The sound of the beats indicating Jessica’s heart rate mingled with the constant hum of the respirator. The whole room was filled with silence save for the echoes of Jessica’s life support. Taeyeon and Krystal sat frozen near the patient’s bed. Puffy eyes locked on the unmoved figure covered in bandages, casts, tubes, and wires. The figure lying on the bed did not look like Jessica at all.

Krystal noted her adopted sister’s peaceful countenance. It was as if Jessica was merely asleep for the night when it had been days since they got news of the accident and had rushed home to tend to Jessica in the hospital. The healthcare team had told them that Jessica had not woken up from her coma as of late. They estimated her to wake up within 10 days before they would declare her incapable of returning back to consciousness. And since then, Taeyeon and Krystal had not left Jessica alone.

“Sooyeon-unnie,” Krystal muttered, her hand gently holding Jessica’s unmoved one. “Please wake up. I’m back. Soojungie is back for you. Please, wake up.”

Krystal buried her face on the mattress in an attempt to hide her silent tears. “Please, wake up.”

Taeyeon lowered her head, her tears spilling in silence as the scene before her tore at her heart. It had been two days since they have arrived and they were both exhausted from the trip back and from staying up late, watching over Jessica.

Despite Krystal’s pleas, Jessica remained stagnant, unresponsive to the touch. It was as if time had stopped for her. Nevertheless, Krystal tightened her grip on the limp hand, hoping that her strength would reach out for her adopted sister, wherever Jessica may be as of the moment.

Taeyeon covered Krystal’s figure with a blanket when the younger one had cried herself to sleep by Jessica’s bed, Krystal’s head resting near Jessica’s body. A sad smile came upon Taeyeon’s lips when she noticed Krystal’s intertwined hands with Jessica. Taeyeon placed her own hand on them before she settled herself on the couch nearby. Her exhaustion had immediately succeeded in putting he