A Dose Of Love And The Heart Of The CEO, Please

WHAT ABOUT ANDRESS?

I heard a continuous sound, which seemed like it was inside my brain. I wanted to open my eyes, but I couldn't. My eyelids felt like they were having trouble moving. With great effort, I finally opened my eyes. The light disturbed me deeply.

Several people ran towards me, saying things I couldn't understand. Everyone wore blue clothes and their hair was covered by caps made of the same fabric.

-Call Dr. Adams... Find her, wherever she is - one of the women ordered.

I started to move and realized that there were several types of wires that were preventing me from moving.

I tried to identify where I was, but my head was still strange... And I couldn't connect my thoughts properly.

- Normal heartbeat... Normalized pressure. - I heard one of the women next to me talking as I watched the machines that glowed and made screeching sounds that were as if they lived inside my brain.

I managed to move my head to the side and identified the environment I was in: a hospital.

What was I doing in a hospital? What would have happened?

A woman quickly approached, causing everyone to move away. He checked all my signs again and asked:

- Can you hear me, Mrs. Montez Deocca?

"Montez Deocca"... I immediately remembered Andress. And I was even more confused:

- Did I marry Andress? - I questioned, finding the sound of my own voice strange.

-Andress Montez Deocca? - Her voice was gentle and accompanied by a smile: - Yes, he is your husband.

I smiled when I remembered Andress. I might not be able to remember our wedding, but in my mind the moment he asked for my hand, when I was still 9 years old, in the shopping mall's food court was vivid.

- Can you tell me how you feel, Mrs. Montez Deocca?

- I... I feel good - I said - but a little confused... As if my mind couldn't remember much. How did I get here?

The doctor turned and spoke to someone:

- Vital signs are perfectly fine. Schedule all the necessary exams and as soon as they are ready, I want her in a room alone.

- You can leave it, doctor.

-Do you remember anything? - She wanted to know.

I shook my head:

- I only remember Andress... His smell, his taste, his skin...

- You'll certainly gradually remember other things, don't worry. This confusion is normal.

- What happened?

- You woke up from a deep coma.

I looked around again, smelling the smell of cleaning products mixed with alcohol, characteristic of hospital areas.

- A coma? - It seems that my mind has become even more disturbed.

- I know you want to know a lot of things, Mrs. Montez Deocca. And it's normal. It turns out that first we need to check how it is actually going and whether there have been any consequences. Then we will focus on your memory. - He touched my hand affectionately. - I'll be here for whatever you need. My shift was coming to an end – she smiled – but we've been together for practically a year. Then I wouldn't miss your awakening for anything in the world. I'll only go home when I'm sure there's no injury or permanent damage... Because the way you woke up is almost inexplicable.

The woman was leaving when I took her hand, her skin feeling slightly dry:

- What is your name?

- I'm Dr. Adams, neurosurgeon. But you can call me Verbena... - With his free hand he used one of his fingers to caress my forehead. - I'm so glad you're back.

- Thanks.

She slowly removed my hand from hers and was leaving when I asked:

- And Andress?

He seemed a little hesitant when responding:

- As I said, first let's go to the exams.

- He... He's fine, isn't he?

- Yes, Andress Montez Deocca is fine - he confirmed, making my heart feel an absurd relief.

I closed my eyes, even with difficulty due to the light that still disturbed me. And in my mind only the image of Andress appeared... The smooth face, the clear eyes, usually matching the blue clothes, his favorite color. His hair was always clean and well combed, a common light brown, but it seemed special to him, as if no one looked more perfect in that tone. My Andress's lips were soft and his kisses were sweet and gentle.

Still without much sense of time, whether by counting hours or even days, I found myself taking countless exams, which some didn't even know existed.

Doctor Verbena Adams came to see me every day. Soon I began to receive visits from a Psychologist and other medical specialists. Each one took care of a part of me: brain, body, internal organs... And it seemed like everything was fine, except my mind, which brought me nothing but Andress.

I was transferred to a room and as soon as I was alone in the room, I sat alone for the first time, without needing anyone's help. And I didn't feel tired. Just proud of myself.

