He was sure his mother’s smile would illuminate the room when he showed her that he could move his fingers again. As he lay there and listened; he could hear her crying from outside the room. She was speaking to Dr. Hossle.
For nearly two years his shell of a body confined him to the hospital bed. But now the damage in his brain was slowly healing.
As he lay there in darkness, he heard his mother enter the room. Her approach seemed weary. He felt her moist, warm breath on his cheek. A quiet sob loomed wretchedly in his ear.
“I love you, Jeremy. Sleep well.”
His final breath echoed in the room and he moved his fingers for the last time.