Five days later…

 

“Hey man…what’s the rush?” Zacky asked as Matt stuffed the last of his things into his duffle bag and zipped it up.

 

“I need to get back. I’ve already been away for too long.” Matt said as he picked up the bag. “If you guys are going to insist on staying another night, I’ll rent a car and drive home myself.” He said as he walked towards the door of the tour bus.

 

“This is about her, isn’t it?” Brian asked as he looked over at Matt.

 

“I don’t expect you guys to understand.” Matt replied as he looked around at his friends. “Hell, even I don’t understand. All I know is that I need to be there with her. I will never forgive myself if I don’t make it back in time and she’s all alone when they turn off the life support.”

 

“She really means a lot to you, doesn’t she?” Johnny asked as he put his hand on Matt’s shoulder.

 

“Yeah, she does.” Matt replied. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a six hour drive ahead of me.” He added as he opened the bus door.

 

“Matt…wait.” Zacky called to him. “If it’s that important to you…we can head back now.”

 

“Yeah, you shouldn’t be alone right now either.” Brian added. “I’ll even take the first shift.” He added as he stood up and headed towards the front of the bus.

 

“You guys are great.” Matt said as he closed the door and tossed his duffle bag onto the floor.

 

“Yeah, we know.” Jimmy said with a grin.

 

“It’s going to be a long night and I’m sure you’re going to want us to drop you off at the hospital when we get into town.” Zacky said, looking over to Matt. “You should try to get some sleep while you can.”

 

“That’s probably not a bad idea.” Matt said with a yawn as he walked towards his bunk. He stopped and looked back at the guys. “Thanks, you guys. I owe you one.” He added with a smile before continuing to his bed.

 

Matt climbed into his bunk and attempted to get comfortable. It was only a matter of a few minutes before he felt the bus start to move. He couldn’t help but smile as he thought about getting back to see Kylie. He couldn’t believe how much he missed her these past five days. He hasn’t received a call from the hospital and all week and in cases like these…no news is good news. Well, at least that is what he has been telling himself. He closed his eyes and allowed sleep to take over his mind and body.

 

“Matt…Matt wake up.” Zacky said as he approached Matt’s bunk. “Matt, we’re here.” He added as he grabbed a hold of his arm and shook him awake.

 

“Huh?” Matt said as he opened his eyes slightly. “What the hell Zacky.”

 

“We’re at the hospital.” Zacky said. “But if you would rather sleep….”

 

Matt jumped up out of the bunk and pushed past Zacky to get to the front of the bus.

 

“Do you want us to pick you up later?” Brian asked as Matt reached the front door.

 

“Nah, I’ll grab a cap.” Matt said as he pushed the door open. “Thanks again you guys.” He added as he looked around at his friends.

 

“Call us if you need anything.” Zacky said as Matt walked out the door.

 

Matt rushed through the front doors of the hospital and headed straight for the elevator. He pushed the button and looked around as he waited. Just as the elevator dinged, announcing its arrival, he noticed a flash of light behind him as the morning clerk was opening the gift shop. Matt turned around and smiled as he took a few steps towards the now open gift shop door.

 

“Good morning.” The clerk said with a smile as he stepped inside.

 

“Good morning.” Matt replied, returning her smile.

 

He walked straight to the flower cooler and picked out a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He took them up to counter and paid the clerk before returning to the elevator. He stepped inside and pushed the button for the sixth floor repeatedly until the doors finally closed and the elevator started to move. He tapped his foot impatiently on the floor as he watched the numbers above the door slowly change.

 

When the elevator stopped and the doors finally opened Matt rushed out and hurried down the hall towards Kylie room. He stopped for a moment in front of her door and took a deep breath. He caught himself adjusting his ball cap and smoothing out his wrinkled t-shirt and couldn’t help but smile. He slowly pushed open the door and stepped inside.

 

Matt had only taken a few steps into the room when he stopped suddenly. The smile quickly disappeared from his from his face and the flowers he had been carrying fell to the floor. He stepped backwards until his back hit the wall. He stood there for a moment starring over at the empty bed where Kylie had been when he left her just a few days before. He felt tears start to run down his cheeks as he slid slowly down the wall. He pulled his knees into his chest and shook his head in disbelief.

 

“She’s gone…she can’t be gone…” he muttered to himself before leaning his head on his knees and started to cry.