The Last Knight

Chapter 22

Marcy

“Marcy, wake up sleepyhead. Oh, come on, sunshine,” he chuckles. That voice. It’s so familiar but I can’t place it. My eyes flutter open even though I feel like I could sleep for a lifetime and it wouldn”t be enough.

“There she is,” he croons, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. It’s so bright, white coats everything as if the scene hasn’t been painted yet. I turn my gaze to the voice and that’s when I see him.

Matty.

My Matty.

My arms fly around him, a desperate embrace—a collision of longing and vulnerability. His warmth seeps into my soul, a slow infusion of hope. It’s as if he carries sunlight in his veins, stitching together the fractures left by life’s relentless hammer. He pulls me into his arms, smelling my hair like he always used to.

“I’ve missed you so much, sunshine,” he whispers as my tears coat us both. I can”t make words, I can only hold onto him like my life depends on it.

He pulls back enough to wipe the tears from my cheeks. His beautiful green eyes shine down on me, a sight I’d thought was lost forever. His bright red hair shines above me like a halo. My fingers trace the familiar ridges like a delicate dance across time. Each contour, each line etched into his skin, becomes a memory I’ll carry like a secret talisman. The warmth beneath my touch, the way his jaw curves, the flutter of his eyelashes—they’re all part of this fragile tapestry I’m scared will evaporate before me.

“H-how is this possible?” I whisper.

“I just needed to see my sister. You’ve grown up so much, sunshine. Where has all the time gone?”

“It was lost. The clocks moved but I didn’t. I’ve been waiting on you. I’ve been waiting on you for so long, Matty!” I sob into his shoulder as he rocks me in his arms like he did when I would have night terrors as a child.

“I promise, I wanted to come back to you. I’m sorry I let you down. You have always been the light of my life and even in death I held on to that light. You saved me, sunshine. But now it’s time for me to save you. The universe still needs you, Sam needs you. It was my time to go, but it’s not yours.” He cups my face. His soft hands almost melt away the pain of losing him all that time ago.

“I can’t lose you again, Matty. It hurt too bad the first time.” My hands tremble as mine cover his.

“You never lost me, sunshine. I’ve been with you every step of the way. Always.”

“Can I stay here with you?”

“You have a new chapter to live. The pages are fresh, waiting to be splashed with new ink. Your’s and Sam’s story isn’t over, sunshine. He’s waiting for you. Your love has been written across the stars for a long time. He’s the one, Marcy. He is your beginning and end.” He chuckles softly, a melody I wish to save forever.

“You know, I always knew there was something special about the two of you. I guess it was destiny for him to come into my life so that he could be in yours.”

“But he hurt me, Matty.”

“But did he? He was there on the sidelines waiting, watching, helping. He did what I asked, more than you can understand.”

“Forgive him,” Matt insists.

“But–”

Matty looks at me with a stern expression I remember. “Forgive him, sunshine. He was going down a path of self destruction until you forged the pieces of his heart back together.”

“Thank you,” I sob. “Thank you for being my brother, my best friend, my everything.”

“You will always be my sunshine, my only sunshine.” Matt leans in, gently kissing my forehead.

“It’s time for you to go now.”

“No! I’m not ready! Please, I can’t leave you–”

“Marcy, you are the strongest person I know. You can do anything. Now lay down like old times.”

Matt snuggles behind me, forever the big spoon. “Everything will be okay, sunshine. Do you trust me?” I nod against the cool pillow beneath me.

“With my whole heart,” I murmur, grasping his arm draped over me with all the strength I can muster.

“Embrace your fire. Let it guide you through the shadows.” I let the words sink in as he hums a song he made up for me long ago. My eyes close, feeling at peace as his song washes over me one last time.

“Close your little eyes and dream of good things, dream of good things, like I once did.

Close your little eyes and dream of good things, dream of good things, like I once did.

You can dream of dragons, witches or fairies so, just close your little eyes and dream of good things, dream of good things…”

“Marcy! Can you hear me?” someone shouts above me.

“Paddles ready?” he shouts.

“Clear!” Suddenly I feel this powerful warmth travel through my body straight to my heart.

“There she is! She’s back!” I hear cheering surround me. The pain in my body radiates back to life and relief floods me knowing I made it back. I have a new chapter to write. Our chapter.

