I sensed a hand caressing over my hand, which nudged me up from my slumbering self. I opened my eyes, looking at the hospital bed where Brandon was lying, with his hand attached to an IV and his nose and mouth both covered with an oxygen mask, helping him breathe. My heart sank as I realized the severity of his condition. The sterile smell of the hospital room filled my nostrils, intensifying my worry about Brandon's well-being.
Brandon’s eyes focused on me as he stared at me. He then turned his eyes around, scanning his surroundings. Brandon looked at me again as he moved his hand to his face. He was about to remove his oxygen mask, to speak something, but I stopped him by putting my hand over his as I shook my head from left to right, telling him no. I could see the frustration in his
