Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 43 Breaking Point

*James*

Gwen is so excited! As am I. Because this is progress. Holding the dog's leash by myself is huge progress. I don't even know how it happened. It was time to take Maggie out for a walk this morning and I just...I don't know... grabbed her leash! Of course, I couldn't do it the second time and now need Gwen to put the leash in my hand but once it's in my hand, my fingers wrap around it, and I can walk Maggie by myself!

Julia will be so happy to hear this news. I walk through the Avalon door with Maggie. Because Trisha registered her as a med dog, I can bring her everywhere I go.

"Right this way." The nurse leads me down the hall to Julia's room.

All excitement fades away when I see Julia. She's in Nate's arms, completely unresponsive. She's in shock, just like the times she would have memories of her husband's affair and had to write them down in her journal. She would go into shock. But why? Just yesterday she was alert and talking and ok, even under the circumstances. And that was while being in restraints. Today she's not and she still shut down.

"Ha-has she been like this all day??" I fumble with my words, being so distraught over the sight of Julia.

"Yeah. She's been like this since they sedated her again." Nate lays Julia down and gets off her bed. drop Maggie's leash knowing she will stay in the room and take Nate's place. I scoop unresponsive Julia up into my lap, lean back against the wall and brush her hair behind her ears while holding her.

 Julia looks up at me.

She looks up at me and begins to cry in my arms. Then she throws her arms around my neck and buries her face. I hold her and let her cry. 

"Hey, babe." I whisper softly in her ear. "I missed you."

"Still not eating, huh?" The second Jeremy's voice hits Julia's ears, she tenses up and I lose her. She loosens her grip around my neck and closes her eyes. When she eventually opens them, she stares off at nothing. Just hearing Jeremy's voice put her back into shock. I'm so pissed right now.

"She drank two cartons of orange juice." Paul declares and walks out of the room. He's pissed as well. I clench my jaw tight and let me tell you, Jeremy should be glad he didn't step foot into the room because I have the sudden urge to punch him right in the face. Over and over again.

Just like my father would.

I try not to think of that and obviously, refrain from hurting the doctor.

"Well, I guess it's the waiting game now. She will come out of it sooner or later. I'll have a nurse come in soon to have Julia try to use the bathroom." Jeremy hightails it out of the room knowing he's not wanted. 

Nate can tell I'm furious and changes the topic for me.

"Look at you, though, Gallo." Nate nods at my hand that two seconds ago was holding Maggie's leash." You walked Maggie in by yourself."

I stop thinking about Jeremy and smile down at my dog. "Yeah. This morning!" I say with pride. "My sister put the leash in my hand and... I- I just grabbed it. I'll need help picking it up before I leave though." I remind Nate. I don't know why I did that. I never feel the need to remind Nate what I can and can't do. Maybe because I've had to constantly remind my sisters.

"Of course." Nate pauses. "How is it going with your sisters taking care of you? You must be glad to be home." 

I let out a slight sigh and try to think of the words I want to say, which sometimes happens.

"Everything good?"

"It's.... a lot." I pause again, fumbling with my thoughts.

"Take your time, Gallo. I'm not going anywhere." Nate leans forward and pets Maggie.