Amidst the joy, doubt began to creep in. Their hearts said he knew them — that tender smile upon recognizing their faces was undeniable. Yet, the practicalities weighed on their minds. Could he talk again, or walk? Would the basics have to be relearned, step by painstaking step? The path before them shimmered with hope, but it was interlaced with shadows of uncertainty.
To their relief, Oliver showed promising signs. After a few tense minutes, he managed to push a few words past his lips. It wasn’t much, but the weight of what he uttered struck deep. Hearing what he said, they were taken aback and, truthfully, a bit alarmed. Perhaps the accident and the prolonged coma had taken more of a toll on him than they had feared…