I ate the first normal meal and came to the conclusion that I could repeat it, as I still felt hungry, which I was denied. "Go little by little" was the nutritionist's order.

I was sitting, looking at the gigantic white wall as images began to fill my mind.

The door opened and Doctor Verbena entered, with that usual radiant smile.

She was black, tall and her full lips were always open in an infectious smile that showed her completely straight white teeth. Despite the hospital odor, I could smell her. And it wasn't perfume. It was floral soap, with notes reminiscent of jasmine. And even though I was absolutely certain that I had never seen that woman in my life, it was as if I had smelled her my entire life.

- How it feels?

- Good, very good.

- It's been a week.

I narrowed my eyes, confused:

- You... Shouldn't you have informed my family? Where are they? Why didn't Andress come to see me? What happened to him?

I had so many questions but no answers.

- I... I'll try to explain to you what happened... - She seemed hesitant. - But I want you to stay calm, okay?

- Ok... - I felt my heart accelerate, scared that something had happened to Andress.

- You arrived here at the hospital after drowning.

- Drowning? - I took a deep breath, feeling my body tremble slightly. - I can not swim.

The doctor went to a two-door cabinet in the corner and took out a small piece of plastic with something inside. He handed it to me and I observed the ring, removing it while touching the wide, golden metal. My name was written inside: "Maria Eduarda Montez Deocca". I put it on my finger and it was too wide to wear. It was certainly Andress's.

- When he arrived at the hospital, he was in a state of hypoxia, with a severe reduction in oxygen in the brain. We found this ring inside yours, which was closed.

- Why... Didn't they give it to Andress?

- Because Andress only came that day. - Her voice became tender. - He never came back.

- Never came back? Like this?

- The hospital continued to be paid by Mr. Montez Deocca for six months. After this time, he claimed a lack of financial resources... Even asking that... - The doctor went to the door and made a call, interrupting what she was about to say.

- Please continue... - I asked.

-Wait a few minutes, Mrs. Montez Deocca.

"Stop calling me ma'am," I snapped. - You stayed by my side for a year... You brought me back to life... Can't you call me Maria Eduarda?

- Yes I Can. - He smiled and came back to my side.

- Continues...

We heard a light knock on the door and two women entered. One wore a white coat and glasses. She was blonde and young. The other had blue clothes, like Dr. Verbena's, and was older and dark-skinned.

- These are the Psychologist and Psychiatrist who are following your case - Verbena explained.

I looked at them, not really understanding what they were doing there.

The Psychologist took my hand, lovingly, while the other doctor said to Verbena:

- Keep the conversation going, please.

Verbena took my other hand:

- Your husband suggested that we turn off the devices because of your lack of money.

I looked into space, confused. What would have happened for Andress to take that attitude? After all, we were rich.

- Did... Andress go bankrupt? But... The company was always so solid... And... How do I remember that we had money and that the company was doing well? - I looked at the psychiatrist.

- Your mental confusion is normal, Mrs. Montez Deocca. You will remember everything little by little, when you least expect it. And there may be parts you can't remember. But we're here to tell you about what happened while you were in a coma. Other than that, we have no way of helping her.

- And you didn't turn off the devices. That means he went back and paid, right? I asked.

- No... He didn't pay. Dr. Adams paid for all of his Intensive Care treatment during his coma. - The psychologist looked at Verbena.

- Why? - I felt a tear run down my face as I looked at the doctor.

- You were under my responsibility. And although there was no improvement, there was no worsening either. I always believed that I would wake up, Maria Eduarda. - He shook my hand.

I took a deep breath:

- Something certainly happened. Andress wouldn't do that.

The Psychologist looked at me:

- Mr. Montez Deocca came to bring you to the hospital the day you drowned. He was with him at the time of the incident, although he suffered no harm. He saved her. When he found out about the coma, he no longer came to visit her. He didn't even call to find out his health status.

- That doesn't make sense... - I shook my head, stunned.

- You will soon be discharged, Maria Eduarda - said Verbena. - Then you will be able to know everything that really happened during the time you were in a coma in the hospital after drowning.

- And my grandfather? - I immediately remembered Alexis Hauser, out of nowhere, as if he had been on my mind the whole time without me even realizing it.