◆◆◆

Samuel

Exhaustion, that silent companion, settles into my bones. It’s more than weariness; it’s the weight of waiting—the hours stretched thin, the minutes echoing with unanswered questions. My mind, a labyrinth of thoughts, navigates the twists and turns. Each tick of the clock, each heartbeat, becomes a move on the board. I strategize, analyze, and wonder if the next call will bring solace or upheaval.

I’ve forgone phone calls until I have information to share. Right now is a game of waiting. The anticipation hangs in the air, a taut string waiting to be plucked. My fingers, like restless birds, tap their silent rhythm on the chair. Each beat echoes the seconds of the damn clock above my head.

And then, the doors spring open again. The hinges groan, releasing me from the confines of waiting. Someone approaches—a figure blurred by distance, yet unmistakably real. Their steps, deliberate and purposeful, carry them straight toward me. This is it. My weary eyes try to read the emotions on his face but they remain locked away in a stony gaze.

Jumping from my chair causes a sudden burst of movement—a ripple in the otherwise static waiting room. The chair now lies sprawled on the floor, the commotion forces all eyes to turn toward me.

“How is she? How is Marcy Hillary?” I question rapidly as the doctor comes to a stop. The doctor stands before me, answers hang in the air between us. Finally, after what seems like a millennium, he responds.

“She made it through surgery, Mr. Knight. If you will come with me, I will explain everything further.” Nodding seems like the only thing I can do at the moment as the news sinks in that she’s at least alive. Tears of relief skim down my face from the emotional turmoil that I’ve been living with for several hours. I know I won’t feel peace until I can see her, until I can wrap my hand around hers. I follow the doctor through the emergency room to a bank of elevators.

“She was given a room in the ICU so we will be able to monitor her overnight. Once she wakes from anesthesia she will be placed there.” As we enter the elevator, he begins going over the details of her injuries.

“When she was brought in, her condition wasn’t stable. The paramedics suspected she had a traumatic brain injury, which was confirmed with a CT scan upon arrival. However, Ms. Hillary had internal bleeding causing severe pressure on her occipital lobe. We were successful in relieving the pressure. Are you with me so far?” he asks with a genuine look of concern on his face. I know I must be pale with the news he’s giving me. I can feel myself growing faint with every uttered word. I press myself against the wall to stabilize my trembling body that threatens to plummet to the floor.

“I am.” I pause trying to collect myself. I’ve been through fucking war but hearing about my love’s injuries makes me want to crumble to the floor. “This is a lot to take in.” My hands scrub through my already disheveled hair trying to absorb everything he’s telling me.

“As I was saying, we relieved the pressure but as we were stitching her back up, her body went into shock. This caused her body’s blood pressure to drop significantly resulting in cardiac arrest. Fortunately, we were able to stabilize her after several attempts with the defibrillator. We won’t know if there are any lingering effects to her brain until she wakes. Her brain was without oxygen for six minutes but Ms. Hillary is lucky to be alive.”

As his words circulate in my mind, the air feels like it bursts from my lungs leaving me bereft and reeling. The elevator doors open making me rush from the confines of the small metal box.

“Mr. Knight, are you alright? Is there someone we can call for you to be with during this time?” His touch, firm and reassuring, anchors me to the present. Now that I know she survived surgery, it’s time for me to do everything I can to help her, starting with her accommodations.

“No, thank you. I will make some calls once I have seen her. I would also like to have my doctor come in to go over her records just as a second opinion. I want Marcy to be placed in the best ICU room available with the leading team of doctors and nurses tending to her, no expenses spared. Do you understand? There will be a significant donation made to the hospital for your cooperation. I’m sure you understand how beneficial that would be for this facility.”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Knight. I will get in touch with the hospital administrators to have those arrangements underway immediately. I will have a nurse come inform you when Ms. Hillary is in her room”

“Thank you. Now, would you please direct me to a quiet room where I can make some phone calls.”

I settle into a comfortable leather chair, closing my eyes as the events of the day wash over me. Never would I have imagined I would be here when I woke this morning. It shows how life can change in an instant, as if I didn’t already know that.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I pull up Miles’ contact. I need to let him know what’s happening so he can share the news with Big Apple PR.

“Sammy! How’ve you been,” Miles’ voice booms from the speaker making me wince. My head is already pounding from the events of the day, I don’t need yelling in my ear.

“Listen, I called because Marcy was in a car accident early this afternoon. She had to have emergency surgery but she’s in recovery,” I manage.

“What the fuck, man. Why didn’t you call me sooner?”

“I didn’t have any news to give you. I only just received the news myself that she was out of surgery.”

