Chapter 244: Desperation
No one could have imagined that such a thing would happen. Considering Benjamin's abilities, it shouldn't have turned out this way.
Miguel also understood that the reason for Benjamin's current condition was all in the name of protecting his daughter. Perhaps, in the past, he had some complaints, thinking that Benjamin didn't care about his daughter as much. But now, all those complaints no longer mattered. This man was willing to sacrifice his own life for his daughter, so there was no need to complain anymore.
Miguel entered the hospital room, looking at the now unconscious Benjamin, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort. Any dissatisfaction he held toward Benjamin had evaporated at this moment.
Miguel could only console his daughter, saying, "Martina, don't worry. Benjamin is so capable; he'll be fine. During this time, besides taking care of him, you mustn't neglect your own health. How about you take a break, and let me watch over him? Although I'm getting older, I have some experience in caring for people. Trust me."
It's often said that parents deeply cherish their children, which was certainly true for Miguel. He looked at his daughter's weary appearance and couldn't help but feel a pang of distress. While it was true that Benjamin's condition had been influenced by Martina's daughter, he didn't want to see his daughter's health deteriorate as well. Ideally, both of them would recover together.
Martina understood what Miguel was saying, but understanding and compliance were two different matters. She shook her head. In recent times, aside from keeping vigil by Benjamin's side, she seemed to have no other thoughts.
"No, Dad, I'd rather stay here on my own. So I can have some peace of mind. If I'm not here, I'll feel even worse."
Martina felt a deep, helpless ache in her heart, but she was powerless. After all, such situations were not easily changed, no matter who they happened to.
Miguel let out a deep sigh. "Martina, you've truly endured a lot. I just hope Benjamin wakes up soon, so that both of you can find some relief. I believe he knows you're waiting for him, and he'll muster the strength to wake up quickly."
Martina had heard these kinds of words countless times, and by now, her body and ears had grown numb. She could only hope for a miracle every day, not knowing what else to say.
Now, nearing a month, if Benjamin couldn't wake up, it would be dangerous. According to the doctor, if he remained unresponsive after a month, he might spend the rest of his life in the hospital. It was heartbreaking to see a genius fall into such a fate.
Martina would have preferred that she got injured instead of watching Benjamin suffer. This debt of gratitude was too difficult to repay, especially considering how selflessly he had protected her, something even a fool could see.
Miguel stayed for a while, and upon Martina's strong insistence, he reluctantly returned to a nearby hotel to rest. During this time, Martina continued to keep vigil by Benjamin's side, watching his steady heartbeat, but he showed no sign of waking up.
She repeated over and over, "Please wake up soon. If you're willing to wake up, I promise to do anything you ask."
On the 31st day, Martina dragged her exhausted body back to the hospital.
The doctor examined Benjamin's body again, saying that his physical recovery was reasonable. Still, there were no signs of him waking up, mainly due to brain injuries. If he remained in this condition, the consequences would be unimaginable. The doctor warned Martina to be mentally prepared and not to overexert herself.
Even the doctors felt sorry for Benjamin. A person with his status ending up with such a fate was not something they wanted to see. But they had done their best, and now they had no other options.
During this period, Martina consulted numerous skilled and professional doctors in the hope of a miracle, but the results remained the same. Benjamin's situation was considered relatively fortunate, but it was not the outcome everyone hoped for.
In the evening, Martina persuaded Jack, who had wanted to stay here, but she continued to stay alone by Benjamin's side. She prepared a basin of water for him and carefully wiped his body and face. His long confinement had left his body stiff, which only added to her grief.
Tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes, and her voice trembled. "Can you really not wake up? Do you really not want to see me again?"
A few tears unexpectedly fell onto Benjamin's hand, and he seemed to make a subtle movement, unnoticed by Martina.
Though it was a very subtle movement, anyone observant would have been thrilled to see it. After all, only someone whose consciousness was gradually returning could make such a gesture.
In the evening, Martina gently moved a small bedside cot and lay there. She appeared incredibly helpless. She couldn't sleep soundly, constantly waking up to check on Benjamin's condition. He had become the person she cared about most.
Finally, in the early hours of the morning, Martina felt that Benjamin's body was a bit warm. She called for the doctor to examine him. Just then, the usually unconscious Benjamin suddenly grabbed Martina's hand.
Martina was momentarily stunned, and tears once again fell onto Benjamin's hand.
With a hoarse voice from not speaking for a long time, Benjamin said, "Don't cry; it breaks my heart."
Martina's eyes widened at once, and her feelings at that moment were beyond comprehension. Only she knew how strange her heart truly was.
"You're awake? Benjamin, you're really awake."
Benjamin nodded slightly, his gaze filled with exhaustion and tenderness. Although he hadn't been conscious during this period, he was fully aware of everything Martina had done.
"Yes, I'm awake. If I hadn't woken up, you would have turned into a crying bunny," Benjamin's voice remained hoarse, but the look in his eyes was both heartwarming and reassuring.
Martina couldn't help but smile through her tears. "Nonsense, I didn't cry!"