It had been months since Dalton’s wife, Lila, had fallen into a deep coma. At first, he had been inconsolable as he kept going to her bed, holding her hand and pleading her to wake up. However, as time passed and having done some research, he also found it the perfect moment to clear his guilty conscience. When he got the call of her waking, he had been ecstatic.What he didn’t expect when he arrived at the hospital was that she didn’t look as happy to see him as she said something that stunned him. Her words, “You’ll regret what you said,” were nothing like the words he had expected to come from her when she finally woke up. His face fell immediately, the bright smile that had lit up his face, faltering. “Lila?” he had said, his forehead creasing in confusion. Had he made a mistake telling her, easing his conscience, when she had been in a coma?  He remembered very well when he got the call of her accident. How distraught he was, how he slept by her bed for multiple days. It was so bad that the hospital personel weren’t even able to send him away. Would all of that now be negated by a few words he had said? “Doctor what is going on?” Dalton asked, turning his confused face toward the doctor standing close to Lila’s bed, a clipboard in his hands.  They had been the same words he had asked when he had sped toward the hospital after getting the call. His wife had been in an accident! He hadn’t heard anything else after it. He had simply jumped into his car and sped off to the hospital hoping to find out more once he was there. For now he just had to see her, make sure she was still alright.  “Doctor, what is going on?” he had asked as soon as he slammed open the door in his hurry to his wife’s room. The doctor, who was still examining her, looked startled by the sudden sound. “Sir, it is not visiting hour!” he had exclaimed at the sight of Dalton, but Dalton hadn’t cared as he strode into the hospital room, needing to know if she was alright.  Dalton had rushed to Lila’s side, tubes going into her mouth and nose as bruises marred her skin. Dalton paled at the sight of it as he sat down in a chair next to his wife’s bed and grabbed her hand in both of his feeling her warmth. “Doctor, what happened?” Dalton asked, his voice pleading and he saw the stern look meltaway on the doctor’s face.  He looked back on his clipboard and started speaking, “Your wife, Mr. Jones, had been driving when a car had collided with the side of her car. Your wife’s car spun out of control and crashed into a lamppost. She has severe head trauma, and we will try to pull her out of her coma when we are able.” The information of it all was too much, but Dalton did hear that someone else had caused all this.  He tried to continue listening to what the doctor was saying, but he didn’t seem fully able to do it. The doctor tried to tell him that they had performed surgery on her to relieve tension in her skull but that they feared that that alone would not help wake her. Dalton tried to listen, but only when the doctor mentioned something peculiar did his attention get piqued.  “And the other driver?” Dalton’s words were nearly lifeless and he also didn’t entirely notice himself saying it. His eyes diverted from his wife to the Doctor as he needed to know who had done this to his wife. The doctor stammered, “Ehrm… Though I am unsure if this is correct, it seems like they went through a red light.” That was enough for Dalton.  His wife, his darling wife, had been put in this position by some reckless driver. Dalton saw red for a second, but as he was still holding on to his wife’s hand, he forced himself to calm down. “Doctor, how long do you think she will remain like this?” he asked. The face of the doctor contorted for a second, but Dalton immediately knew what it meant.  He wanted to cry, he wanted to scream, but instead, he remained silent, looking hopeful towards the Doctor. He hoped he would give Dalton a different answer than he expected. “Comas are strange and can vary immensely in time, but we are hopeful for Lila’s recovery. We think it should take around a week,” he answered. However, he was wrong, very wrong, as a week turned into weeks, to a month, to months, and with each day, Dalton became more desperate.  