A black car stopped outside the hospital, from the car came out Melissa and Owen. She had dark circles and her eyes were swollen from stress. She quickly rushed inside the hospital picking up Owen. At the front desk, sat an extremely professional receptionist, there wasn't a single trace of emotion in her face. As it's a high ranking hospital, doctors, nurses and other workers knew English.
Melissa: I'm here to visit Alexander Robinson, he was admitted today.
Receptionist: The man who got shot? He is in the ICU currently. It's in the 5th floor.
Melissa: Thank you.
Melissa quickly rushed there. When she got there, she saw Cindy sitting outside the ICU, her head low. Owen called out, "MOM!" Cindy looked up instantly as Owen came running to her.
Owen: Mom, are you alright?
He said in a worried tone.
Cindy smiled and replied, "Mommy is fine. Your sister is resting right now, you wanna see her?"
Owen nodded and hugged Cindy, "I was scared... that I'd lose you two..."
Cindy smiled and kissed his forehead, she knew he was a brave child and he can runaway to get people to help her and Olivia. She looked up to see Melissa and was surprised seeing her crying like a baby in a corner. Tears filled up her eyes seeing her like this. Cindy stood up and walked to her, "look at me..."
Melissa shrugged, "I'm sorry..."
Cindy: it's not your fault honey...
She hugged Melissa from her back. Melissa turned and hugged her tightly as they both cried like a baby in the hospital corridor.
After a while, a doctor went inside the room when the nurse called him. Cindy and Melissa stood outside anxiously. Few moments later he came out after checking up, "He is conscious now, who is Cindy here?"
It took around two hours to remove the bullets from his back and leg, since then he didn't regain his conciousness.
Cindy stepped forward, "I am Cindy".
Doctor: He's been calling your name since he woke up. You can see him now.
Cindy nodded as the doctor walked away.
Cindy: Owen...
Owen replied obediently, "Yes mom."
Melissa: Go meet Olivia with aunt Melissa. Mommy needs to check up on uncle Alex.
Owen nodded obediently, "Aunt let's go".
Melissa nodded, "Cin..."
Cindy: I'm alright!
Melissa: ok ok. Take care.
After they left, Cindy took a deep breath and walked in. Alex was leaning on the pillow and zoned out while staring at the ceiling. Cindy proceeded to sit by him, at that time, Alex noticed her. He took her hands and asked worriedly, "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Where is Olivia? Is she okay?"
Cindy softly patted his hand, "We are fine, you don't have to stress about us. You should rest well", usually she spoke coldly with Alex but this time her voice had a hint of vulnerability. She looked down and squeezed his hands tightly, "Alex..."
Alex was flabbergasted seeing her like this. Cindy continued, "Thank you for saving my daughter but...".
She paused then continued, "You shouldn't have risked your life like that. The doctor said that the bullet almost missed your heart. what if it didn't?"
He caught her off guard and lifted up her face with his other hand, revealing her teary eyes.
Alex: Oh my god! Why are you crying!? I'm fine! look!
Alex tried to cheer her up but it didn't work. Suddenly, he leaned forward and pulled her in his big arms. Cindy's eyes widened from shock but she didn't resist this time, she hugged him back. It was the same feeling as it was 8 years ago, that distinctive smell of Alex was still the same, she missed it for so long. Alex caressed her hair softly as she cried her eyes out, she still felt home with him. Even though they hugged before after seeing each other for first time after 8 years, but this time there wasn't any anger. They stayed like that for a while.
***