He starts to speak, then falters. He is looking for Paris’s mother, as he doesn’t feel comfortable revealing information to anyone but the next of kin. This doctor is short, about five-six with blond wisps that go every which way but down. He is wearing round glasses that half hide keen blue eyes. My mother informs him with a smile that the Jensons are at the hotel because it’s been such a hard time for Mrs. Jenson, as my mother is sure the doctor can appreciate. The doctor’s sternness melts a little under the warmth of my mother’s smile. Lyle presses the doctor for information, causing the doctor to look at him with a faint look of alarm. Lyle introduces himself; Dr. Price reciprocates, looking at me questioningly. I tell him my name, nodding at him in a friendly fashion. The doctor relaxes, then tells us what’s happened.
“Ms. Liang reported movement as well as speech. This is a good sign. His vitals are stable, and his countenance is strong. I would feel better if he would emerge from his coma for a prolonged period of time, however.”
“So you’re saying not much has changed,” Lyle says dispiritedly.
“Not at all, Mr. Kingston. I’m very pleased that he responded to stimuli. Keep trying to connect with him so he wants to come back to us.” Dr. Price hesitates, then continues. “I have a feeling that for some reason, Mr. Frantz does not want to fight his way back. For whatever reason. By all rights, he should be out of the coma. I would urge you all to try to convince him to fight. That’s about all I can tell you right now.” He shakes each of our hands again, lingering a minute longer with my mother’s, then hurries away.
“I think he likes you,” I tease my mother, who doesn’t respond.
“So do we call the Jensons or what?” Lyle throws the question out again, waiting for someone to make a decision.