Dalton visited the hospital daily, even during lunch breaks, showing his unwavering dedication to his wife. Each visit, he brought her favorite flowers, hoping the scent might reach her. Nurses admired his devotion, whispering about his steadfast love. “Lila, it’s me,” he’d start, holding her hand. The beeping machines became background noise to his heartfelt monologues. “Today was tough,” he’d admit, “but seeing you makes it better.” His routine never wavered, a testament to his love. His work began to suffer due to frequent hospital visits, but he prioritized his wife’s well-being over everything else. Missed deadlines and skipped meetings piled up, but Dalton didn’t care. “You need to focus,” his boss warned, but Dalton barely listened. “Lila needs me more,” he’d say, his voice firm. Late nights at the office turned into late nights by her bedside. The office chatter about Dalton’s absence grew, but his heart stayed with Lila. At her bedside, Dalton talked to Lila about his day, hoping she could somehow hear and feel his presence. He shared everything, from mundane tasks to his deepest fears. “You won’t believe the traffic today,” he’d chuckle, hoping for a response. The silence was heavy, but he kept talking. “I miss your laugh,” he whispered, tears threatening to fall. Every word was a bridge to her, a lifeline he clung to in the quiet room. Despite the impact on his job, Dalton’s primary focus remained on Lila’s recovery and being there for her. He researched treatments, asked countless questions, and stayed updated on medical advances. “We’ll find a way,” he promised her, determination in his voice. Friends and family offered help, but he rarely accepted. “I need to be here,” he’d insist. His life revolved around the hospital, every decision shaped by his unwavering hope for Lila’s return. His daily visits became a routine, offering him solace and a sense of connection to his comatose wife. Every morning, he brought fresh flowers, replacing the old ones with care. Nurses greeted him with knowing smiles, aware of his unchanging schedule. “Good morning, love,” he’d say softly, brushing her hair back. Each day was a repeat, but it grounded him. “I’ll be back tomorrow,” he’d promise each night, leaving with a heavy heart but renewed resolve. Dalton began to confide his secrets to Lila, feeling a sense of relief as he shared things he never had before, no matter how small. “Remember that time I said I lost my wedding ring? I actually found it a day later,” he admitted with a sheepish grin. He talked about regrets, mistakes, and dreams. “I always wanted to learn the guitar,” he chuckled. Each confession, no matter how trivial, seemed to lighten his heart. Speaking openly, he believed his wife wouldn’t remember these confessions once she woke up from her coma. “You won’t hold this against me, right?” he’d joke, half hoping she could hear him. His voice carried a mix of guilt and relief. “I was scared to tell you before,” he whispered. The room felt safe, his words echoing softly. The idea that his secrets would remain unheard made him bolder, more honest than he’d ever been. Each time he left the hospital, Dalton felt lighter, hoping his honesty would aid in Lila’s recovery. “See you tomorrow, love,” he’d say, kissing her forehead. Walking out, his steps seemed less burdened. The hospital visits became his therapy sessions. “She’ll get better,” he’d tell himself, gripping the steering wheel. The weight of his secrets lessened with each visit, and he began to hope his openness might somehow reach her, pulling her back to him. His secrets, once heavy burdens, became easier to bear as he continued to talk to Lila during his visits. “I never told you about my fear of heights,” he laughed one day, feeling a sense of freedom in his honesty. The confessions flowed naturally now. “I’ve missed you so much,” he admitted, tears in his eyes. His visits transformed into a ritual of unburdening, and each shared secret felt like a step closer to healing. Dalton tried to enter Lila’s hospital room the next day but was stopped by a concerned doctor. “Mr. Jones, we need to talk,” the doctor said, blocking his path. Dalton’s heart sank, fear gripping him. “Is everything alright?” he asked, panic rising in his voice. The doctor’s face was serious, and Dalton felt the air grow heavy. “Please, just tell me,” he urged, dreading the answer. The atmosphere shifted, tension hanging thick in the air. The doctor informed Dalton that Lila’s condition had worsened and that she might not survive her injuries. Dalton’s heart pounded as the words sank in. “What do you mean?” he demanded, his voice trembling. The doctor looked somber. “Her vitals are unstable. We’re doing everything we can.” Dalton felt the world blur around him. “Can I see her?” he pleaded. The doctor nodded, and Dalton hurried past, desperation fueling his every step. Distressed by the news, Dalton rushed into the room, desperate to be there for Lila and tell her one of his deepest secrets. “Lila, please hold on,” he whispered, gripping her hand tightly. Tears streamed down his face as he leaned in close. “I need to tell you something,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’ve