. “We have him back.” She whispered. Jon smiled.

“Yes, we have. I will call the family.” He said and went outside to give them some time by themselves.