Chapter 4
SHANE
After Liam dropped me off two blocks away from my work, as I requested, I start my Friday with a smile on my lips and feeling wonderful, better than any other day.
The afternoon feels different, charged with an anticipated electricity that runs from the tips of my fingers to the base of my neck. I’ve been waiting all day for this moment, and I can’t help but smile as I look out the window, watching the sun begin to set, painting the sky with a warm and promising orange. My heart beats wildly at the thought of seeing Liam again. The excitement grows in my chest like a fire that flares with each passing second.
However, suddenly, my phone vibrates on the table, breaking the bubble of illusion I’m in. The screen shows my mother’s name, and a small pang of unease courses through my body. It’s never easy to receive a call from her, especially on a Friday afternoon. I take a deep breath and swipe the screen to answer.
-Hello, Mom? -I say, trying to keep my voice casual, although deep down, a bad feeling begins to swell.
-Shane, you need to listen to me -her voice trembles, and worry grips my stomach-. Your father… he’s had an accident. He fell off the ladder while trying to fix the roof. They took him to the hospital.
The air escapes my lungs. The world stops for a moment.
-What? Is he okay? -I ask, almost voiceless. The image of my father in the hospital tightens the knot in my throat.
-I don’t know. The ambulance is already on its way to Silverton Hospital. I’m leaving right now -she replies, the anguish evident in her tone-. Shane, I need you to come.
I can’t think. My mind unleashes a torrent of images, shared smiles, family moments, and immediately I feel the need to be with them.
-Okay, Mom. I’m leaving right now -I respond, feeling my plans with Liam evaporate in an instant.
After hanging up, my heart races. Without thinking twice, I look for Marc’s number, my best friend. His familiar voice is a comfort amidst the chaos.
-Marc, I need a huge favor -I say when he answers.
-Sure, what’s up? Sounds serious.
-I have to get to Silverton quickly. My parents… my dad fell off the ladder and is in the hospital. I need to be with them.
-Oh no! Are you okay? -he sounds alarmed.
-I’m fine, but I need to get out of here now. Can you come get me? I don’t have my car; Liam drove me to work this morning -I plead.
-Of course, I’m on my way. When do you want to leave?
-Now, please, as fast as you can -I respond, feeling like every second counts.
While I wait for Marc to arrive, my thoughts are tangled in chaos. The worry for my father settles in my chest like a heavy stone. I can’t help but remember the moments when my dad taught me how to ride a bike, his laughter echoing during our family outings. The thought of him being hurt tears me up inside.
Finally, I hear the familiar sound of his car in the parking lot. This time, his face is not the usual; his expression is serious, compassionate. He opens the vehicle door and gives me a warm smile, like a comforting hug.
-Ready? -he asks, his voice filled with confidence.
I don’t answer; I simply nod and slide into the passenger seat. As Marc drives through the city streets, I try to focus on the scenery zipping past us, but my thoughts are trapped in the hospital.
-You know what? -he suddenly says, breaking the silence-. Your dad is strong. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
His words draw a small sad smile from me. -Thanks, Marc. It’s just that I can’t stop thinking about what might have happened…
-It’s normal to feel that way, but think of everything he has overcome. Your dad has been there for you through thick and thin; now it’s your turn to be there for him -he encourages me.
His words sound like a soothing melody, and I try to imprint them in my mind as I gaze out the window, watching as we approach our apartment. As soon as we park, I jump out and run into the apartment complex, going straight to my room without knowing if Marc followed or not; once inside, I head directly to my bedroom and grab a bag, throwing in some random clothes. When I return to the living room, Marc is there, waiting.
-Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?
-Sure. Don’t worry. -He hands me the keys to my car, and I take them.
-Drive safely.
-I’ll be fine, I’m going to be fine -I repeat softly, more to myself than to him.
-I’m here if you need me, Shane. I’ll be waiting for your call -he tells me, giving me a quick pat on the shoulder before I close the apartment door and dash down the stairs. Once outside, I hop into the car and drive as fast as I can.
When I arrive at the hospital, I jump out of the car and rush inside, the bustle of nurses and patients surrounding me, intensifying my anxiety. I quickly head toward the emergency room. Upon arrival, the sight of my mother in the waiting room, with a distant and worried look, breaks my heart.
-Mom -I call out, approaching her.
Upon seeing me, her eyes light up for a moment before she envelops me in a tight embrace.
-Thank God you’re here, Shane. I was so scared… -she says, her voice choked with emotion.
-How is Dad? -I ask, feeling my heart race.
-He has had surgery and has his foot in a cast. The doctors say he’s out of danger, but I have to admit that seeing him on that table broke my heart -she says, her eyes filling with tears.
Her words are a relief, but I can’t help but feel the tension in the air. I grip her hand. -Can I see him?
-Yes, they are just transferring him to a room -she replies, running her other hand through my hair like she used to when I was little-. He’s a bit dazed, but I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.
We walk together toward his room, and with each step I take, love and worry mix in my chest. So much so that I can’t help but think about Liam; a part of me wants to share everything that’s happening with him.
When we enter the room, I see my father lying in bed, with his foot in a cast and a slight grimace of pain on his face, but when he recognizes me, his expression transforms into a warm smile.
-Daughter! -he exclaims in a raspy voice, but full of joy-. Wow, this isn’t what I expected for your visit.
-Hi, Dad -I respond, approaching him and hugging him gently-. How are you feeling?
-Much better, thanks to having the best nurse here with me -he says, winking at me, and that spark of humor makes me laugh, breaking the tension that had accompanied me.
-Now I have a cast to show off -he jokes, trying to sit up a bit, but my mother stops him with a hand on his chest.
-Be careful! Don’t exert yourself, Emmanuel. Your foot has just been operated on -my mother tells him with a reproachful but loving smile-. But I’m glad to see you still have that sense of humor.
-There will always be time to laugh, sweetheart -he replies, looking at my mother with a tenderness that reminds me of the love they share.
The moments we spend together are a balm for my soul.
-I’m so glad to see you’re okay, Dad. -I feel a knot in my throat and decide not to mention the call to Liam. Things can wait.
As we get caught up in the hustle and stress of the hospital, I feel lucky to have both of them. My parents are my refuge in times of chaos, and while I still feel the unease of what has happened, I also feel stronger knowing that we are together in this.
-Now that we’re here, let’s focus on getting you back on your feet quickly -I say, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
-That’s the spirit, kiddo, always stay positive! -my father responds, his smile shining with love and pride.
I feel so happy to see both of them together and to know they are okay, that I’m overwhelmed with love. However, amidst the calm, my mind drifts to Liam. When I pull out my phone to text him, I find that it’s dead. I let out a frustrated sigh, feeling a small weight added to my worry. First, I’ll be here, and then I’ll figure out how to explain what happened. My parents are my priority now.