Chereads / A Traveler's Story / Chapter 8 - The Pain of Loss (Part 2)

Chapter 8 - The Pain of Loss (Part 2)

Lily rushed inside and soon found Lark on the bed. She tried to wake him up but he wouldn't answer at all. His body felt a bit cold to the touch. She hurriedly called for an ambulance and Lark was soon shifted to a nearby hospital.

Considering the place as a hub for tourists, the hospitals over here were equipped with the latest technology and professional doctors. Meanwhile, in the lobby of the resort, the same man was seated on the sofa, this time the book was not floating in front of him but instead he held it in his hand. Reading the content written in the unknown language that had somehow appeared in the book, the man frowned. He swept his fingers on the characters in a particular pattern and neared a door. He twisted the doorknob as he entered. Despite there being many people in the lobby no one noticed this unknown person with the book.

On the other hand, Lark was shifted to the ICU and the doctor called Lily to explain the situation.

Thankfully the doctor was a lady and was very professional with her work. She did not mince words and conveyed the results.

"How long has the patient been suffering from the condition?"

Lily was taken aback by the sudden question. Noticing her puzzled expression, the doctor showed her the CT-Scan of the brain on the computer and pointed at a certain section as she said.

"This portion, see this? The patient has been suffering from Glioblastoma. The blood results show that the patient was under targeted drug therapy, although we are trying our best we have no idea when the patient will regain consciousness. For now, we must immediately proceed with the surgery as there seem to be signs of the tumor affecting the nerves."

Lily sat there, tears started brimming in her eyes as she soon started crying. She felt her whole world crumbling apart. Lark was the only family left in the whole world. The doctor frowned, although she could sympathize with her, for her the patient was the priority. Just when the doctor was about to leave, there was a knock on the door.

A man wearing a black suit with a book on his waist carrying an envelope in his hands entered the room. He took a seat beside Lily who seemed to be unaware of everything.

"Who are you?" The doctor asked the man.

"I am her assistant. Pardon my intrusion, but I am aware of the situation of the patient. The patient did not wish for this lady here to know about his situation thus I was instructed to carry his will." The man spoke clearly and in a polite manner.

He handed the envelope to the doctor. The doctor took a look at the content of the letter inside the envelope which had the consent of the patient to proceed further with the process.

The doctor looked at the woman who seemed to be trying to calm herself forcefully.

Lily gazed at the person beside her, the man seemed to be familiar to her but then her attention was soon on the piece of paper in the doctor's hand. She was still sobbing, her face was covered in snot and tears. The man beside her took out a handkerchief and handed it to her. She hurriedly wiped her tears and snot with it as the doctor handed her the consent letter.

Lily fought back in order to stop her tears from re-emerging as she recognized the handwriting of Lark.

'Dear Lily, I apologize for the trouble your Uncle is causing you.'

'The man carrying this letter is the assistant that I groomed for you. He shall carry my mantle. In case I lose consciousness and the doctors insist on surgery, let them do it. At least I will still have hope to stay with you for some time more this way.'

'Don't feel sad and disheartened for too long, if I do not make it. Uncle has been happy staying with you for all this time. I have no regret, but Uncle Lark cannot be with you for a long time, although I hope to survive and would love to watch you marry and have kids, uncle cannot say that for sure.'

'Please take care of yourself if I cannot make it, or else my soul won't rest in peace.'

'Uncle Lark.'

The letter was brief and short along with the signature of Lark. The doctor after receiving the confirmation from Lily hurriedly contacted the necessary personnel to prepare for the surgery.

Meanwhile Lily once again started crying. The man beside her patted her back consoling her. Sensing the situation the doctor informed the man about the process and asked him to be prepared.

The man nodded toward the doctor and she left.

"Uncle Lark won't be happy Madam Lily if you keep crying. The doctors will do their best to save him, you must not lose hope. You must stay strong."

The man said and for some reason, Lily was greatly comforted by his words. She even forgot to ask the man for his name, using the handkerchief to wipe away her tears.

She stood up and proceeded towards the waiting area outside the operation room. Soon Lark was moved for surgery and the doctor once again explained the process and the complications with the process. Lily fought hard and listened to everything that the doctor said, asking repeatedly if there was anything that she could do. In response, the doctor sighed and asked her to pray for the patient's recovery.

Even with all the power and wealth, she felt helpless and broken, not able to save her only family. The man accompanying her stood in the corner as he watched everything transpire. His eyes were devoid of any emotion and sorrow.

It was soon night as the moon took over the now darkened sky trying to illuminate the world as much as possible with the moonlight. Lily along with the man was still waiting for the surgery to finish. The night passed by and the light of dawn pierced the windows of the hospital, dying the place with an orange hue.

The doors to the operation theater slid open as the doctor emerged from the room. She glanced at the waiting room and saw Lily sleeping on the bench as the man sat on the bench behind her.

She made her way towards her and called her.

"Miss. Lilly. Miss. Lilly?"