“Sam, we’re family. Seb and I would have come and waited with you. Hell, she’s basically family too, especially now…” he trails off.

“I know. I just needed some time to process everything. I still haven’t seen her yet.”

“What happened to her? Have you spoken with her doctors?” Miles questions.

“Yes, just now. She had internal bleeding in her brain causing a pressure build up. They had to operate immediately.” I don’t want to add the part where she died on the table for a few moments. I can’t speak that out loud. I don’t want it sent out into the universe.

“Fuck man. Tell me what we can do.”

“Can you get in touch with Marcy’s office to let them know. Nora is her assistant so she can handle Marcy’s schedule. Sarah also needs to know but I don’t have her contact information.” Honestly I don’t want to make any more phone calls. The more Miles can take care of the better. I want all my attention to be on Marcy. I need it to be on Marcy.

“Consider it done. Anything else?”

“Can you call Dr. Petterson? I want him down here to look over her records to make sure they are doing everything they can. I trust him.”

“I agree. I’ll call him first. Text me if there is anything else that you need from me or Seb. I will fill him in on everything. I love you, Sam. We are here for you, don’t forget that.” Tears prick my eyes. The weight of emotions well up, threatening to spill over. Family has always been so important to Marcy, a lifeline that she cherished even when circumstances were harsh. Yet, I’ve been avoiding mine—a realization that hits me like a sudden gust of wind. Family fortifies you, like roots anchoring a tree, providing stability and nourishment. It’s time to reconnect, to mend the frayed bonds and find strength in each other.

“Thank you, Miles. I appreciate it. I truly do. You’re like my brother and I’ve been a shitty one to you and Sebastian. I promise to rectify that. This whole ordeal has given me time to think and there are things I need to change, beginning with my family. I love you, man.”

“Sam, we knew you would come around eventually. You had shit to work through but I’m glad that you finally got your head out of your ass. Now, let me go so I can make these calls.”

“Heh, thanks again. I’ll call with updates.”

Relief floods through me knowing Miles will ensure the news spreads to the appropriate people allowing me a small reprieve from the chaos of the day. However my anxiety spikes when I think of Marcy.

The news that Marcy died on that table today, even if only for a few moments, will forever haunt me.

Marcy. Died.

Died.

Almost gone forever.

Now the chair doesn’t comfort me, its once supporting embrace is replaced by restless energy. I’m back on my feet, pacing like a caged animal. Helplessness wraps around me, a suffocating shroud. Desperation claws at my chest, and fear bubbles up, threatening to overflow. Sweat covers my forehead, from the intensity of my emotions. My heart races like a wild stallion. Erratic breaths mirror the chaos within. At this moment, I’m both the storm and the ship caught in its fury.

Fuck, it’s happening again. Fear of the unknown overtakes my mind. The downward spiral is coming. I can feel it taking over my body, starting with my heart and shooting through the rest of me. I fall to my knees, gripping my hair until the pain erupts from the roots. Darkness envelops me in its sinewy grasp. I can’t breathe. My heart is going to burst. Heat courses through me making my skin slick with sweat. I can’t breathe. Flashes of Matt bleeding out in my lap plague my mind, playing over and over like a broken record. My hands fall from my hair.

Blood.

Blood is on my hands. Matthew’s or Marcy’s? I couldn”t save them. I couldn”t. I feel the bile coming. Abdominal cramps as I clutch my chest. Dry heaving.

Bile.

Or blood.

Death is coming. It’s coming for me as punishment. I feel it. It’s ripping my heart from my chest. I can feel each snap, each rip of my veins and arteries. My body falls to the floor. What is this chill? Is that it then? Am I dead? Gone? My whole body shudders without abandon. I’ve lost control of everything. Darkness is everywhere. I can’t breathe.

Blood.

I smell it.

Take care of my sister.

Take care of Marcy.

Marcy.

Dead.

Failure.

With trembling hands, I pull my phone from my pocket. I can barely see the screen through the tears and my shaking hands. I can’t see. I’m dying. Can she help?

“S-siri c-c-call doctorrr Willl–iamssss”

Ring.

Ring.

I can’t breathe.

Too late.

Ring.

Blood.

“Hello, Samuel. How are–”

“H-h-help…”

“Take a deep breath. In through your nose then out through your mouth. Listen to the sound of my voice. Deep breaths. In through your nose out through your mouth. Hang on to the sound of my voice, Samuel. Are you still with me?”