The image of Alexis Hauser, my father's father, my grandfather, came to mind. A not very tall man, with dark hair combed back, some strands of light gray. His eyes were green and he had a whitish beard, always very well groomed. It was chunky and smelled refreshing, just like the place where we lived. The mint and eucalyptus seemed to fight each other to stand out in its aroma, always bringing a feeling of cleanliness and vitality.

I loved my grandfather. And the memories with him were good.

- We don't know about your grandfather - the psychologist clarified.

-Alexis Hauser. You may have heard of him by now - I tried.

- We do not know. - It was emphatic.

- Anything else I should know? - I asked.

- That's it - the psychiatrist concluded.

- Why did you three come and tell me this? - I was confused.

- Because we care about your emotional state - The psychologist explained.

- I'm fine... Confused, but fine. I will try to understand what is happening to my husband and grandfather.

- We will call your husband, Mr. Montez Deocca, and let him know that he has woken up from the coma - the Psychiatrist warned.

- No, please! - I asked. - Don't pay attention to Andress. I want... to surprise you.

- We can't do this. Mr. Montez Deocca is responsible for the lady and we need to inform him that he has come out of the coma and will need to look for her.

- No... I would really like to surprise you. Andress certainly thought I wouldn't wake up... And to avoid suffering, he didn't even come to see me.

- It could be... But still, we need to communicate it. - She sighed. - We will continue to monitor her while she is hospitalized. When you are discharged, you will need to continue monitoring for a while.

I nodded.

The two left and I was alone with Verbena again:

- You didn't need to call them both to tell me the news - I said.

- I followed the protocols.

- And taking care of myself for a year as well as not going home when I woke up from the coma are also protocols? Not to mention the fact that you paid for me to stay in this hospital.

- No.

- Why did you do all this, doctor?

- Because... I somehow became fond of you, Maria Eduarda.

- Was I your first coma patient or something?

- No, it was not.

I shook my head, confused:

- So help me and don't let them communicate Andress. I really want to surprise you. My husband loves surprises... - I smiled when I remembered him.

- About your grandfather... - She lowered her head.

- What about my grandfather? - My heart immediately accelerated.

I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD GO UP

- Mr. Alexis Hauser was banned by his family and is in a nursing home. At least... That's what I read in the newspaper a while ago.

- Like this? - I was stunned.

- Maybe it's a lot of information for a short time, Maria Eduarda.

- I'm his family. My grandfather only has me. How come someone banned him? And if it really was done, it wasn't by the "family".

- I will intervene in the call to your husband.

- Do you think you can do it? - I was hopeful.

- I will speak directly to the hospital director. I have a good relationship with her.

- Thank you, Doctor Verbena... Thank you very much. I know I owe you a big debt. And I promise I will pay every penny. I don't know what's going on, but I guarantee that my family has possessions and...

- I don't want your money, Maria Eduarda. Honestly, I have enough and what I paid for you to be hospitalized here I won't miss at all.

- I'm sorry... If I offended you.

She took a deep breath and returned to her calm appearance:

- Everything is fine. As soon as I check the results of all the tests, I will discharge you. And I will try to do everything as quickly as possible, since I am not sure how long I will be able to intervene in the situation of notifying your husband.

- Thank you, Doctor Verbena.

The woman walked towards the door and before leaving, she looked at me and asked seriously:

- Don't you think about the possibility that your husband didn't come to see you simply because... He didn't want to?

I smiled, sure of what I was saying:

- No. I know something happened to make Andress act this way. And that's why I want to surprise you. I imagine how much I'm suffering, thinking that there's no chance that I'll ever come back from the coma.

- Do you understand that "not looking" or "not wanting to know news" also includes phone calls?

- Yes I understood! I had no difficulty understanding. My husband didn't come to the hospital and he didn't call to see how I was. And I'm still certain that something happened to make Andress act like this. He loves me. And this is the only certainty I have ever had in my life, doctor.

She smiled and closed the door. And I was confused as to why Dr. Verbena seemed to want to alert me to something regarding my husband's attitude.

I might not remember some things, but I was sure that every moment with Andress Montez Deocca was vivid in my mind, every single one of them. And everyone was very loving and caring. I've loved Andress since forever, when we were still children. Thanks to him and his mother I was Maria Eduarda Montez Deocca, fulfilled professionally and personally.