always regretted not spending more time with you.” His heart ached with the fear that this might be his last chance. Dalton left the hospital in tears, rushing home to calm himself down. The drive was a blur, his mind racing with fear and sorrow. “She has to make it,” he muttered, wiping his eyes. Once home, he paced the living room, unable to sit still. His heart felt heavy with the weight of his worries. “I should be there with her,” he thought, but he knew he needed a moment to gather himself. As he went to sleep, he was haunted by a nightmare that Lila had died during the night. In the dream, he was back at the hospital, staring at an empty bed. “No, no, no!” he screamed, waking up in a cold sweat. The room was dark and silent, but the fear lingered. He lay back down, heart pounding, unable to shake the terrible image. “It was just a dream,” he whispered, trying to convince himself. The next morning, his nightmare felt almost real when he received a call from the hospital, filling him with dread. The phone rang sharply, jolting him awake. “Hello?” he answered, voice shaking. “Mr. Jones, this is Dr. Stevens,” came the reply. Dalton’s stomach twisted into knots. “What’s happened?” he asked, barely breathing. The doctor paused, and the silence was unbearable. Dalton gripped the phone, bracing himself for the worst news imaginable. Fearfully, Dalton answered the phone, bracing himself for the worst news imaginable, but receiving different news instead. “Mr. Jones,” the doctor began, “we have an update on Lila.” Dalton’s heart raced. “What is it?” he asked, voice tight with fear. “Lila has woken up,” the doctor said. Dalton blinked in disbelief. “She’s awake?” he repeated. “Yes,” the doctor confirmed. Relief washed over Dalton, his legs feeling weak. This was the miracle he’d prayed for. To his astonishment, the hospital informed him that Lila had woken up from her coma. “She’s conscious and responsive,” the doctor added, a hint of a smile in his voice. Dalton felt tears of joy welling up. “Thank you, thank you,” he kept repeating, hardly able to believe it. “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” he said, hanging up. His heart soared as he rushed to get ready, his mind racing with emotions. Overwhelmed with joy, Dalton realized his nightmare had been replaced with a hopeful reality. “She’s back,” he whispered to himself, smiling through his tears. Every fear and doubt melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude. He thought of all the moments he’d sat by her side, talking and confessing. “It wasn’t for nothing,” he said aloud, feeling a new surge of hope. The drive to the hospital felt like a dream. Dalton dashed off to the hospital, elated by the news of Lila’s awakening and eager to see her. He barely remembered the drive, his thoughts solely focused on Lila. Parking haphazardly, he sprinted through the hospital doors. “I’m here to see Lila Jones,” he told the receptionist, breathless. She nodded, recognizing him instantly. “Room 203,” she said with a smile. Dalton took off, his heart pounding with anticipation and joy as he neared her room. Upon arrival, he found a doctor and nurse by Lila’s side, witnessing her angry expression. Dalton paused at the doorway, his joy momentarily tempered by confusion. “Lila?” he called softly, stepping inside. The nurse glanced at him, then back at Lila, whose eyes were blazing. “Dalton,” she said, her voice sharp. The doctor looked between them, sensing the tension. Dalton’s heart sank a bit, but he approached, determined to understand. “What’s wrong?” he asked gently. Confused, Dalton approached, and Lila furiously declared, “You’ll regret this.” Her voice was icy, and her eyes were filled with anger. Dalton stopped in his tracks, stunned. “Lila, what are you talking about?” he asked, his mind racing. He glanced at the doctor and nurse, who looked equally puzzled. “You think I didn’t hear you?” Lila spat, her words cutting through the air. Dalton’s heart pounded as he tried to understand her rage. Shocked by her anger, Dalton struggled to understand what she meant and why she was upset. “Lila, I don’t get it,” he stammered, his confusion growing. “What did I do?” Lila’s glare didn’t soften. “You think you can just spill your secrets and I wouldn’t know?” she snapped. Dalton’s mind reeled. “I thought you were in a coma,” he said weakly. Her expression didn’t change. The room felt charged with unspoken words and intense emotion. The tension in the room was palpable as Dalton tried to process Lila’s unexpected reaction. “Lila, please, can we talk about this?” he pleaded. She crossed her arms, her face hard. “Talk? You want to talk now?” she mocked. Dalton looked at the