Chapter 5 A Ray Of Hope

A Ray Of Hope

Isabella P.O.V

Present Day

The Hospital Ward felt disturbingly quiet and lonelier than it had when she first woke up from her coma. Back then, she just wanted to escape the nightmare of her coma. But now, being awake to reality with nothing left to look forward to felt even more suffocating.

"I...am...Isabella...Sanchez...an orphan". She murmured, her voice devoid of emotions

A soft knock on the door echoed through the quiet room interrupting her thoughts. But instead of answering, she lay back down, pulling the blanket over head.

"Still pretending to be asleep, huh?". Nurse Daisy smiled, setting the room service tray beside her bed. "Alright, get up now, it's time to eat".

"Am not hungry". Isabella said, rolling to the other side of her bed.

"Oh come on, you've been lying in bed all day long without eating or taking your medication." Nurse Daisy replied, gently pulling down the blanket. "Keep this up and you just might be spending another six months in the hospital".

"What's the use of getting better?". She asked, her shoulders slump in defeat. "My life is already a huge mess and there's nothing anyone can do to change that".

"It's okay to lose your appetite every once in a while." Nurse Daisy said "But keeping yourself locked up in here won't change anything. You need to get out of this room and start living again".

"Given my condition, I mean I can't even walk on my own, so how do you suggest I do that?"

Nurse Daisy smiled, and nodded towards the wheelchair positioned in the corner of the room. "Well, whoever said anything about doing it on your own?".

"No way". Isabella said, her head shaking back and forth as she crossed her arms. "I still don't like this idea".

"You won't go? Fine". Nurse Daisy interrupted, a deep dramatic sigh escaped from her lips "I guess I'll just have to tell Dr Harrison you're refusing to cooperate, so he can come give you his famous "Patients Compliance 101' lectures - the one that last for hours"

"Hours?". Isabella repeated, her eyes widened at the thought of Dr Harrison's endless lecture. She could already imagine a low and husky voice going on and on like a never ending nightmare.

"Alright, fine, you win" . She said with gritted teeth "I sure hope I don't regret this".

Nurse Daisy carefully guided the wheelchair down the long, and narrow hallway painted in calming blue hues, and a few vases with fresh flowers on both sides.

The notable furniture in the functional sitting area included a console table and a set of comfortable sofas lined up against the wall.

It wasn't hard to tell that the families of the patients huddled together were low income earners who relied on the hospital's limited charity care. The worn out clothes and plastic bags containing what little they'd brought to the hospital gave it all away.

The beeping of monitors, the noise of oxygen tanks, and the murmured conversations of nurses and doctors. Along with sick and injured patients looking miserable and helpless made Isabella feel uneasy.

The wheelchair came to a gentle stop in front of a large window overlooking a small garden, with blooming sun flowers and colorful zinnias swaying gently in the breeze. A soft smile spread across Isabella's lips as she leaned back, letting the sun wash over her closed eyes.

"Is it always like this for every patient here?". Isabella asked, her lips set in a hard line.

"Unfortunately, Yes, many of our patients have been with us for a long time, struggling with serious illness and injuries". Nurse Daisy explained "And for the visitors, some patients don't have anyone to look after them, while others...it's like they'd been forgotten"

"Don't they get lonely?".

"We provide the best care we can, but there's only so much we can do for them". Nurse Daisy said with a smile "But you're one of the lucky one's, though".

"Am I?". Isabella raised a brow

"Of course". She replied "Your Aunt has always been there for you. During the time you were stuck in a coma, she'd always make sure to drop by everyday even when everybody had lost hope you'd ever wake up".

Isabella's hand dropped slowly to her side, her eyebrow relaxed. "I had no idea she did that."

"And just between us two". Nurse Daisy Whispered "I think the other patients might be a bit jealous of you".

A peaceful smile settled on Isabella's lips as the once quiet hospital was now filled with the sound of laughter and loud shouts. Children, some with crutches by their side were limping around and teasing their parents, who were smiling and playing along.

"I guess there's still some things left to be grateful for".

Later That Day

Room 304, Ward 3

"Chicken noodle soup, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and some deliciously made yoghurt. Fresh from the hospital cafeteria". Miranda said, carefully setting out the meal on the table.

Isabella bit her lips trying to control her laughter as she watched Miranda struggle to fit in large plates and containers on the table.

"I wasn't sure what you'd like so, I brought you a little of everything". Miranda said, panting slightly from the effort.

"You know Aunt, you really didn't have to go all out like this. But I'm glad you did". Isabella scooped a spoonful of mashed potatoes and took a bite.

"You're enjoying this aren't you". Miranda asked, a self satisfied smile on her lips.

Isabella gave her a quick, satisfied thumbs up. Her taste buds, still enjoying the rich, buttery taste of the mashed potatoes.

"This is nothing". Miranda poured out a glass of warm yogurt "I promise, after you're discharged, I'll make you a proper home made meal that'll blow your mind".

"Home". Isabella muttered, her hands idly pushing around the food on her plate.

Miranda carefully set the glass on the table and looked up at Isabella who seemed to be miles away.

"Isabella dear". Miranda called "Are you okay?".

Isabella's eyes lifted, meeting Miranda's worried face. "My parents, what were they like?".

Miranda's eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by Isabella's sudden question. She stood frozen for a moment, collecting her thoughts before settling down beside her.

"Your mother Almira, had a kind-hearted soul". Miranda said softly. "She used to work at a public bookstore in downtown Maplewood before she met your dad".

"A bookstore?". Isabella asked and Miranda nodded.

"The job didn't pay much, hardly enough for a month's worth of groceries. I'd tell her to quit, find something more realistic but she loved her job too much".

Isabella's eyes were filled with curiosity.

"And Mateo... I mean my dad... did he also work at the bookstore".

"Well not exactly". Miranda replied "You see Mateo was just the new guy in town who worked at a cafe across from the library. He was making a delivery there when he met her. When she finally noticed your father staring at her so fondly, she got so scared and accidentally knocked over a shelf of books, right onto Mateo's head".

Isabella's face broke out into a wide smile. "Oh my gosh, that has to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard". She said, chuckling.

"My sister offered to take him to the hospital to get his head checked. But instead, he asked her out for coffee at his cafe".

"And then what happened". Isabella asked, her eyes wide with interest.

"From then on, Mateo would visit the library everyday just to see Almira, and she'd return the favor by stopping by the cafe for a chat". Miranda shook her head thoughtfully "In a blink of an eye, those two were already engaged, married and welcoming their first child - and the rest is history".

Isabella frowned, suddenly leaning back in her chair. "It... it's too bad I can't remember anything anymore".

Miranda gently held onto her hands "I know that losing your memories hasn't been easy for you. But I'm sure they'll return; just give it time and everything will be back to normal, you'll see".

Tears rolled down the corner of Isabella's eyes as she suddenly realized that her parents had become nothing more than memories... memories she'd never experience again.

"They're never coming back, are they?".

"No sweetie, they're not", Miranda said gently wrapping her arms around her in a warm hug. "But that doesn't mean you have to be alone any