2 days later...

INT. GREY SLOAN MEMORIAL – ICU ROOM – NIGHT

The room is dim, quiet except for the steady beeping of monitors.

Link lies motionless, pale, breathing on his own now — a sign things are improving. The sedation has been lifted, but he hasn’t woken yet. 

Jo is curled in the chair beside him, fingers laced with his.

She hasn’t left except to shower and change. She’s slept in short, restless snatches, always half-awake, tuned to every shift in his breathing.

Her head rests near his arm; exhaustion makes her breath shallow and uneven.

Link stirs — a tiny shift — then a weak squeeze of her hand.

Jo’s eyes snap open. She sees his lids fluttering, his eyes beginning to open.

A breath leaves her body like she’s finally exhaling after two relentless days.

She leans in, eyes shining with relief.

JO
(soft, breaking)
Hey, baby.

LINK
(blinking slowly)
Hey...

His voice is hoarse, barely there.

Jo starts to cry quietly. Tears of pure relief, no words needed.

LINK
(weak, whispering, confused)
How long… was I out?

JO
Almost two days.

He studies her face — the exhaustion, the rawness, the fear she hasn’t let go of yet.

LINK
(gathering strength)
How long since you slept?

JO
(small, tired smile)
I’ve been right here.

That hits him. Hard. He closes his eyes, overwhelmed.

LINK
The kids…?

JO
Your parents. They’re with them.
Everyone’s okay.

A tear slips from the corner of her eye.

JO
Do you remember what happened?

Link tries to nod, but winces, then breathes carefully.

LINK
(voice breaking)
Yeah…
(a long, silent beat)
I love you.
That’s all I’ve got right now.

Jo’s face crumples. She leans closer, forehead almost touching his.

JO
You scared the hell out of me.

LINK
(pained whisper)
I’m sorry…

His eyes search hers — fragile, scared, trusting.

LINK
Everything’s… okay now?

JO
(firm, emotional)
Everything’s fine now.
You’re here. That’s all that matters.

A long silence. The good kind. Warm. Fragile. 

LINK
(whispering)
I just… want to hold you.

Jo stands slowly, careful not to disturb any lines, and cups his face. She kisses him — gentle, grounding.

JO
I love you.

LINK
I love you.

A quiet, emotional moment passes between them.

She brushes his hair back, her fingers trembling.

JO
I’ll call the nurse to let them know you’re awake.

LINK
My body hurts from everywhere… 

JO 
We’ll give you something for the pain. 

She squeezes his hand, grounding him again.

FADE OUT.