Although Vicky was filling the hospital hall with laughter and the utter noise of footsteps, Paul's world was hollow. The only voice he could hear was silence. Everything on his mind was blocked by the images of James.
Just now, Paul received a call from James's school. To his surprise, the name stated was Mrs Madelyn, the Principal of Austin Junior High. In his mind, he pictured what kind of problem his kid could have done in school, but no. He was a good kid, and he knew that. With curiosity spinning through his mind, Paul finally spoke.
"Yes, what seems to be the problem?" Paul could hear the rush in his voice, and rudeness.
"Well I'm sorry for disturbing you, Mr Paul," and obviously she noticed it too, "but your son was involved in a fight which caused him to have a major injury on his neck. We've done our best as teachers by sending him to the nearest hospital. He doesn't seem so good at the moment."
The line went beep. The phone receiver recklessly fell to the marble-tiled floor.
His son? In a fight? Well, that doesn't sound like him. He immediately rushed to the hospital.
When he arrived at his destination, Dr. Gunther had requested his permission for a surgery upon James. With a nervous wreck running through his veins, he signed the file.
But now, nearly two hours have passed and still no report from the doctor. His stomach managed to form a knot so tight that it literally hurt his body. He was just too worried. He couldn't afford to lose his son... wait, what is he thinking? Of course James would live. As far as he knew, it was just a minor neck fracture, thought Paul, trying his best to comfort himself.
Lisa, on the other hand, appeared to have full control of herself. As usual, she'd plugged in her earphones and let herself being carried away into a world of her own. But behind her hazel eyes, Paul could see the awful grief that's dug deep inside. The same grief he saw when Rosa died. She loved her brother, thought Paul. So much.
The door handle turned, allowing Dr. Gunther to appear. As if on cue, both Paul and Lisa abruptly jumped from their seat and ran towards the doctor. Paul's hands were already sweaty.
"The operation went extremely well. We're glad to tell you that your son is doing fine. He only experienced a minor neck fracture, but he needs plenty of rest. He can't move much in his condition, so take it slow on him."
The lump inside Paul's throat immediately disappeared. He let out a breath. Lisa also seemed as though life surged into her body again. Paul smiled at his daughter. To his delight, she smiled back.
"Daddy, daddy! Can we go and see James now?", said Vicky with her cheerful tone.
Paul gave a nod. But the question still spun through his head : why was his son involved in a fight? It was just so not him. Never mind, James needed to rest. So, the three of them walked together into the ward.
TO BE CONTINUED.
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