Several Days Later

  The serene atmosphere enveloping Le Chateau de Fortier was pierced by the rhythmic hum of rotor blades, a sound that briefly cut through the dawn’s tranquility. Seven guided the helicopter to a precise landing on the estate’s helipad, the whirring gradually diminishing as the aircraft settled.

  He stepped out, the crisp morning air greeting him like an old friend, carrying hints of dew and fresh earth. Yet, despite the stillness around him, a storm churned within.

  A safe distance from the helipad, three familiar faces awaited him. Alain’s expression was steadfast, Amélie’s warm, and Leona’s, one of maternal affection. He returned their greetings with a faint smile, masking the swirl of emotions behind his calm exterior. Together, they walked toward the mansion, their footsteps muffled by the rustling leaves.

  As they neared Angus’s bedroom, his stride faltered. This wasn’t just a professional challenge anymore. The man lying unconscious beyond the door was his father by blood, and that truth had reshaped the meaning of everything to come.

  Inside, Angus lay still, his chest rising and falling with a mechanical rhythm that had remained unchanged for decades. Seven took a steadying breath as he arranged the needles with clinical detachment, channeling the focus of a healer.

  One by one, he pierced each acupoint with precision, then pegged the electro-connectors to each needle, transforming them into conduits to transmit currents of energy beneath the surface of Angus’s skin. Seven’s brow furrowed as he went through the motions, his practiced hands steady.

  After the treatment, he removed the last needle and broke the silence, “You may talk to him now,” he urged. “Remember, he responds to provocation.”

  Alain leaned forward. “Angus,” he began, his timbre carrying both challenge and pain, “Twenty-seven years is a long time. Too long. Do you know what you’ve put Leona through? She’s waited endlessly for you. Maybe it’s time she lets go of you. Let her find someone who will live beside her, not in memories.”

  Amélie followed, her tone sharp, almost biting, yet saturated with maternal love. “Your father’s right, Angus. Enough of this. If you don’t wake up soon, you’ll lose her. And us. We’ve carried this hope for so long… we’re old now, we don’t know how long we can hold on.”

  Leona hesitated as she edged closer. Her voice broke as she spoke, each word a dagger to her heart. “Angus, if you don’t wake up soon, I’ll let you go. I’ll move on. I’ll live without you. Is that what you want? For me to love someone else?” She wavered, her tears betraying her. “Wake up, or I swear, I’ll do it.”

  Their harsh words hung in the air, a dare only Angus could answer.

  At first, there was nothing. Seven’s attention remained fixed on him, searching for any signs of change. However, as they spoke, Angus’s facial muscles twitched. A ripple of movement coursed through his hands, his fingers curling into fists as his breathing grew more pronounced… until his eyelids fluttered open, confusion and wonder spilling from his gaze like a newborn seeing the world anew.

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  “Angus,” Alain choked out, his trembling hand landing on his son’s shoulder. “It’s Dad.”

  A hoarse whisper escaped Angus’s cracked lips. “Dad.”

  Amélie’s tears spilled freely down her cheeks. “Son,” she sobbed. “You’re finally awake.”

  His head tilted slightly, recognition flickering in his tired eyes. “Mom,” he rasped.

  Leona could no longer hold back. She surged forward, taking his hand and pressing it to her lips. “Angus,” she whispered with longing, teardrops falling onto his skin. “My love.”

  He shifted his gaze, a faint glimmer of remembrance crossing his face. “L–Leona,” he murmured. “M–My darling.”

  She inclined her head, tears welling. “We were in an accident, and you fell into a coma. It’s been 27 years.” Her words hit him like a tsunami.

  Leona drew a deep breath and pressed on, “Do you remember? Landry was abducted the day he was born. But several days ago, we finally found him. And… it was Landry who brought you out of your coma.”

  At last, he noticed a young man standing at the edge, a face so achingly familiar it gave him goosebumps. Seven’s pulse quickened. “Father,” he said softly, “I’m Landry.”

  “Landry,” he whispered, as though testing the name.

  Seven echoed, “Yes, Father. It’s me.”

  Angus stared at him with awe and wonder as he croaked, “M–My son.” He thought, I’ve been asleep for 27 long years… everyone and everything continued along the passage of time… my son is even older than when I went under.

  Alain, Amélie, and Leona wore a kaleidoscope of emotions on their faces—joy and relief intermingled with traces of disbelief. Yet Seven, ever the consummate professional, tempered the momentous occasion with quiet caution.

  “Grandpa,” he began, his voice steady but laced with concern, “there’s something you all need to know.” He hesitated before pushing forward. “Dad’s condition is still fragile. After decades in a coma, his body isn’t ready for sudden movements or intense activity. There’s even a risk he could slip back into unconsciousness if we’re not careful.”

  A hush fell over the room. Angus’s expression grew pensive, the warning casting a shadow over the joy of his awakening.

  Seven pressed on, “We need to take every precaution: he’ll need comprehensive scans to assess his brain, muscles, and overall condition. His body has endured decades of atrophy; his convalescence demands dedication and patience.”

  He turned to the trio, ensuring his words reached them all. “As for his diet, we’ll start him on nutrient-rich liquids, gradually transitioning to mashed solids. His digestive system needs time to adjust, so I’ll design a tailored menu that the chef must follow strictly.”

  His gaze softened as it landed on his mother. “Acupuncture will remain a cornerstone of his recovery. I’ll continue sessions every few days to improve blood flow and reduce any residual neural damage.

  “Additionally, Dad will need a full-time physiotherapist to oversee daily sessions. It’s critical to rebuild his muscle mass and coordination. I’ll work with the therapist to ensure his dietary needs align with his physical demands.”

  Alain nodded firmly, his demeanor reflecting compliance. “We’ll follow your advice to the letter. We’ll do whatever it takes.”

  Leona leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Angus’s forehead. She vowed, “We’ll get through this together.”

  Amélie edged closer, brushing her fingers against her son’s cheek. “You’ve come back to us. We’ll do everything to help you find your strength again.”

  Seven observed the family’s unity. Though the road ahead would be long and arduous, they would face it together—step by step, day by day. And Angus, bolstered by their love and the unparalleled resources at their disposal, had every chance to reclaim his life.