Chapter Twenty-Five
EVAN
The repetitious beeping is the first thing I hear and recognize. The sound of machines is something I’ve come to know for years, but I’ve never been the one attached to them. I can feel something on my face and know that it’s the ventilator I’m hearing.
Whispers echo, and I know I’m not alone. A soft hand wraps around mine, and I squeeze it back.
“Evan.” Emily’s voice is gentle, sending warmth through my body. She’s okay. “Can you hear me, baby?”
I squeeze her hand again. The medicine is wearing off enough to listen and respond to demands, but my eyes are too heavy to lift.
“Is he waking up?” I hear a man’s voice I don’t recognize, which makes me twitch with concern.
“Evan, sweetheart,” my mom’s soft voice whispers in my ear. “We all love you, okay?” Her co
