AbbigailBeth has been distant since Melanie told us Shawn was shot on the return to base. I can't say I blame her, I would be distant too if it were Melanie. Since we arrived back in America she's been sleeping in Shawn's room. On my way to say goodnight to her before joining Melanie in the guest house, I'd pause outside the door and listen to her beg God to give Shawn back.I let myself in and climb in the bed to face her. Her eyes were wet, a deep sadness in them I wish I could wipe away. She was clutching onto Shawn's hoodie, a wet spot visible from where her face had been buried into it while crying. Melanie slips in the bed behind her and she shutters a calming breath. I wipe her eyes and watch as they close with her letting out a sleepy sigh.I kiss my cousin's forehead and hold hands with her as she falls asleep, like we always do when one of us is hurting. I look behind her at Melanie and could see she felt something for Beth. I don't say anything about it because I'd be a hy

ShawnI just woke up from another coma after having spinal surgery. My wife is two months away from giving birth to our daughter and I basically spent her pregnancy in a fucking coma. The doctor is here now doing an exam on my neurological system to see if I'm paralyzed or not. So far I have full use from the waist up and now we're about to check from the waist down. I look teary eyes to Beth who has been standing at my side holding my hand. She gives me a reassuring smile and kisses the back of my hand. "I love you, you, Shawn. Not your ability to walk, nothing will change that, okay," she says in a soothing whisper and I nod vigorously."I'm ready," I say quietly, letting out a calming breath.My feet are exposed and the doctor uses a tool to tickle the bottom of my feet. I let out laughing sobs as I jerk my feet away from her. I cover my face with my hands the realization of how much worse this could have been. I could have died and Beth would have been raising our daughter alone.