TIFFANY’S POV
“Fine! You want to know where? Then I will tell you. We are going to the hospital. Your father slumped at a meeting…” Those words sounded like a bomb to Tiffany’s ears when Shawn said them.
“Wwhat did you just say?” She asked, blinking her eyes in disbelief.
“I didn’t want to tell you until we got to the hospital, but your stubbornness made me. Can you please go and change into something befitting so we can leave?” Shawn asked.
“Of course.” Tiffany replied as she ran upstairs. As she got to her room, different thoughts ran through her mind as she still found it hard to process the news.
Her father slumped? Was he sick? But he never showed any signs of sickness. Was he going to die? She immediately expelled the thought from her mind.
She didn’t realize she was crying until she felt a year drop on her cheek. She gently wiped it off as she took her phone and hurried downstairs.
“Lets go,” She said to Shawn when she got to the sitting room.
He nodded and walked outside while she followed suit. They got into the car and Shawn drove off.
All through the drive to the hospital, Tiffany could not stop the tears that tricked down her eyes to her cheeks. The thought of anything happening to her father was heart wrenching, and she knew she might not survive the trauma if her father leaves her.
“You are crying and you need to stop. Your father is out of danger and is receiving treatment.” Shawn said as he turned to look at her.
Tiffany did not say a word as she kept looking at the window. He would never understand how she was feeling. It was bad that she grew up without a mother and now her father was sick. He would never understand because he had both of his parents with him.
“Look, I’m sorry I broke the news to you in that manner. You were not going to listen to me, and that was the only option. I’m sorry. Can you please stop crying?” Shawn said as he suddenly brought the car to a stop.
“I’m not crying.” Tiffany said and wiped her eyes with the back of her palm.
“You are. We are not at the hospital yet, but your eyes are already swollen and puffy. I beg you, stop crying.” Shawn pleaded.
Tiffany stared at him momentarily before bursting into fresh tears. And what Shawn did next shocked her. He unfastened his seat belt, leaned forward and engulfed her in a hug.
“Stop crying. You will be fine and so will your father.” He said as he stroked her hair.
Tiffany involuntarily, tested her head on his shoulder as she sobbed loudly. Her body convulsing in rhythm to her sobs.
Shawn kept quiet and kept stroking her hair. A few minutes later she felt better and broke the hug.
“Thank you,” She said shyly as she disengaged from his embrace.
“No, it’s fine.” Shawn replied and fastened his seat belt back into place.
“Your shirt,”
“What about it?” Shawn asked, looking at her.
“I’m sorry I messed it with my tears.” Tiffany replied, pointing to a spot on his shoulder that has been soaked with tears.
“Oh, that? It’s nothing. All that matters is that you feel better.” Shawn said and turned on the car ignition. “Ready?” He asked.
Tiffany gave a small nod and they were back on the road again. As she looked out the window again, this time she felt better and relieved.
The drive to the hospital was an hour drive. They got inside the compound and Shawn parked. They alighted and walked to the reception area.
“Hi. We are here to see Mr Dion.” Shawn said to the nurse behind the counter.
“Welcome. A second, please.” The nurse said as she went through a large book. “Mr Dion is in room 33 on the first floor.” She said, after spotting the name on the book.
“Alright, thank you.” And then Shawn turned to Tiffany and muttered “Come on.”
Tiffany followed him as they took the stairs. It led them to the first floor and after tracing the room, they finally found it.
“Are you ready?” Shawn asked, as they stood in front of the door.
Tiffany nodded, and Shawn gave the door a slight push.
They walked inside, and there was her father, lying on the hospital bed with his eyes closed, presumably in sleep.
The man on the hospital bed didn’t look like the father she knew. His skin was pale, and his face looked drawn and exhausted. The hospital gown hung loosely on his emaciated frame. The room was dimly lit, and the only sound heard was the soft beeping of the heart monitor beside the bed.
“Dad?” She called and rushed to his side.
“Princess,” He replied as his eyes went open.
“Oh, Daddy. What happened?” She asked as she sat on the bed and held his hand.
“Daddy is fine, princess.” He said and gave her a weak smile.
“Hi, Mr Dion.” Shawn said as he walked to stand by the bed.
“Shawn? Thank you for coming with her.” Mr Dion said, and smiled at Shawn.
“It is my duty, Sir. How do you feel now?” Shawn asked, concern perched on his face.
“I feel better. Thank you.” Mr Dion replied.
Just then the door went open and a doctor walked in.
“Hi. My name is Doctor Amanda.” The doctor said, “I guess you are his family members, right?” She asked.
“Yes, we are. Please, what is wrong with him?” Tiffany asked.
“From our diagnosis, he has acute stress. It had been building up for a while as a result of little or no amount of rest.” The doctor explained.
“Will he be fine?” Tiffany asked, worriedly.
“Yes, he will. He just has to take the medications we prescribed and start taking enough rest.” The doctor replied, reassuringly.
“Thank God,” Tiffany said and heaved a sigh of relief.
“He will be discharged tomorrow evening. But in the meantime, I have to give you a list of prescribed drugs you need to get at the hospital pharmacy.” The doctor said as she scribbled some words on a sheet of paper. “On the list are the drugs to buy. And most importantly, he has to start practicing and following these routines once he gets discharged tomorrow.” The doctor added.
“Okay?” Tiffany said in anticipation.
“He should always engage in deep breathing exercises, such as taking slow, deep breaths. Progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups one at a time. He should avoid or limit triggers, like stressful situations or people. Most importantly, having a regular sleep schedule.
“He should also Spend time outdoors or engage in physical activities. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding substances like alcohol and caffeine. All of these should help me get back to his usual self in no time.” The doctor said.
“Thank you, doctor. We will ensure he does all that you have said.” Tiffany said in gratitude.
“You are welcome. I have to check his vitals now.”
The doctor spent the next few minutes checking Mr Dion’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature.
“His vitals are okay. I will be taking my leave now.” The doctor said after she confirmed everything was okay with Mr Dion.
“Thank you, Doctor.” Tiffany said for the umpteenth time.
“Don’t mention, please. It’s my job.” The doctor said and waved her goodbye.
Tiffany exhaled in relief, as she rested her head on the bed frame.