Ten days later, I received a Verbena outfit so I could leave the hospital and finally return home, after almost a year... More precisely 11 months and 21 days.

As soon as I put on the jeans and white shirt with the embroidered collar, I felt like I was someone else.

I looked at Verbena:

- I know it's normal that I don't remember anything that happened while I was in a coma ... But it's as if a year of my life was taken away. And now I'm leaving here ... But it's as if I left a Maria Eduarda in this room...

Verbena smiled:

- I imagine we now have three Marias Eduarda's here... The one before the coma, the one during the coma and the one after the coma.

- I hope one day I can connect them... - I shook my head, confused.

- You will. I know you can do it!

Verbena accompanied me through the hospital to the exit, where she called a taxi to take me to the Deocca mansion. As soon as the driver opened the door for me, I looked affectionately at my doctor and until then the only person I seemed to know in my life:

- I will never have enough words to thank you, doctor.

- Verbena, please. You can call me that.

- Will we see each other again? I asked.

She gave me that smile that reassured me in an inexplicable way:

- I don't know if that's correct, Maria Eduarda. I think our connection ends here. I managed to bring her back to life. Now you do your part... Which is to live it in such a way that you never regret anything. Don't leave anything for later. It's proof that tomorrow may never come. And not everyone gets second chances.

- Thank you for the clothes, for paying the hospital bill, for taking care of me and not giving up, when it seems like the whole world did... - I smiled awkwardly. - I hope I can understand what happened once and for all. And be able to move on with my life.

- I'm sure you can do it, Maria Eduarda.

I gave her a hug, smelling the floral scent that seemed to accompany me for a lifetime. Yes, because those days that I spent recovering in the hospital seemed to be compared to the year that I was in a coma, they took so long to pass.

- Good luck, Maria Eduarda.

- Thank you for everything, I give... Verbena! - I corrected myself a while ago.

I felt it in the back seat of the car and the driver closed the door. I didn't even have a suitcase. All I had left were the few memories my mind carried.

- Remember that it needs to be left at the front door - Verbena warned the driver. - And you will only get out of there when the passenger enters the house.

- I understand everything, doctor. Don't worry," he reassured.

As the driver drove the car through the streets of Noriah Norte, I recognized each place, as if I had been there my whole life. Yes, I remembered my car, as well as sometimes sitting in the passenger seat, next to Andress.

I slightly opened the window and let the fresh wind enter the interior of the car, feeling the strands of my hair mess up. And that pleased me and made me happy.

I was alive! Although she didn't remember the moment of drowning, she was grateful to have been given a second chance! And if God left me in a hospital bed for a year, I certainly still had a mission to accomplish.

It was night. The streets were lit by yellow streetlights. A mild mist covered some parts of the route.

It came to mind that I was also in the backseat of a car, with the window half open, the wind blowing my hair. And in front Kayde driving and Ashley in the passenger seat. We laughed and had fun.

Kayde, my friend, came to mind, redhead, light eyes, high cheekbones and hair that was always slightly messy. He had a charming smile and was overflowing with joy and friendliness. Ashley was fun too. Is beautiful. Tall, thin, brown eyes and hair. I loved her laugh and joked that she sounded like a witch. She and Kayde were dating. And that night he asked her to marry him. And I was together. We were great friends... Since our school days, when we were teenagers.

It seemed like yesterday that it all happened. I smiled, alone, looking out of the car. I knew that little by little I would remember everything.

About forty minutes later we were entering the Montez Deocca property, inside one of the most prestigious luxury condominiums in Noriah Norte.

The house was located among a gigantic lawn. Not very large in size, but extremely luxurious, it had almost 50% glass in its composition, which meant that during the day there was a lot of natural light and at night it provided a beautiful view of the moon and stars. I laughed when I remembered how afraid I was of thunderstorms and asked Andress to cover the windows in the room to avoid the lightning that seemed to take over the environment during storms.

He always said it was unnecessary, that all I had to do was hug him and everything would be fine. So I forced myself to stay in his arms and he smoothed my hair until the bad weather passed.