“I c-can’t–”

“Samuel, listen to me. Listen to me. Breathe. Deep breaths in through your nose then out through your mouth. Listen to my breaths. Do it with me. Samuel.”

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

“Yes, I can hear you. Listen to my voice. It’s not going to take you. You are safe. Breathe. Breathe, Samuel. In through your nose out through your mouth. Listen to me breathing deeply. You can do it. In and out. In and out.”

In.

Air.

Out.

Fuck, I need air.

In.

Out.

“Keep going. I can hear you. Feel your chest. Your heart isn’t gone. It’s there. Beating. Keeping you alive. This is your mind, Samuel. Deep breaths.”

My chest, my heart. There isn’t a hole. My mind. Just my mind.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

“Good, now tell me something you smell. Close your eyes and tell me three things that you smell, Samuel. Keep breathing.”

“Ummm, fuck, I-I smell sterile, c-clean, some sort of c-cleaning de-detergent.”

In.

Out.

“Good, Keep breathing. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Okay, now tell me what you see. What is around you?”

Brightness. It”s too bright.

“I can’t–”

“Samuel, listen to my voice. Breathe. Yes, breathe just like that. Open your eyes. Focus. Tell me what you see.”

“Sofas, chairs, magazines, television–”

In,

Out.

“Are you still with me, Samuel?”

“Yes, here. I’m here. It’s coming down. It’s-I can breathe. I can breathe.”

“Good, just focus on your breathing.”

I nod. My eyes fall closed as I continue the breathing pattern.

In.

Out.

“You’re doing good, Samuel. I can hear you breathing.”

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

“My breathing is better. My heart rate, fuck,” my watch is vibrating telling me it’s too high. “It”s still elevated but it’s better than it was.”

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

“Check in, Samuel. What’s your color?”

In.

Out.

“It’s yellow-green. I’m-I’m okay. I’m coming down. Fuck, I haven’t had one in so long.” I wipe my forehead with my sleeve.

“You did the right thing. Even if it wasn’t me that answered, you would have been taken care of. I’m glad I was on call tonight.”

“Thank you, Dr. Williams. I need to schedule more sessions. I know I’ve missed several. I thought I was better because my girlfriend took the nightmares away and I haven’t had the urge to drink until I passed out, but it’s not fair for me to lean on her. I need to take care of myself for her sake.”

“I’m glad you came to that realization before things spiraled more out of control. Would you like to come in next week?”

Exhaustion. That”s all I feel. My body is weak. That attack pulled every ounce of energy I had left. But I have to see her. I have to see Marcy.

I check my watch, seconds ticking by like slow heartbeats. Waiting for someone to come tell me that Marcy is in a room and that I can see her. The sterile hospital corridors echo with anticipation, the scent of disinfectant clinging to the air. If someone doesn’t come soon…my patience is already fraying at the edges, unraveling like a worn thread. I’ll go out there and demand some answers. Determination fuels my resolve, a fire burning beneath my skin. The need to see her is overwhelming, a tidal wave threatening to engulf me. I cling to the surface, trying to stay calm. Breathing deeply. Each inhale a lifeline, each exhale a prayer.

“Mr. Knight, if you want to come with me. Marcy is awake and in her room,” the nurse announced, gesturing for me to follow her.

“Thank you! I was about to come ask for information on her. How is she?” I ask as we walk through the bleak halls, passing random pictures hanging on the walls.

“She’s still very groggy, going in and out of sleep. She’s on pain medication that is keeping her sedated. She broke several ribs along with the injury to her head so she will need some time to recover.” I just nod. My stomach rolls when I think of her hanging upside down in her car, blood streaming down her face. The image will be forever etched into my mind.

“Right in here, Mr. Knight. Press the call button if you need anything. My name is Alicia, by the way.”

“Thank you, Alicia. I’ll call if we need anything.” She closes the door behind her and my hands tremble as I grasp the curtain, pulling it open.

My heart sinks when I see her lying there covered in various bandages. Her frail form, once vibrant and full of life, now lies hooked up to so many machines.

Slowly I walk to her side, brushing a lock of hair from her beautiful face. Her emerald eyes flutter open and lock on mine. She takes a deep breath as she tries to raise her hand for me.

“Sam…” she whispers.

“Shh, princess.I’m here now and I’m never leaving. Now rest my love.” My hand intertwines with hers. The world tilts back on its axis, as if acknowledging this pivotal moment. She’s going to get through this. We will get through this.

Together.

Always together.

The world could be collapsing around us but the only thing of importance is Marcy being alive.