" The patient's condition is getting better by the day. She's showing great signs of improvement. She needs you constant support. Positivity. That's what she needs." The doctor kept peeping at Alec. " I'm sorry but...young man. Are you alright? "
The doctor said exactly what everyone was thinking. Alec was leaning against the wall. His suit was soaked halfway and he was in flip-flops.
" Uhm..." He looked around absent mindedly and smiled. " I'm absolutely okay. Never been better."
No one was buying that but they didn't ask questions.
" Okay. " The doctor dismissed the topic. " The first surgery will be scheduled for the beginning of next month. For now , she'll be under observation. " He turned to Alec again. " Son, you should meet her. "
Derrick and Ruth glanced at eachother. Alec hadn't seen Freya since the accident. He blamed himself for not being able to save her.
" Bro , " Ruth hugged him from the back as she spoke, " I love you. "
Alec didn't say a word. He just patted her hand and sighed.
" Mom loves you too. She wouldn't blame you for any or this. " She squeezed him.
" You're her favourite . She's probably wondering where you are and why you haven't gone to see her yet. "
" Dude , if you don't come willingly, I'll fucking drag you in with me. " Derrick stood in his face and held him by the shoulders.
" I...I can't. " His words came as a whisper.
" You will. " Derrick held his hand and slowly led him in.
The smell of medicines struck his nostrils and he stopped in his tracks. He couldn't muster the courage. He couldn't do it.
" You can do this. " Derrick assured him and pulled him gently by the hand.
He didn't think a place could be so silent. You could hear a pin drop. His eyes fell on her and he quickly shut them tight. His heart shuddered at the image he'd just perceived. They'd made eye contact. Her blue eyes were still as beautiful as he remembered them. But that was all he could recognize. Her skin was melted . It was like butter.
Bain was seated on the edge of her bed. He didn't take his eyes off her for even a moment.
She tried to speak but she couldn't. She could only keep looking at her son- her beautiful Alec.
He didn't look her way. He kept his eyes closed and turned his back to her. She knew he was hurt. She wanted to hold him and let him know that it wasn't his fault but all he words came out as desperate wheezing.
Alec could hear her gasping for air. He wished the ground could just open up and swallow him whole.
" Al..." She was trying her best.
He swallowed hard and ran to her bed side. He clutched her hand and kissed it. He didn't know when the tears started pouring but they did and it felt like a huge weight was shifted from his shoulders.
'' Mom..." He wiped the tears from the sides of her face and placed his head on her chest. She hugged him and rubbed his hair.
Ruth was already sobbing from across the room as Derrick tried to console her.
She held onto Alec as tightly as she could. She thought she'd never see her kids again. Just the thought made her heart ache. Her eyes shot open when she thought about Alison. She had to tell her the truth. She didn't want to take any chances. She wanted all her kids with her - all of them.
" Al.. liso..." Her voice broke off. Alec knew what she wanted. He held her and nodded.
" I'll get her. Don't worry. "
" Who?" Ruth asked.
Alec turned to her and smiled. " Our sister. "
" I...uhm..." Ryan dabbed the sweat from his face. His vision was blurred and he was having a hard time breathing.
" Have you had a history associated with heart failure?" The doctor widened Ryan's eye with his fingers and flared his torch.
" He's never. This is the first time I've actually witnessed dad this weak. " Richard held Ryan's hand gently.
" Well , Mr. Reinster, you need time take care of yourself more. Avoid any stressful situations , eat healthy , sleep more and have regular check ups. " The doctor recommended some pills to them and assured them that all would be fine provided Ryan was taken care of.
" Thank you. I'll see you out." Richard shook his hand and led him out.
Ryan sighed and rubbed the skin between his brows. He fought the sudden urge to cry.
In his massive mansion , with all the wealth he could imagine , he couldn't help but feel like the loneliest man on earth. He was alone. He had no one.
He always claimed all he'd done was to keep his family together , but look at him now. A middle aged man , alone , no wife , no kids, no friends and with no one to blame but himself.
How pathetic.
Richard watched the doctor's car pull out the driveway. He stood there for a while, admiring the scenary. The grass , the fountains , the trees.
He hummed as he went up the stairs with a glass of water for his father. He stopped by the door and took out a tiny packet of powder from his pocket. He poured it in the glass and let it dissolve.
He opened the door with a smile. " Time to take your pills."
Ryan sighed and sat up. " Thank you , Richard. "
" Why are you thanking me ? " He handed him the glass and helped him with his medication. " This is my duty. "
" I'm going through a lot , son. " Ryan frowned. " I never imagined this would happen. "
Richard held his hand and smiled. " Don't worry , dad. It'll soon be over. "