As Spencer slowly drifted back to consciousness, the world around her began to take shape once more. Colors blurred into focus, shapes coalesced into recognizable forms, and voices echoed in the distance like whispers in the wind. With a soft groan, she fluttered her eyelids open, blinking against the harsh glare of the hospital room's fluorescent lights.

The first thing Spencer saw was Rip sitting by her bedside with a look of relief and love etched onto his rugged features. She managed a weak smile, her throat dry and scratchy from disuse, she tries to speak, but no words come out. Instead, she simply reached out a trembling hand towards him, seeking his comfort and reassurance.

"Hey there, cub," Rip said softly, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "You had us all pretty worried there for a while."

Spencer managed a small nod, her gaze shifting to the other side of the bed, where Beth sat with tears of relief and joy in her eyes. Beth reached out to gently brush Spencer's hair back from her forehead, her touch gentle and loving.

"Hey, baby," Beth said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "How are you feeling?"

Spencer didn't say anything, but she nodded gently, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. Then, to Beth's astonishment, Spencer reached up and gently touched the scar that ran across the side of her cheek, her tiny fingers tracing the raised tissue with a sense of concern.

"I saw him, Mama," Spencer whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "He was waiting for me in our perfect meadow."

Beth's heart skipped a beat at Spencer's words, her mind reeling with confusion and disbelief. She didn't understand what Spencer meant. Beth nodded, her thoughts drifting to John, who was still in a coma after the attack. She didn't know how she was going to tell Spencer about what had happened or about the uncertainty of John's condition but she smiled nonetheless, brushing a gentle kiss against her daughter's forehead.

"We missed you so much, baby," Beth murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "We're so glad you're awake."

Spencer took in a sharp breath and winced in pain, her eyelids fluttering closed once more as exhaustion washed over her. Rip leaned in to kiss her forehead, his heart filled with love and gratitude for his daughter's recovery.

"It's alright now," Rip whispered, his voice a soothing presence in the room. "We'll be right here with you."

Just then, the doctor walks in, her expression calm and professional as she assesses Spencer's condition. "During the time that you daughter has been in her coma, her body has been working hard to heal. As a result, I recommend allowing her more time to rest and recover."

"It's normal for coma patients to experience fatigue as they begin to regain consciousness," the doctor explained, her words aimed at easing the parents' concerns."Our team will monitor her condition closely, and we'll update you regularly on her progress. With proper care and time, we're hopeful that we'll be able to discharge her from the hospital soon."

With a nod of understanding, Rip and Beth settled back into their seats, watching over their daughter as she slept. As the doctor left the room, Rip and Beth exchanged a concerned glance, their minds buzzing with questions and uncertainties. The doctor's words hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the long road ahead for Spencer's recovery.

"I can't believe she's awake," Beth whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Beth reached out to take Rip's hand, her grip tight with fear and uncertainty. "What do you think she meant by 'seeing him in her perfect meadow'?"

Rip shook his head, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "I don't know, Beth. It's hard to say. Maybe it was just a dream she had."

"I don't know how we're going to tell her about my dad," Beth said softly, her voice filled with sadness. "About everything that's happened."

Rip squeezed Beth's hand, offering her a silent source of strength and support. "We'll find the right words," he said softly. "For now, let's just focus on helping Spencer get better. The rest will come in time."