Gabe opened his eyes slowly.
The first thing he noticed was the light, too bright, blinding enough to make him wince. His lashes fluttered as he tried to adjust, his head pounding faintly. The world felt hazy, distant, like he was waking from a dream he couldn't quite remember.
Then his gaze shifted.
Fred.
He was seated beside the bed, slouched in the chair like he hadn't moved in hours. One of his hands was gripping Gabe's tightly, knuckles pale with tension, as though he was afraid that the moment he let go, Gabe might disappear again.
"You're awake!!!"
Fred shot to his feet the instant Gabe's eyes opened, his voice echoing far too loudly in the quiet ward.
"Thank goodness," he breathed shakily, squeezing Gabe's hand harder. "I thought I'd already lost you, you bastard."
