The Irregular Heartbeat

Chapter 05

Chapter 05: Hidden Encounters

     Nyx trailed behind Wade, muttering curses under his breath. The dim hospital corridor seemed to stretch on forever, its cold fluorescent lights casting long shadows. Barely after her parents had gone back inside, they left Libertia alone, and she was already lost in her thoughts again.

     Despite her parents' presence, thoughts of that man consumed her, tangled with the what-ifs that now dominated her every waking moment.

     'If he watches over me, will he treat me differently? Not like a patient, but like a normal person?'

     A fleeting smile brushed Libertia's lips but quickly vanished as her mother spoke, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. Libertia's eyes widened, focusing on her mother's tear-streaked face.

     "You can just stay home, Tia," her mother said, her voice cracking. "I know it feels like we're going back to square one, but if you want, we can have Wade observe you at home or ask the man he suggested checking on you directly."

     Libertia felt a sharp pain in her chest, a guilt that weighed heavily on her. Seeing her mother struggle because of her was unbearable. For the first time, she truly saw how much they cared for her, and how their lives revolved around her wellbeing. All this time, she had been drowning in her feelings, her sadness poisoning every interaction. Now she understood their sacrifices, their love. It was all for her.

     Swallowing hard, Libertia sought confirmation. "W-What? I mean... you'd really let me decide?"

     Her mother flashed a weak smile. "Yes, Tia. This time, we want you to choose. Where do you feel safest? Where do you want to be?"

     Libertia fell silent, her mind buzzing with possibilities. This kind of choice was new and overwhelming. If she stayed home, it would be just her family-safe, but confined. If she stayed at the hospital, she could roam the halls, visit the rooftop, and perhaps see that man again. The thought of him brought a strange sense of comfort and curiosity.

     After a few minutes of contemplation, she made her choice. Her parents might doubt her decision, but this time, she was determined and satisfied. "I-I can... just stay here," she whispered.

     Libertia smiled as she looked at her parents. "I-I can... just stay here." Her voice was almost a whisper.

     Her parents looked at her with wide eyes. Her father was the first to speak. "Would you rather stay here, princess?"

     Without hesitation, Libertia nodded. "Y-Yeah... I think it's better if they monitor me here since all the equipment needed for my medication is here. It might be a burden and a hassle at home." Her cheeks flushed as she bowed her head, avoiding their curious eyes.

     Her mother took her hand, squeezing gently. "Are you certain about this, Tia? We can provide everything you need at home... Please tell us honestly if you're uncomfortable here. You don't need to consider us."

     Libertia forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'll stay here. They can easily observe my condition here... and it's for my own good."

     A brief silence followed, then her mother embraced her warmly, her father wrapping his arms around them both. "Y-Your brothers will be glad at your decision, Tia," her mother mumbled.

     The decision weighed on her, but there was a strange sense of calm. She had made a choice. For the first time in a long while, she felt a flicker of control over her life.

     With that, whatever awaited her in the hospital could be another good start and challenge. Enough with the gloom and crying, Libertia... The Libertia before her 20th birthday is what she should act upon from that point onwards.