What have I done? Why can’t I control my emotions? Only because of me, Kiera left me; not only that, but the friendship and bond that I created with her are also ruined because of this, all because of me and my fucking mouth. Fool. Why don’t I think that now, after all this, I can stop Kiera? And because of my mistake, Aria has to lose her mom too, but only because of me.
“Kiera,” I called one more time, hoping that she would turn her back and come back, but all my hope ended when Kiera disappeared outside the door.
I ran towards Kiera, wanting to stop her, but the phone ringing inside my pocket stopped my steps. I wanted to ignore the call, but looking at the caller ID, I took the call to my ear. “Hello,” I said, listening to the words very carefully. “We are coming.” The call ended with a click, leaving me with a sinking feeling in my stomach.
“Kiera, wait,” I said, running towards her, holding her arm, stopping her from moving any further.
Kiera turned to her, staring at me with anger. “Why, is there anything left for you to confess?” Kiera signed as her anger seemed to calm a bit. “Look, Jason, you’re a good man, and any girl will be happy to be with you, but that girl is not me, so let me go.”
“Kiera, let’s forget what we said minutes ago; right now, come with me,” I replied, pulling her hand while walking her with me.
“Where are you taking me?” Kiera asked, her voice filled with uncertainty. I looked into her eyes, searching for the right words to say.
“Come with me,” I sighed. I don’t know how Kiera will react to hearing the news, but I can’t hide it from her; it’s now or never. “Kiera, your father can’t be discharged today.”
“Why..? She asked with a mix of confusion and concern in her voice.
“Your dad, he is no longer in a coma,” I continued as we made our way inside the car.
“Jason, I know, you know, just to finish, or I’m leaving,” Kiera said, trying to step out of the car.
“No.” I stopped her, holding her arm. “Kiera, your dad is in a vegetative stage now.”
“Vegi… what?” Kiera asked, looking confused and alarmed.
I started the engine. “The only thing I can say now is that your father is good; we’ve got to see your father’s doctor further. I myself don’t know the details of how something like this could happen when he was doing fine for a week or so,” I continued as my eyes focused on the road. Kiera didn’t break a single word all that time. I know how hurt she is after hearing the news. Today, she was so happy with the news of her father coming home. But look what happened first. I ruined her day by not controlling my mouth and my emotions, and now the news of the other dad being in the vegetative stage.
“Kiera, are you okay?” I asked as we were halfway to the hospital. I hadn’t made an attempt to start a conversation with her. I thought that she needed peace of mind after learning that her father’s condition was getting worse. But I guess I was wrong; Kiera seemed to zone out. I don’t think I should interrupt her, at least not now. My only focus should be to reach the hospital and look thoroughly at Kiera’s father’s condition. How can something like this happen in the first place? He was fine this morning, and how can he be in a vegetative stage now?
“Stop the car.” I turned my head to Kiera, anxious by her sudden words, and pulled over to the side of the road.
“Kiera, we are still very far from the hospital,” I said calmly, continuing to drive the car while keeping an eye on Kiera’s worried expression.
“Jason, stop the car,” Kiera said again, with her words dominating as her face held no emotions. “Stop the car, or I’ll jump,” Kiera said again, as I ignored her words earlier.
I parked the car on the side with my eyes focused on Kiera. “Now, tell me why.”
Kiera ignored my words, wanting to get out of the car, but I locked the door. “Why are they doing this?”
“Jason, let me go,” Kiera pleaded, her voice filled with desperation.
“Only when you answer my question,” I said, placing both my hands on her shoulder and making her look at me. “Kiera, why are you doing this? Don’t you want to see your dad?” I asked, my voice filled with concern. Kiera’s eyes welled up with tears as she finally spoke, her voice trembling.
“No, I don’t want to see anyone; what is the point of seeing him? It’s better if I don’t go. Maybe then things will turn out differently than last time.”
I have no idea what she is talking about, but as a person with a dark and depressing past, I know that Kiera’s doubts and fears are something related to her past.
“You don’t want to see your dad,” I asked, as Kiera nodded her head like a child. “Fine, then let’s go somewhere else.” I don’t even know what I’m doing right now, but I hope that what helped me all this time fighting with my grief, my darkest might help Kiera too. Maybe then she might open up a bit talking about herself and her past, because one thing I know about Kiera, who always tries her best to light up everyone around her with her cheerful smile, is hiding beneath the deep darkness of sorrow and pain.