The doctor turned to me.

“You are our patient, Natalie.

We will speak with you whenever you’re able to make decisions.”

I nodded, grateful that someone understood what I had meant.

Just before the anesthesiologist leaned down to explain what came next, Warren called through the open doorway.

“I will be here when you wake up.”

I didn’t know why I believed him.

Maybe because he had already proved that a stranger could arrive when the person who made vows to me would not.