"I know," Lucas replies. "But this time… it's different."
My chest tightens painfully as I walk back toward the bed slowly, sitting down without even realizing it.
"Is he conscious?" I ask.
"On and off," Lucas answers. "They've got him on a bunch of things. Monitoring him closely."
I press my lips together, trying to keep it together.
"I should come," I say quickly. "I should be there."
There's a pause thhen….
"Yeah," Lucas says. "You probably should."
My throat feels tight.
"I'll get ready and….."
"Elaine," he cuts in.
I stop.
"What?"
"You sure you want to come alone?" he asks. "Or do you want me to send someone?"
I hesitat for a second because my mind flickers…
"…I'll figure it out," I say finally.
"Alright," Lucas replies. "Just don't take too long."
"I won't."
There's another pause.
"I'll keep you updated on the lab stuff too," he adds.
"Okay."
"And Elaine…"
"Yeah?"
"Hang in there."
My chest tightens again.
"I will," I say quietly.
