Chapter 8: Morning's Mixed Blessings

As morning sunlight filtered through the hospital windows, casting a warm glow over the room, Harry's condition had taken a turn for the better. His fever had broken, and his body was no longer wracked with chills. However, a new problem had emerged - constipation. The nurse worked to help him, administering medication and trying to make him comfortable. Across the room, Lloyd's situation was far more dire. His disorientation had given way to a sudden and alarming change in his vital signs. The machines beeping around him began to sound their warning, and the nurse rushed to his side. "Lloyd's going into cardiac arrest again!" she cried out, calling for the doctor. Dr. Lee rushed into the room, her face set in a determined expression. "Let's get him on the defibrillator," she ordered. As the nurse worked to attach the paddles, Dr. Lee turned to her colleague, Dr. Patel. "I'm telling you, we shouldn't be doing this," she said, her voice low and urgent. "He's not responding. It's futile." Dr. Patel shook his head. "We can't give up on him, Lee. We have to try everything." The two doctors exchanged a heated glance before Dr. Lee nodded curtly. "Fine. Let's do it." The defibrillator delivered a jolt of electricity to Lloyd's chest, and his body jerked violently in response. The nurse watched anxiously as the machines beeped and whirred, waiting for some sign of recovery. And then, slowly, Lloyd's heart rate began to stabilize. His eyes flickered open, and he looked around the room in confusion. "Where... where am I?" he stammered, his voice weak. The nurse smiled reassuringly. "You're in the hospital, Lloyd. You've been okay, but you've had a bit of a rough time." Lloyd's gaze drifted from the nurse to Dr. Lee and Dr. Patel, who were watching him with serious expressions. "What... what happened?" he asked, his brow furrowed. The nurse hesitated before answering. "You had a cardiac arrest, Lloyd. But we're going to take good care of you. You're going to be okay." Lloyd's eyes narrowed, his expression puzzled. "I... I don't remember," he whispered. "I don't remember anything." The doctors and nurse exchanged concerned glances. Lloyd's confusion was expected, but the extent of his memory loss was still unknown. As they worked to stabilize him, one thing was clear - Lloyd's ordeal was far from over.