Chapter 455 Next to Him

“He’s in a coma,” the doctor continued gently. “We can’t say for certain when—or if—he will wake up. It could be days, weeks, or even longer. But he’s stable for now, and that’s a good sign.” Claire felt her knees buckle slightly, and she grabbed the nearest wall for support. Tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over as the weight of the doctor’s words hit her like a freight train. “A coma?” she whispered, her voice cracking. The doctor nodded, his tone sympathetic. “It’s too early to tell what the long-term prognosis will be. Right now, we’re monitoring him closely.” Claire wiped her cheeks hastily, though the tears kept coming. “Can I see him?” “Of course,” the doctor said, stepping aside. Claire pushed the door open slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. Matthew lay on the hospital bed, pale and still, with various monitors beeping softly around him. Tubes and wires surrounded him, a sight that made Claire’s chest ache even more. She approached the bed, her hand tremblin