SARAH’S POV
Panic set in as I watched Miss Ross struggling to breathe. Her pulse was faint, her face turning pale as her eyelids slowly drooped, her body surrendering to darkness. Mr. Clinton’s expression transformed from calm to frantic, refusing to let the worst happen.
He had already started CPR when the paramedic arrived. Her chest felt fragile beneath his hands, and he silently prayed it wasn’t too late.
“What happened?” one of the paramedics asked, rushing toward us.
“Peanut allergy,” I replied, my voice shaking as my eyes welled up. “S.. she ingested peanuts.”
The paramedic quickly took over CPR, and they rushed her to the vehicle, sirens blaring as we drove away.
****
At the hospital, the ER team swung into action. Doctors and nurses swarmed around her, shouting orders and administering medication.
“Anaphylaxis,” a doctor called out. “Get her on oxygen, stat!”
I stood aside, drowning in the tension as urgent murmurs and frantic noises enveloped me. This was my fault. I should have been more careful. I didn’t know how it happened.
I pressed my back against the wall, my heart sinking in my chest as I glanced over to the side.
The doctor approached Mr. Clinton, his expression grim. “We’re doing everything we can. But we need to know more about her allergy. Does she have an EpiPen?”
Mr. Clinton nodded, exhaustion and helplessness etched on his face. “I had administered epinephrine and she was still unresponsive after the Heimlich maneuver.”
“We’ll administer another dose if needed.” The doctor responded with an assuring nod and strode back inside the emergency room.
I sniveled, unable to hold back the tears brimming in my eyes. “I’m sorry… I am terribly sorry,” I mumbled, my voice trembling as I met his gaze. “This was my fault. I… I…”
In a long stride, Mr. Clinton closed the distance between us, his gaze softening as he cupped my cheek. “Hey, calm down, alright? She will be fine…” he said softly, his voice low and unsteady, and I knew he was also trying to convince himself.
I shook my head, tears streaming down my face as my voice broke. “I don’t know how it happened… you were right, I am reckless; it was my fault… if I hadn’t left… maybe…”
“Shhh.” He silenced me, his face hovering over mine. “You aren’t reckless; I trust that you didn’t intentionally add peanut after my warning.”
Hesitantly, I nodded, my head moving weakly. Still, I couldn’t shake off the pang of guilt. “But if I hadn’t cut my finger, I would have never left the kitchen. I was carried away…”
He let out a sigh, his hot breath warming me as he pulled me into a comforting embrace. “Stop blaming yourself; we both know who to blame for this.”
My grip tightened on his shirt, my fists clenched as I pulled him closer, my face buried in the crook of his neck. The guilt weighing in my chest quickly dissipated, replaced by a simmering anger. My clenched fists tightened further, crumpling Mr. Clinton’s shirt.
Erin, that bitch! I screamed in my head, my face contorting as I hugged him deeper, feeling an intense loathing for Erin.
I have no doubt it was her. She might have pretended to leave. She must have waited behind, planning her next move, and she struck at the perfect moment.
I pulled away from the embrace, wiping the tears from my eyes. “We have to make her pay for this…” I said as my eyes locked on his, my gaze blazing with determination.
Mr. Clinton’s expression darkened, responding to my demand for justice. His hand slid down from my shoulders, his eyes flashing with suppressed rage.
Grimacing, I stared into space, anger rising with each passing second. “How could she be so heartless? Why didn’t she hurt me instead? Why Miss Ross?” My voice trembled with more resolve.
Mr. Clinton remained silent and settled on the bench beside us. He stared into nothing in particular, his expression turning thoughtful, yet his eyes remained fierce.
“You should go home and wait for the police. I will report on the situation,” he finally spoke up, his gaze still fixed on nothing in particular.
I hesitated but decided it was for the best; I also wanted Erin behind bars. I nodded, letting out a deep sigh. “Okay, I’ll go home.”
“I’ll take care of everything here. I’ll call the police on your way out,” he replied, his voice firm but his eyes betraying a deep concern.
I nodded affirmatively, my eyes drifting to the emergency room, concern etched on my face. “When will she be stable?”
“Hopefully tomorrow; she will be discharged,” he replied, averting his eyes to the room. Then his gaze fell to the floor, his anger still palpable, but his concern now eclipsed it, taking prominence. The incident weighed heavily on his mind.
That Erin had succeeded in putting us on edge. She must be undoubtedly gloating over our anxiety, knowing she had caused such chaos.
Just the thought of her left a bitter taste in my mouth.
“Sarah, go now…” Mr. Clinton’s gentle voice broke me from my thoughts.
“Come back early; I don’t want to be left alone at night,” I said before turning on my heels, making my way out of the emergency ward.
As I walked out of the hospital, the cool noon air enveloped me, and my mind kept racing with thoughts of Erin and the events that had unfolded.
How could she do this? Why Miss Ross?
I quickened my pace, anger fueling my every step. I couldn’t wait for Erin to get her retribution.
It pained me that Miss Ross was caught up in all of this.
As I approached the house, I noticed a police car parked outside.
They were already here.
I took a deep breath and stepped inside, ready to confront the reality of the situation and make sure Erin pays for her actions. With flaring determination, I entered the house, ready to cooperate fully with the investigation.