Sharon's Plight

Chapter 11

Three weeks into the new year, Sharon became immersed in the business of contracts, development, and delivery. Graceoak's Oil and Gas portfolio had become larger with the acquisitions of more companies. She remembered when she had first started the company had been more or less struggling.

To her relief, her ideas had been well received, she reflected as she got ready for work. The morning sunshine warmed her despite the cold weather, placing her in high spirits as she got to work.

On her way to a client takeover meeting, Sharon's phone rang. The ID was her mum, Mrs O'Loan. It's strange she doesn't normally call me at work. What's wrong!? she worried. "Hello Mum, I'm just heading for a meeting. Is there a problem?? Can I call you back, Mum, please?"

"No! No, Sharon, listen. Something happened."

"What happened? Mum, tell me what happened?" Sharon's eyeballs bulged out in panic. Not waiting for a response, she continued. "Is everything alright, please what happened?" "Calm down! I didn't want to call you. He's alright, he collapsed. We have rushed him to the hospital."

"What! Who, Dad?"

"Yes, your Dad. I'm right in the hospital with him."

"Oh, my! What happened to him?"

"I needed to tell you..." a pause followed by complete silence.

Sharon interrupted, "Can you tell me, Mum, I am going crazy here?"

"He is in a coma, he's in a coma," whispered Sharon's mum tearfully forcing the dreadful words out.

Sharon's eyes, already filled with tears, babbled. "Mum, Mum, talk to me. Is he going to be okay?"

Sharon, he is alive. I don't want to lose your dad. I don't want to lose your dad!!" Mrs O'Loan sobbed.

"Mum, you will not lose him," Sharon spoke bluntly to refute her mum's fears.

"You don't understand. He is my life."

"I know Mum, he will be OK. He is a fighter. What did the doctor say?"

"The consultant is not sure, but his vital signs are OK." After a brief silence, she carried on, "but I fear the worse because he fell and hit his head. He might have suffered some brain injury or concussion..."

Interrupting her again, Sharon comforted her mum. "No, Mum, it's going to be okay," she exclaimed.

"I'm going to... Mum, please listen, I'm going to talk to my boss George. I'll take the next flight home."

"No! No, no, don't get on the next flight back. We will be fine," insisted Mrs O'Loan. "Mummy, no!! This is my dad we're talking about. I'll be on the next flight, mum, I'll see you soon!"

Hanging up the phone, Sharon turned around, walking back into George's office. He was nowhere near his desk. She remembered he must have gone into the meeting, the one she was heading for just before the call.

Sharon headed straight for Mr Finland Sr.'s office. After a knock on the door, Mr Finland beckoned her in.

"Good morning, Mr Finland."

"Morning, Sharon! You ought to be in a meeting now, if I recall." Looking up from his sitting position, he inquired. "Is everything okay? You look distraught."

"Mr Finland, I am... No, I am not!"

"So, what can I do for you?" still peering into her anguished face.

"Mr Finland, I have something to say..." Sharon broke down in tears, unable to control her emotions.

"What is the matter?" he murmured in a fatherly tone as he stood up to comfort her, holding her shoulders.