“What’s going on, Nora?” Oz asked, concern etched on his face.
“I have to leave now,” I said quickly, packing up my things.
“Alright, I get that, but at least tell me what’s going on,” Oz pressed, standing up alongside me.
“I don’t know, Oz. I just know it’s an emergency and I have to go now,” I replied, rushing to the parking lot.
“Fine, then. I’ll come with you,” Oz said, following me.
“You don’t have to, Oz,” I protested, starting the car.
But he got in anyway, and instead of protesting, I just drove off.
“Baby…” I called out immediately I flung the door open.
“Mason, Mia…”
“Mum, we’re here.” I heard both their voices from upstairs as they both ran down the stairs.
“Hey, hey, careful, so you won’t sprain your ankle. Where’s Grandpa?”
“He was taken to the hospital.” Mason said.
“Hospital???”
“Yes, the ambulance came and took him.” He added.
“What happened?”
“He said he was going upstairs to get something, but he was taking too much time, so I went up to check on him. I found him lying on the floor.”
“OMG.”
“Is Grandpa going to be okay ?” Mia asked squeezing my hands.
“Of course baby.”
“Who’s with him Mason.” I asked.
“The driver. He went along with him.” I pulled out my phone quickly and dialed the driver’s number. He picked up on the third ring.
“What hospital are you? How is he?”
“We’re in Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere,” the driver replied, his voice laced with concern. “The doctors are with him now. I’m waiting for an update.” The driver responded
My mind raced with worst-case scenarios, he’s an old man afterall.
“Okay, thank you. We’re on our way,” I said, hanging up.
“What hospital is he ?” Oz asked the moment I dropped the call.
“He’s at Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere. I’m going there now.”
“I’ll drive “He offered.
“Thank you very much Oz.”
“Everything will be alright okayy,” he said softly.
I nodded, trying to stay calm for the kids’ sake.
I quickly ran upstairs picked up cardigan for the kids, since it’s a bit chilly outside.
“Let’s go,” I said holding both their hands.
“Mum, what’s happening to Grandpa?” Mia asked, her voice trembling.
I took a deep breath.
“We don’t know yet, sweetie. But we’ll find out soon. Let’s get to the hospital.”
Mason acting so mature didn’t as much as asked, I knew he was worried but he has always been one to conceal his emotions.
As we arrived at Hospital , I spotted the driver waiting outside.
“Any news?” I asked, rushing towards him.
“He’s in critical care,” he said gravely. “The doctors will speak with us soon.”
My heart sank, what could have occurred in barely two hours after I left the house.
We followed the driver to the ICU, my anxiety growing with each step.
The hospital’s corridors seemed endless, the antiseptic smell overwhelming.
“He’s in there.” The driver said pointing at a room with closed doors.
I walked closer to the room and peeped through the window, there he was lying down on an operating table, lots of wires connected to his chest, a hoss passed down his throat.
Tears welled down my eyes, I don’t know what to do without him, if something where to happen to him my life is over.
Even when my family abandoned me he was there, it’s been more than four years and I haven’t heard a thing from them. Despite not knowing who I was or why I left he still embraced me into his hands not judging me one bit.
I held Mason and Mia close, trying to draw comfort from them as much as possible.
Everything will be alright Nora, you don’t have to cry, I’m sure the doctors are doing their best in there.” Oz whispered, placing his hand on my shoulder.
We stood outside the room for what seemed like hours before the door was opened finally.
A doctor came out, her expression unreadable.
“Madame…?”
I nodded.
“Please, tell me,” I urged.
The doctor took a deep breath.
“Your father has suffered an heart attack. He was lucky to have been brought here in time. He’s out of critical state right now, but he’ll need twenty-four hours care from now on since he doesn’t have much time to live.”
I immediately sank on the floor, I’m sure the doctor must have said other things but only the last part registered in my head. ‘he doesn’t have much time to live’ it felt like a brick was thrown at me.
My world froze.
“Mum.. mum.” I heard Mason and Mia calling and shaking me but I couldn’t respond.
What do I do without him ?
For the past four years now he has been my backbone, I can’t let anything happen to him.
“Can I go and see him now ?” I said jumping up from the ground which i had unconsciously crashed into.
“Yes sure..” the doctor said not showing any sign of surprise, she must be used to scenarios like this.
I ran into the room with everyone else following behind me, he was there lying on the bed, his frail body covered in a hospital gown, most of the equipment connected to him has been removed leaving just the ECG machine.
“Mr Beaumont..” I called running to his side.
“Nora my dear.” He said raising his hands a bit for me to hold him, I knelt down and held his hands which looks and felt wrinkled from old age.
“I’m very sorry Mr Beaumont, I’m supposed to have been there with you, I’m supposed to be looking after you but I failed you, I’m very sorry.”
“Huush now my dear, it wasn’t your fault, I’m already old and weak, you don’t have to be sorry for anything.”
Tears ran down my eyes uncontrollably as I rest my head on his palm.
“I promise to do everything it takes to make sure you’re okay, nothing is gonna happen to you.”
“There’s no need for that dear, have lived a fulfilled and long life, especially after bringing these two into my life, what more can an old man ask for. I don’t want you going through anything because of me. There’s one thing have always wanted thou.”
“What’s that Mr Beaumont, I promise to do it.”
“You shouldn’t make promises unless you’ve heard what it is Nora.” He said, smiling at my eagerness.
“Alright Mr Beaumont. What is it that you want ?” I said wiping the tears off my eyes.
“It will be really nice if you stopped calling me Mr Beaumont, but instead call me Dad. I haven’t had anyone call me that in decades that have almost forgotten what it feels like to be referred to that way.”
“Okay Dad if that’s what you want.” I said smiling at him.