Chapter 155: Your Mommy Will Be Worried
While waiting, Thea remained still in the car, while Ryder’s eyes strayed back to his phone, his thumb browsing through the content.
"Ryder, you can go ahead," Thea said in a hushed tone. "The cab will arrive soon." Her words were a gentle excuse, allowing him to leave without feeling obligated to wait.
He lifted his gaze, and their eyes locked. "I’m in no hurry." Ryder said with a slight smile. "I can wait for the cab to arrive. It won’t put me behind schedule." His words implied that he had grasped the underlying reason for her comment.
Thea didn’t respond to his comment, instead pointing out the arrival of the cab. "There, the cab is here."
Ryder nodded, saying simply, "Okay."
As Thea got out of the car, she turned to him with a polite smile. "Thanks for the ride, Ryder. Good night."
Ryder returned the courtesy, his voice low and even. "Good night."
Thea settled into the cab, and as the door closed behind her, Ryder quickly pulled away from the curb. Thea leaned against the window, her eyes drifting shut as she let out a quiet breath.
Her mind, however, was still on Ryder. She couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in when she saw the name that had flashed on his phone. ’Savannah’ Thea’s thoughts swirled, trying to make sense of her reaction. Maybe it was because of her mother, she reasoned, attempting to justify the faint discomfort that had taken hold of her.
Ryder headed towards Cedarbrook Hospital, a renowned medical facility co-founded by the prominent Thompson and Smith families. Upon arrival, he stepped into the hospital’s elegant lobby and then proceeded towards the corridor, his footsteps quiet on the polished floor. The soft glow of the overhead lights illuminated his path as he made his way down the corridor, surrounded by the hospital’s modern amenities and quiet bustle of activity.
Ryder arrived at the VIP section and made his way to the operation room, where he found Liam and John waiting with bated breath. The flashing red light above the door was a poignant reminder that a critical surgery was underway. As Ryder approached, John turned to him with a look of concern etched on his face. "How is Uncle?" he asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.
John’s expression was grave as he replied, "The doctors are operating on him." He then turned to Liam, his hand extending to offer a reassuring touch on the younger man’s shoulder. "Liam, everything will be okay. Your father will be alright." he said, his words intended to comfort. Liam’s gaze remained fixed on the operation room, his eyes locked on the door as if willing the outcome to be positive. His mouth was set in a determined line, but the worry in his eyes betrayed his emotions. The red light continued to flash, a steady heartbeat of uncertainty.
Liam’s nervousness and fear threatened to overwhelm him as he stood outside the operation room. The anxiety that gripped him was all too familiar, transporting him back to a memory from his childhood. A flashback unfolded before his mind’s eye, recalling a sunny weekend morning when he was just seven years old.
On that day, Liam had been bursting with excitement as he dashed downstairs for breakfast, eager to start the family picnic that his parents had promised.
Liam sat down beside his father, his father’s apologetic tone caught him off guard. "Lio, today only Mommy will accompany you," he said, his voice laced with regret. "Daddy has some important work in the office."
Liam’s face fell, his eyes drooping in disappointment, but he quickly composed himself, not wanting to add to his father’s worries. "It’s okay, Daddy... Next time you will join us." he said softly.
His father’s expression softened, and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. With a gentle touch, he ruffled Liam’s hair, a familiar gesture that brought comfort to the young boy. "Daddy will come back early to play with you." he promised, his voice low and reassuring, a pledge to make up for the missed picnic and spend quality time with his son.
Following breakfast, Liam’s father headed out to the company, leaving Liam and his mother, Sophia, to begin their day. As they stood at the door, waving goodbye, Sophia’s face broke into a bright smile. She crouched down beside Liam. "Now, Lio, let’s go for the picnic." she said, her voice barely containing her enthusiasm. Liam’s eyes widened, and he let out a delighted squeal. "Hmm, Mommy!" he chimed in, his small voice trembling with anticipation as he jumped up and down, eager to embark on their special outing together.
But little did they know, their joy was short-lived. As they were returning from the picnic, Liam was leaning against his mother, Sophia, feeling content and happy after a wonderful day spent together. The car was cruising along, when suddenly, without warning, a massive truck came barreling out of nowhere from the left side of the road. Its tires screeched in protest as it hurtled towards them, its horn blaring a deafening warning.
Time seemed to slow down as the truck’s enormous grille loomed large, its metal mesh glinting menacingly in the sunlight. The sound of crunching metal and shattering glass filled the air as the truck’s front bumper slammed into their car, sending it spinning out of control. The impact was tremendous, throwing Liam and Sophia violently to one side. The car’s airbags deployed with a loud thud, filling the interior with a fine powder as the vehicle careened wildly, its tires squealing in protest.
The world outside became a blur as the car crashed and crumpled, its metal body buckling under the force of the collision. Liam’s mother screamed, her voice piercing the air as she desperately tried to shield her son from the chaos. Liam’s eyes went wide with terror as he felt himself being tossed about, his small body helpless against the forces of the crash. The sound of crunching metal, shattering glass, and his mother’s anguished cry were the last things he remembered before everything went black.
As Liam’s eyes slowly fluttered open, he was met with an unfamiliar ceiling and the beeping of machines. He looked around, taking in his surroundings, and saw that he was in a hospital room, dressed in a hospital gown. His grandfather, was sitting beside him, holding his hand.
"Lio, you’re awake!" his grandfather exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion. "Doctor, doctor!" he called out, summoning the medical staff to the room.
Liam’s gaze locked onto his grandfather’s, and he tried to speak, but his voice was hoarse and barely above a whisper. "Grandfather... where’s Mommy?" he asked, his eyes scanning the room frantically, hoping to catch a glimpse of his mother.
As he spoke, memories of the accident came flooding back. He remembered the sound of screeching tires, the crunch of metal, and the feeling of being tossed about. Most of all, he remembered his mother’s desperate attempt to shield him from harm, her body covering his as the world around them seemed to collapse.
Liam’s eyes welled up with tears as he thought of his mother, and he felt a pang of fear and uncertainty. "Grandfather, where’s Mommy?" he repeated, his voice cracking with emotion. His grandfather’s expression turned somber, and he hesitated before speaking, his eyes filled with a deep sadness.
Liam’s grandfather hesitated, avoiding eye contact as he replied, "Your Mommy... she’s being treated." The words hung in the air, leaving Liam with more questions than answers. Before he could press for more information, the doctor arrived, examining him with a series of gentle prods and questions.
After the doctor left, Liam’s gaze locked onto his grandfather’s, his eyes searching for reassurance. "Grandfather, can I meet my Mommy?" he asked, his voice laced with longing.
His grandfather’s expression remained somber, and he fell silent, as if collecting his thoughts. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured. "Grandfather will take you to meet your mommy later. You need to get some rest, or else your mommy will be worried."
Liam’s eyes narrowed, sensing that his grandfather was hiding something. He tried to distract himself by asking, "Grandfather, can you bring some fruits for me?" His grandfather nodded, "Okay... I’ll come back shortly." With that, he exited the private cabin, leaving Liam alone with his thoughts.