doctor, hoping for help, but found none. The nurse shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” Dalton said, his voice shaking. He felt like the ground was slipping away beneath him. Dalton voiced his confusion, prompting Lila to reveal she had heard everything he said while in the coma. “I heard every word,” she said, her voice cracking. “Every confession, every secret.” Dalton’s eyes widened in shock. “But how?” he asked, his mind spinning. “They said you wouldn’t remember,” he muttered. Lila shook her head, tears in her eyes. “I was there, Dalton. I heard it all,” she said, her voice filled with pain and betrayal. Stunned by the revelation, Dalton attempted to deny it, but Lila was firm in her accusation, saying a secret that she could only know if she heard what he had said while comatose. “I don’t believe you,” Dalton said, shaking his head. Lila’s eyes flashed. “You said you regretted not spending more time with me,” she said. Dalton froze. “Lila, I…” he began, but she cut him off. “Don’t lie to me, Dalton,” she said firmly. Feeling betrayed, Lila asked the doctor to call security, not wanting to see Dalton anymore. “Get him out of here,” she demanded, her voice trembling with anger. Dalton’s eyes widened in shock. “Lila, please,” he begged, but she turned away. The doctor stepped in, trying to mediate. “Mr. Jones, it’s best if you leave for now,” he said firmly. Dalton felt his heart shatter, realizing how deep her hurt and betrayal went. The doctor, respecting Lila’s wishes, requested Dalton leave the room to give her space or otherwise call security. “Mr. Jones, we don’t want to escalate this,” the doctor said gently but firmly. Dalton nodded numbly, tears blurring his vision. “I understand,” he whispered, backing away. “I’ll go.” He took one last look at Lila, hoping she might change her mind, but her expression remained cold and unyielding. Dalton turned and walked out, feeling utterly defeated. Heartbroken, Dalton reluctantly exited, his mind racing with how to explain himself to Lila. As he walked down the corridor, his thoughts were a jumble of regret and desperation. “I have to make this right,” he murmured to himself. The hospital walls seemed to close in on him, amplifying his loneliness. Each step felt heavier than the last. “How could I have been so stupid?” he thought, his heart aching with the weight of his mistakes. Dalton, devastated, decided to stay in the hospital, sitting in a chair a little way outside Lila’s room. He couldn’t bring himself to leave entirely. “I’ll wait here,” he thought, hoping she might calm down and want to see him. The hours dragged on, each minute feeling like an eternity. Nurses passed by, offering sympathetic looks. Dalton barely noticed, his mind consumed with thoughts of Lila. “I need to be here,” he reminded himself. Dalton hoped to find a way to make amends and regain her trust despite her anger. “I won’t give up on us,” he vowed quietly. He replayed their conversations in his mind, searching for the right words to say. “She has to know I love her,” he thought, clinging to hope. Every sound from her room made his heart leap. “Maybe she’ll let me explain,” he hoped. Dalton’s determination grew stronger, even as the uncertainty gnawed at him. The doctor and nurse eventually left Lila’s room. This gave Dalton a chance to sneak into her room and talk to her alone. He waited until the hallway was clear before quietly slipping through the door. The room was dim, the only sound being the soft hum of medical equipment. “Lila, it’s me,” he whispered, moving closer to her bed. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever reaction she might have. Dalton entered quietly, only to find Lila asleep in her bed once more. He paused, watching her chest rise and fall with each breath. Relief washed over him, mingled with anxiety. “Maybe this is a chance to think,” he thought, sitting down gently in the chair by her side. The tension of the past hours weighed heavily on him, but he was determined to make things right, even if she was still angry. Knowing she would wake up soon, Dalton sat beside her, contemplating his next words carefully. “What do I say first?” he wondered, staring at her peaceful face. He rehearsed different apologies in his mind, searching for the right balance of honesty and remorse. “Lila, I need you to understand why,” he murmured to himself. The silence in the room felt thick with anticipation. He knew this conversation could change everything. He was determined to explain his secrets and reasons for hiding them, hoping for understanding. “Lila, there’s so much you don’t know,” he began softly, his voice trembling. He reached for her hand but stopped short, unsure if his