Before heading home, Veronica suggested to Darwin that they take a moment to visit Deasy. Coincidentally, her friend was also being treated at the same hospital where Veronica had her pregnancy check-up.
Moreover, Veronica had received news from one of Deasy’s family members that she had regained consciousness and was in much better condition now, possibly in the recovery stage after the accident.
“Is it okay if we visit Deasy briefly? The last time I saw her, she was still unconscious. Yesterday, her mom informed me that Deasy has woken up and her condition has improved significantly,” Veronica said as she walked with Darwin down the hospital corridor.
“Of course, dear. You can visit Deasy. I’ve never stopped you,” Darwin replied sincerely. Despite Deasy not having been fond of him all this time, Darwin harbored no ill feelings towards his wife’s friend.
“Then, would you like to accompany me?”
Darwin nodded with a smile.
“Of course.”
They both hurriedly walked towards Deasy’s room. Upon their arrival, Deasy’s mother welcomed them warmly. The middle-aged woman not only accompanied them but also invited Veronica and Darwin to meet and chat with Deasy, who was now conscious and seemed to be improving.
“Oh my goodness, Deasy, I’ve missed you so much,” Veronica exclaimed as she hugged Deasy, who was lying in bed. Judging by her expression, Deasy did indeed look better than before.
“I even tried to find you when I regained consciousness yesterday. Are you okay?”
From her tone, Deasy seemed unable to hide her concern, perhaps feeling uncomfortable because she had been involved in an accident while driving with Veronica.
“I’m perfectly fine,” Veronica replied as she released the hug. “I’m not injured at all, just a few scratches. Otherwise, I’m completely fine.”
“Thank goodness,” Deasy said, visibly relieved. “I wouldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to you.”
Veronica could hear in Deasy’s voice that she was regretful, and her tone had turned melancholic, as if she was remorseful for the accident that had occurred between them.
“It’s okay, Des. I’m really fine. In fact, I’ve been worried about your condition. I’m so grateful that you’ve made it through the critical phase and are conscious now. We can talk just like before.”
“Yeah,” nodded Deasy. “Mama told me that I lost a lot of blood in this accident. I’m grateful that God gave me a second chance at life and to reunite with all of you. Anyway, thank you for the support you’ve given.”
Veronica nodded with a smile while gently holding her friend’s hand. Like Deasy, despite this ordeal, Veronica had thousands of reasons to be thankful because both she and Deasy were not seriously injured or in critical condition.
“Once you’re feeling better, I want to share a lot with you,” Veronica said afterward. “There are surprises and important things I want to tell you.”
Deasy nodded in agreement. A moment later, her gaze shifted to Darwin, who had been standing next to Veronica the entire time, listening to their conversation.
“It’s quite unusual to have you here. Your visit wasn’t forced by Veronica, was it?” Deasy openly teased.
Even in her weakened condition, Deasy managed to deliver a sharp comment that sounded a bit harsh. Upon reflection, it seemed that Deasy hadn’t seen any redeeming qualities in Darwin since he married her close friend, especially after his affair and rough behavior.
“Deasy…” Deasy’s mother, who was also present, immediately chided her. She felt grateful to Darwin and Veronica for taking the time to visit her daughter. “Don’t talk like that, dear. It’s impolite.”
“I’m just saying it as it is, Mom. I didn’t expect someone as busy as Darwin Walters to visit me. Does he think I’m important enough for him to waste his time here? Maybe he came here just to mock me for the recent mishap.”
“Deasy!”
Once again, Deasy’s mother reprimanded her. Darwin, who was standing right in front of her, turned to look. He nodded and then smiled, signaling to the middle-aged woman that he was okay and not offended by what Deasy had just said. From the beginning, he understood all the accusations that her wife’s friend had directed at him.
“You don’t need to worry or be anxious. Veronica didn’t force me to visit. Besides, if I were evil and held grudges against everything you’ve done, why would I bother donating blood to you?”
“What do you mean?” Deasy jumped in surprise. She was sure she heard what she just heard, but it felt strange.
However, instead of answering, Darwin chose to smile. The next moment, he excused himself and left the room, leaving Veronica to continue the conversation while he waited outside.
Feeling extremely curious about what Darwin had just said, Deasy looked at each person in the room one by one. She tried to ensure what Darwin’s words meant. It was important for Deasy to clarify this matter rather than dwell on negative thoughts.
“What did Darwin mean by his statement?” she asked her mother seriously, staring intently, hoping to receive good news rather than unpleasant ones.
Deasy’s mother heaved a long sigh. From her expression, she seemed uneasy for a moment. Then, after feeling confident, she slowly began to explain what had actually happened to her daughter.
“So, in the accident yesterday, you were indeed severely injured. Because of the bleeding, you needed a significant amount of blood. It happened that your blood type was in short supply at this hospital. The medical team even looked into sources like the Indonesian Red Cross. But due to the emergency and the need for immediate assistance, Darwin and one of his cousins volunteered to donate their blood to you.”
Deasy’s eyes widened. For God’s sake, she didn’t mishear what her mother had just said.
“So, Darwin donated his blood to me?”
Deasy’s mother nodded gently, confirming her daughter’s question.
“Just as Darwin mentioned earlier. So, indirectly, he did help save your life, dear. And he did it willingly, without being forced, and we asked for his help first. He willingly donated his blood to you.”
Deasy was stunned by her mother’s explanation. At that moment, she was unsure of how to react. It wasn’t easy for her to let go of the deep-seated resentment that had taken root in her heart from the beginning.
However, on the other hand, she had to acknowledge that Darwin had indeed helped her. Should she start being kinder and accept his presence from now on?