C199 I Am Going To The Hospital

The Mooney residence was unusually quiet when we finally returned. The exhaustion from everything that had happened at the hospital weighed heavily on everyone. No one had the energy to speak as we entered the living room. Mark was already seated on the sofa. His elbows rested on his knees, his fingers interlocked as he stared blankly at the floor. The room remained silent until Peter slowly sat opposite him.

Mark finally broke the silence. "Dad..." Peter looked up. "Do you still think it is wise to tell Alicia the whole truth?" He paused, his voice filled with concern. "She has only just found out she's pregnant." "Today's shock alone nearly caused us to lose both her and the baby." "What if telling her everything about Gabriella and Malice only puts her under even more stress?" "I don't want to lose my daughter all over again."

Peter understood exactly what his son was afraid of. He sighed softly before replying, "Mark..." "I've asked myself that same question countless times." "But secrets cannot remain buried forever." He leaned back in his chair. "The memories have already started returning." "Today she recognized her old room." "Tomorrow she may remember even more." "If she discovers the truth from someone else..." "...she will question why her own family hid it from her."

Mark lowered his head. "I know..." "I'm just afraid." Peter smiled gently. "You don't have to decide tonight." "When she's discharged..." "We'll sit down together." "If she wishes to know the truth..." "Then we'll tell her everything." "And if she isn't ready..." "We'll wait." "No one is going to force her." Georgia nodded in agreement. "Your father is right." "Alicia has already endured enough." "We'll let her decide when she's emotionally ready."

Mark slowly let out a long breath. The burden on his heart eased ever so slightly. "Thank you, Dad." Peter smiled. "We've already lost too much as a family." "We won't lose each other because of fear." The room gradually became quiet again. After glancing at the clock, Mark stood. "It's been a long day." "Everyone should get some rest." "We'll return to the hospital first thing tomorrow morning." Everyone agreed.

One by one, they made their way toward their rooms. I quietly excused myself before walking upstairs. Alicia's room felt unusually empty tonight. Normally... Alicia would be teasing me... Or asking me to help her review company documents. Tonight... There was only silence. I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. No matter how hard I tried... Sleep refused to come.

My thoughts drifted from one worry to another. "Is Alicia really alright?" "Did she fall asleep comfortably?" "Will the baby be safe?" Then another problem surfaced. Lucia Goods. We had only just begun restructuring the company. The two new Chief Inspectors still had to be officially appointed. Departments needed inspections. Processes needed correcting. Reports still had to be reviewed. Without Alicia beside me... The responsibility suddenly felt much heavier.

Another though suddenly popped up. "Alicia fainted because we were looking for my parents room." "We did not decide on it yet." "I also haven't told them that Peter asked them to come live with Mooney Family." I sighed deeply before reaching for my phone. My thumb hovered over Alicia's contact. I wanted to send her a message. "How are you feeling?" "Did you eat?" "I miss you." The words formed in my mind. But before pressing send... I remembered what Dr. Kendrick had said. She needs complete rest. Any unnecessary disturbance could interrupt her recovery. I slowly locked my phone again. "Tomorrow..." "I'll see her tomorrow." Only then did I close my eyes.

Several kilometres away... At the Smith residence... Someone else was also unable to sleep. Mary Smith paced around the bedroom for what felt like the hundredth time. Every few minutes she glanced at her phone. Still... No message. No phone call. Nothing. Quinton, who had been trying unsuccessfully to sleep, finally sat upright on the bed. "Honey..." "Would you please stop walking?" Mary ignored him completely. She continued pacing.

Quinton rubbed his temples. "I've never seen you this restless." Mary finally stopped. "I can't help it." "Our daughter-in-law is lying in a hospital bed." "And I don't even know how she's doing." Quinton tried comforting her. "Mike already said she's fine." Mary shook her head stubbornly. "A son saying she's fine and seeing her with my own eyes are two different things." "Also the very same Mike who said he will tell me everything whe he get to the Mooney residence?"

Without another word... She walked straight toward the wardrobe. Quinton blinked. "What are you doing now?" Mary began changing her clothes. "I'm going to the hospital." Quinton stared at her in disbelief. "...Now?" She nodded confidently. "Yes." "If you want to sleep..." "Then sleep." "But I refuse to stay here while my daughter-in-law is spending the night alone." She picked up her handbag and headed for the front door.

Quinton sighed helplessly. "There really is no stopping you..." Mary smiled without looking back. "There never has been." A few minutes later... She stepped outside into the cool night air. After waving down a taxi... She climbed inside. The driver had barely started the engine when someone suddenly knocked on the window. Mary lowered the glass. "Quinton?" Breathing slightly heavily from hurrying outside.

Quinton held something up with a helpless smile. "Honey..." "Planning to pay the driver with good wishes?" Mary blinked. "My wallet..." She looked inside her handbag. It wasn't there. Quinton laughed as he handed it to her. "You left home so quickly that you forgot the most important thing." Mary laughed sheepishly. Taking the wallet, she smiled warmly at him. "Thank you."

Quinton gently squeezed her hand. "Take care of Alicia for both of us." "I'll come tomorrow morning." Mary nodded. "I will." The taxi slowly pulled away from the curb. As Quinton watched it disappear into the quiet streets... He simply smiled to himself. "Our family..." "...really has gained a wonderful daughter."