touch would be welcome. “I was scared,” he admitted, more to himself than to her. He knew he had to be honest, no matter how difficult it might be. This was his chance to make things right. Lila woke up an hour later, screaming at the sight of Dalton, filled with anger and betrayal. “Get out!” she yelled, her voice hoarse but strong. Dalton jumped back, his heart pounding. “Lila, please,” he pleaded, but she cut him off. “I don’t want to hear it,” she spat, tears streaming down her face. Her anger was palpable, and Dalton felt the weight of her pain. “Just let me explain,” he begged desperately. Dalton quickly shushed her, begging for a chance to explain himself and their situation. “Lila, please, just listen,” he pleaded, his voice trembling with desperation. She glared at him, but the anger in her eyes was mixed with pain. “Why should I?” she demanded. Dalton took a deep breath, his heart aching. “Because you need to understand why,” he said softly. “I need you to hear my side.” Lila’s expression softened just a fraction. He asked Lila what she remembered hearing during her coma, seeking clarity on what the reason for her anger was. “What exactly did you hear?” he asked gently, trying to piece together the source of her rage. Lila’s eyes narrowed. “You spilled all your little secrets,” she snapped. “But that’s not what hurt the most.” Dalton’s heart sank. “Then what was it?” he asked, dreading her response. The room felt tense, every word hanging heavy in the air. Lila tells him she didn’t care much for his “small” secrets, giving examples of what he had said. “You lost your wedding ring and found it again. Big deal,” she said, rolling her eyes. “You’re afraid of heights? So what?” Dalton listened, his stomach in knots. “It’s not those things, Dalton,” she continued, her voice shaking. “Those didn’t matter to me. It’s something else you said that broke my heart.” Dalton felt a chill run down his spine. Lila then recounted hearing him say “she wasn’t the only woman in his life,” which deeply hurt her. “You said there was someone else,” she whispered, tears welling up. “How could you?” Dalton’s eyes widened in shock. “Lila, no, it’s not what you think,” he started, but she shook her head. “I heard you, Dalton,” she said, her voice filled with pain. “You said it clearly. I’m not your only love.” Dalton felt his world crumbling around him. Dalton, desperate to clarify, began to explain the context of his secret and why he hid it. “Lila, please, let me explain,” he said urgently. “It’s not what you think.” She stared at him, her eyes full of hurt and mistrust. “Then what is it, Dalton?” she demanded. He took a deep breath, knowing this was his only chance to make things right. “It’s about my past,” he began. “There’s something I’ve never told you, something I’m ashamed of.” Dalton confessed he had a child from a teen pregnancy, a secret he had kept for many years. “Lila, I have a daughter,” he said, his voice breaking. Lila’s eyes widened in shock. “What?” she whispered, her anger momentarily giving way to surprise. “Her name is Emily,” Dalton continued, his heart heavy. “I was so young, and it all happened before I met you.” He looked at her, hoping she could see his sincerity. He explained his daughter, Emily, lived across the country and he didn’t want to worry Lila early on in their relationship. “Emily lives in California,” Dalton said quietly. “I didn’t tell you because I was scared you’d leave me.” Lila’s expression softened slightly. “Why didn’t you trust me?” she asked, hurt still evident in her voice. “I was a coward,” Dalton admitted, tears in his eyes. “I thought I could protect you by keeping it secret.” He mentioned Emily’s upcoming wedding and his desire for honesty, fearing Lila might not wake up. “Emily’s getting married soon,” he said, his voice trembling. “When you were in the coma, I realized I couldn’t keep lying. I needed to be honest, in case…” His voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought. Lila looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. “You thought I might die,” she said softly. Lila listened, conflicted by Dalton’s explanation but beginning to understand his reasons. “I can see why you felt trapped,” she said slowly. “But it still hurts, Dalton. You kept this huge part of your life from me.” Dalton nodded, his heart aching. “I know, and I’m so sorry,” he said, reaching for her hand. She didn’t pull away this time, but her grip was hesitant. “I just need to know everything now,” Lila said firmly. Lila demanded proof of Dalton’s claims, seeking validation of his long-hidden secret. “If this is true, show me,” she said, her voice steady. Dalton nodded, understanding her need for proof. “I will,” he