Chapter 332

She turned to the doctor, her eyes alight with unspoken queries. Hadn't he really awakened?

If he was truly conscious, shouldn't words have tumbled from his lips by now? Since their arrival, Ernest had uttered not a sound.

Reading her distress, the doctor offered a soothing explanation. "Mrs. Flynn, there's no cause for alarm. This is quite typical for someone emerging from such a prolonged slumber..."

It was only natural for someone rousing from years in a coma to need time to mend.

Ernest's mind was awake, but his voice, his movement, even the simplest acts of self-reliance-they would require patient rehabilitation. He was starting anew, like a child learning the world afresh.

"Rest assured, though," the doctor added with calm certainty, "with time and therapy, he'll make strides forward."

Nyla released a tremulous breath, and then gave Ernest's hand a tender pat. "Did you hear that, love? All will be well in time. No need to hurry, alright?"