DANA
"sad? Why would I be sad if I'm here one? Excuse me, I don't really talk to someone I don't know."
I'm thankful he got my point and didn't persist with the conversation. Sad? I don't really get why people associate being alone with sadness. It's the best thing there is. I don't need anyone anyway.
"your menu, Miss." – a waiter
I looked at the menu and ordered smoked salmon with a side of kani salad. For the drinks, they have fresh coconut juice so I asked for that and dried mangoes for dessert. The food came after 15 minutes and quietly, I enjoyed them, my eyes locked on the sea.
Not until I heard my last name on television.
"…Russel was rushed to the hospital today due to a sudden heart attack. Based from our sources, the businessman had been suffering from several health conditions before this attack…"
I cannot hear the rest of the news because a picture of my father on a stretcher inside the emergency vehicle was flashed on the screen and I could hear is the panic that's rising from my gut. I can feel my heartbeat increase its rate… faster and faster.
Dad…
Is that…
And then the realization struck. And when it struck, it strikes hard.
Is that why Zyril called me? And I just ignored it. Maybe it was what she wanted to tell me but I didn't entertain the call. I could not feel anything right now. I could not blink. My eyes were only focused on the screen. It's all I can do as my mind just stopped functioning. What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?
I was just looking at the television screen even when the news has shifted to this new game show that everyone should watch. I… I have to be there, not here, half a world away.
"Miss Dana?" – Santiago came to check on me. I stood up and my world spun. The utensils and the meal dropped on the floor, making the people on the other table glance at my direction.
"I need to go."
"sure. But can you wait a little longer? We have a yacht but we don't have its sailor yet. I'm sorry, Miss Dana but we don't have other choice."
"can you drive it for me? Please? I'll… I'll pay. How much would make you do that? I really need to. Please! I…"
That's when I broke down. My tears streamed and I just can't contain it. I am aware that people are staring at me miserably, but… I just need to be there. I really need to.
"I'll drive the yacht."
Said the man who talked to me a while ago.
Please. Take me home.
"I'll pay you. Just name your price."
I was following the man to the yacht pacing twice as fast as I normally do. Santos has given us the key and the permission to use it. After a quick trip to my bungalow to get my things, I already decided to go home. Scratch all my vacation plans, scratch it all. Dad's the main priority now.
"you don't need to."
"just let me pay… and please take me there as fast as you can. My car's in there anyway."
He didn't respond anymore. Wait, I don't even know this man but I didn't care in that exact moment. All I could think was to get there and see him. Finally, the yacht's engine roared to life and we treaded the ocean. I was standing the entire time, my agitation prohibits me to sit. Finally, my phone has caught a mobile signal. It was hard to get that from the island. With shaking fingers, I called Zyril back. Please, please pick up.
"Zyril, tell me what happened. I just saw the news. Please tell me he's fine. Tell me he's-"
"I cannot say, Miss Dana. I think… I think it's best you just come here and see for yourself."
Her voice was very sad. I guess she's in the hospital right now. what she said only worsened what I felt. The man was listening to the call as well.
"I'll be there as soon as I can. Please tell Dad."
"I'm sorry, Miss Dana." – Zyril said and then the call was off
What was she sorry for?
Please tell me what I'm thinking is wrong. I can't.
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The yacht has docked and I already thanked the man for doing me that favor. He was firm on his decision of not taking my payment so I did not insist anymore. I got my car back from the parking lot and drove back as fast as I can, running red lights and ignoring speed limits. I was fortunate that none of the police was paying attention because I could not use any delays. After 90 minutes, I was back and was parking on the hospital's lot.
Walking to the receptionist was the hardest thing because I was unsure on what to expect. I don't know what kind of information will I hear. As soon as I reached the counter, the receptionist spoke:
"Miss Russel. Please follow me."
I was clutching the bag with both my hands across my chest. The nearest class window showed me my reflection and wow, I looked like a heated mess. My mascara dripped, my lipstick has now faded and my blush gone. I looked away from my reflection and followed the receptionist.
Wait, it's weird. We already walked past the emergency room. Did they transfer him to a private one? I was about to ask the receptionist but I saw Zyril on the hallway outside the farthest door. When she saw me, she ran and gave me a hug. She was… crying?
"Hey, Zyril… it's okay…"
Being three years older, my relationship with Zyril has sometimes been more than just an employee-employer relationship. We can pass as sisters sometimes, and I think this situation is one example of that.
"Miss Dana, he's… he's… I was the one who saw him lying flat in his office. He wasn't moving… it was a really sad sight. I'm so sorry I was too late. "
Too late? What does she mean?
She let go of the hug and that's when the truth slapped me straight in the face. It was the moment I knew where my dad was placed. The receptionist was standing in front of the morgue. He's…
I don't want to say it.