Ruby:
As I eased into my chair within the busy hospital ward, I felt a sense of exhaustion and weariness, despite not having undertaken any demanding tasks. The events of the previous day lingered heavily on my mind, casting a shadow over my present state.
Describing my state as one of confusion would be an understatement. My son’s unexpected words had left me feeling shaken and uncertain about the future of our already precarious relationship. His words echoed in my ears, a constant reminder of the rift that had formed between us and might become worse if I didn’t make a drastic decision for our sake.
When I requested some time to speak with Liam on my own, Alex merely nodded, his expression unreadable. He retreated to bed without saying a word, foregoing dinner and avoiding any further conversation. This morning, his demeanour remained distant, with little to no communication directed my way.
The mere thought of him leaving to live with his father, abandoning me to solitude, pierced through my heart like a sword. I couldn’t shake the overwhelming sense of betrayal, feeling as though I had failed him as a mother. Had I really pushed him away to the extent that he no longer wished to be with me?
Guilt gnawed at me as I replayed our argument in my mind, dissecting every word and every action. Had I been too harsh? Had I neglected to demonstrate the love and support he craved?
I had invested all my effort and love into trying to make him happy, despite the painful memories it dredged up. I pursued a better life here, solely for his sake. Yet, now, it seems all my efforts have been futile. It feels deeply unjust for him to forsake me in favour of a man who has shown no care or interest in him.
Maybe he thought Liam could provide a better life, but I was determined to prove that my love for him was unmatched. I couldn’t bear to watch my relationship with my precious son crumble, especially due to the man I despised. I was prepared to do whatever it took to repair our bond, to restore the trust and understanding that once bound us together.
I know it was wrong of me to keep the secret of his father’s identity from him, but deep down, I always intended to share the truth when he was older, hoping he could grasp the consequences of my actions and empathise with my perspective. Yet, now it seemed too late for such revelations.
I sat lost in thought, contemplating how I would go about revealing this truth to Liam, only to be abruptly pulled back to reality by approaching footsteps. Before I could react, someone forcefully slammed my table, intruding into my space with a commanding presence. Annoyance surged within me as I locked eyes with Jane, her glare piercing through me.
One day, I hope to finally teach her some manners.
“What the hell, Ruby?” she began, her words dripping with venom. As she yelled, flecks of spittle flew from her mouth, stinging my face. I sighed in disgust, feeling a wave of irritation wash over me.
As I matched her intense glare, I couldn’t help but think, Here we go again.
“Do you think this is some sort of vacation spot? We have a patient in Room 302 in urgent need of attention, yet here you are, leisurely indulging in your own thoughts while the rest of us pick up the slack. You’ve barely even fulfilled your responsibilities!” Her words were like a slap in the face, each one laced with condescension.
My patience wore thin at her brazen rudeness. “Quit being dramatic, Jane,” I retorted evenly, struggling to maintain my composure amidst the mounting tension. “I was simply taking a moment to gather my thoughts.”
“Well, your thoughts will have to wait. Duty calls, and we can’t afford to have slackers around here,” Jane sneered, her eyes narrowing in disdain.
Suppressing the urge to snap back, I swallowed my frustration, determined to maintain professionalism despite her provocation. Her rudeness grated on my nerves, but I refused to let it dampen my spirits. With a steely resolve, I decided it was best to focus on the task at hand, knowing I had more important priorities to think about.
With a forced smile, I stood up from my seat, straightened my posture, and squared my shoulders. Determination gleamed in my eyes as I reminded myself of my duty. Nothing would distract me from providing the best care for my patients until I unravelled the mystery of my baby’s disappearance and found justice. I remained resolute in achieving my goals.
However, as I passed Jane on my way out, a surge of frustration washed over me at her dismissive demeanor. Despite working here for over a month, none of my colleagues had warmed up to me. The only person I had managed to connect with was Mrs. Thompson, and that was only for a few minutes when I visited her in her room to give her her medication.
Speaking of Mrs. Thompson, it had been nearly a week since I last saw her. I still had countless questions for her, and I hoped to finally get answers without any interruptions this time.
I hastened to Room 302, also known as the emergency room, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Jane. Despite my lingering thoughts, I mentally prepared myself for whatever awaited me beyond the door. It was uncommon for me to be called to the emergency room, so I couldn’t help but feel a sense of surprise-perhaps they finally recognised my competence.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Any concerns about workplace politics vanished in an instant. There, lying on the bed, was Mrs. Thompson, my favourite person in the werewolf academy. However, confusion washed over me as I realised she was not in her usual room. That’s when I noticed that her normally rosy cheeks were pale and the rise and fall of her chest had ceased.
Panic gripped me as I hurried to Mrs. Thompson’s side, my instincts guiding me as I assessed the situation.
“Mrs. Thompson,” I called out softly as I gently shook her cold shoulder. Despite my efforts, there was no response, and a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.
Quickly, I checked for a pulse, my heart racing as I searched for any sign of life. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t detect even the faintest heartbeat. Reality hit me hard as I realised that Mrs. Thompson had stopped breathing.
With adrenaline pumping, I immediately began CPR, hoping for a miracle. Each compression felt agonisingly long as I desperately tried to revive her. I silently wished I had my grandmother’s book with me, knowing it could work wonders, but it was safely tucked away in my room. There was no time to fetch it from Damian’s pack.
Despite my efforts, Mrs. Thompson remained unresponsive. Tears filled my eyes as I realised the futility of my attempts. The woman who had cared for me was gone, and I was powerless to bring her back.
As tears blurred my vision, I caught a glimpse of something white tucked under Mrs. Thompson’s pillow. With trembling hands, I reached for the paper, my heart pounding in my chest as I unfolded it. To my surprise, it was a letter addressed to me from Mrs. Thompson. It felt eerie, as if she had anticipated her own death.
“Ruby, dear, if you’re reading this, then I’m probably not alive anymore. Those who took my grandson’s life have silenced me too,” the letter began, and I could feel Mrs. Thompson’s desperation and her need to convey her message before it was too late.
“I wish I could say more, but time is short. I’m writing this secretly, hoping it reaches you and not the wrong hands. Williams, my grandson, whom I took in after his parents’ passing, aspired to become a pack doctor. His decision brought me joy, and I supported him wholeheartedly. However, he came home one day feeling guilty, revealing he had resigned from his position. He confessed to being coerced into unethical acts, including falsely declaring the Luna’s baby deceased while it was still very much alive. He said something about one of his colleagues named Jane, who was also assigned to disposing of the baby in the bush so that it could be devoured by wild animals. My grandson felt so guilty, and I advised him to go confess his crimes, but unfortunately, that evening, after his confession, I discovered Williams lifeless, surrounded by his own blood. The scene suggested suicide, but I refuse to believe my grandson is capable of such an act. Ruby, my dear, I always knew you were the Luna as I felt your aura despite you unknowingly trying to suppress it, and I wish I had told you this in person. I know this is too much to ask, but please forgive my grandson so his soul can rest in peace, and I hope you get justice for the sake of your son.”