promised. “I have pictures, financial records, messages. I’ll show you everything.” Lila’s eyes searched his, looking for any sign of deceit. “Okay,” she said finally. “I need to see it.” Dalton felt a glimmer of hope. “I’ll get everything,” he assured her. Dalton showed her pictures, financial records, and communication with Emily and her mother. “Here are photos from her childhood,” he said, handing Lila an album. She flipped through it, seeing Emily grow up in the snapshots. “These are the financial statements,” he continued, pointing out the child support payments. “And these are the messages between us.” Lila read them, seeing the truth in every word and image. “I’m sorry I hid this from you,” Dalton said softly. Lila, though still hurt, began to soften as she saw the tangible evidence of Dalton’s honesty. “I can see she means a lot to you,” she said, her voice quiet. Dalton nodded. “She does, but so do you,” he replied. Lila’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s just so much to take in,” she whispered. Dalton reached out, hesitantly touching her hand. “I understand,” he said. “I just want you to know everything now.” She struggled with the prolonged deception but recognized the social stigma of teen parents. “It must have been hard,” Lila said, looking at a picture of a young Emily. Dalton sighed. “It was,” he admitted. “I was scared and ashamed.” Lila nodded, her expression softening further. “I wish you had told me sooner,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. Dalton squeezed her hand gently. “I wish I had too,” he said. Lila expressed a desire to rebuild trust, willing to give Dalton a chance to make things right. “I need time, Dalton,” she said, her voice steady. “But I want to try.” Dalton’s heart lifted at her words. “Thank you, Lila,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. “I’ll do whatever it takes to earn your trust back.” She nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. “We’ll take it one day at a time,” she said. For now, though, Lila knew she had to rest as she asked Dalton to leave the room so she could mull everything over again. “I need some time alone,” she said gently. Dalton nodded, understanding. “Of course,” he replied. “I’ll be just outside if you need me.” He stood up and kissed her forehead softly. “Thank you for listening,” he said. Lila closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the day’s revelations. “Goodnight, Dalton,” she whispered. Months later, Lila had fully recovered, and she and Dalton attended Emily’s wedding together. The ceremony was beautiful, the sun shining brightly as Emily walked down the aisle. Lila held Dalton’s hand tightly, feeling a mix of emotions. “Thank you for being here,” Dalton whispered to her. Lila smiled, nodding. “I wouldn’t miss it,” she replied. The past months had been a journey, but they stood together, ready to embrace the future. Lila and Emily met for the first time, creating a moment of connection and new beginnings. “It’s so nice to finally meet you,” Emily said, hugging Lila warmly. “I’ve heard so much about you.” Lila smiled, feeling the sincerity in Emily’s words. “It’s wonderful to meet you too, Emily,” she replied. They shared stories and laughter, finding common ground and building a bond. The meeting was a step towards healing and unity for their family. The wedding symbolized a fresh start for Dalton and Lila, strengthening their relationship. As they watched Emily and her new husband dance, Lila leaned into Dalton. “This is a new beginning for us too,” she said softly. Dalton nodded, his eyes full of love. “I know,” he agreed. “I’m so grateful for this chance.” The music played on, and they danced together, feeling closer than ever. The wedding was a celebration of love and second chances. Surrounded by family, they celebrated Emily’s special day, marking a new chapter in their lives. “To new beginnings,” Dalton toasted, raising his glass. Lila and Emily joined in, smiling brightly. The day was filled with joy and laughter, each moment a reminder of how far they had come. “We’re all together now,” Lila said, feeling content. Dalton squeezed her hand, his heart full. “Yes, we are,” he replied. They embraced the happiness of the day. Dalton and Lila looked forward to a future built on honesty, trust, and mutual support. “We’ve got a lot to look forward to,” Lila said as they drove home. Dalton nodded, smiling. “I’m excited for what’s ahead,” he replied. They knew there would be challenges, but they were ready to face them together. “No more secrets,” Dalton promised. Lila smiled, feeling a sense of peace. “No more secrets,” she agreed. Their journey was just beginning, and they faced it hand in hand.