The following day, Richie woke up feeling weak and looked a little pale. He blinked his eyes open, taking in the familiar surroundings of the hospital room. The first person he called was Leah.

"Leah?" Richie croaked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Leah, who had been dozing in a chair by his bedside, snapped awake. She couldn't contain her joy as she rushed over to him, calling for the doctors. "Richie! Oh my God, you're awake! Doctor, come quick, he's awake!"

The doctor came in swiftly, ...