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[b][i]Cedars-Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles California:[/b][/i]

Jack Winstone sits at the bedside of his little sister, watching over her as if she were simply sleeping. However, the constant beeping of the machines which monitor her vital signs, as well as the “wooshing” sound of the artificial respirator pumping oxygen into her lungs serves as a constant reminder that his little sister is not just sleeping, she is fighting for her life. 

From the moment he heard of Alexa’s accident, Jack has sat at her side. He’s tried to keep a positive outlook on things, and he’s tried to be strong. However, the pessimistic stance that the doctors have almost universally held has made keeping a strong front very difficult. As he sits beside his sister, he is suddenly aware of someone else in the room with them. He looks up to see the tear streaked face of his mother looking down at the two of them.

“It’s time.” She says as she motions for Jack to follow her. 

Reluctantly, Jack gets up from his seat beside Alexa and follows his mother out of the room. The family is scheduled to meet with Dr. Philip Ross, the doctor who had taken the lead in Alexa’s case, and a close friend of the family, where they will discuss their options. As Jack and his mother walk into the small conference room, they find Mr. Winstone already seated at a large oak table. 

Jack takes a seat across from his father and waits for Dr. Ross to arrive. The Winstones don’t have to wait very long, as only a few moments later Dr. Ross appears and takes a seat at the large round table. 

“So, as we’ve discussed, Alexa suffered catastrophic damage to her central nervous system as well as a number of her internal organs. As of now, there is no brainwave activity, and we have little hope that there will be any.” Dr. Ross says grimly. 

“What are you saying Phil?” Jonathan Winston asks, although he already knows the answer, he wants to hear the doctor say it.

“What I’m saying John, is that there’s very little chance that she’ll ever wake up. Even if she does, she’ll more than likely be in a vegetative state. Look, I know this is difficult, but you have to think about what would be best for Alexa. Think about what kind of life she would have.” Dr. Ross says, his voice filled with sympathy and understanding.

“Phil, if it was your daughter, your Becky. Would you take her off of life support?” Jonathan asks. The doctor looks down at his folded hands for several seconds before he looks back up at his friend.

“Yes John, I would.”
Mr. Winstone’s eyes meet his wife’s and they both know what they have to do. As hard as it is to say goodbye to their daughter, they know that Dr. Ross is right. Even if Alexa were to somehow wake up, she would have no quality of life, and that just isn’t fair.

“Alright. It’s the right thing to do.” Jonathan says as he tries to fight back tears. 

“I agree John, and I’m sorry.” Dr. Ross says as he leads them out of the conference room to say goodbye to their daughter and sister.

While they are making the short hike from the conference room to Alexa’s hospital room, the lights begin to flicker, at first it is barely noticeable, but then all the lights in the hospital wing go out, just for a moment before coming back on. Fearing that the hospital’s momentary loss of power has robbed them of the chance to say goodbye to Alexa, the Winstones rush into her room, only to find that she is beginning to stir.

The Winstones look on in wonderment as Alexa’s eyes flicker open, and she looks directly at them.

“J-Jack? Mom? Dad? Where am I?” She says weakly to their disbelief.