Death's Call

Chapter 5

Alex's POV

I looked back at the operating table and was baffled by the resemblance. "Help me. They can't see me. None of them can. I-I was just driving my children to school and then Da-Daniel, my youngest, got his attack. I was just reaching for the inhaler and didn't see the speeding car. Ple-please take me to my children. Somehow I can't open the door. Ple-please help me." Her eyes held back painful tears and her hand clung onto Darian's left hand, trying to get him to say something, anything to ease her throbbing heart.

It was too sad to watch. Listening to her cry out to us made my heart ache to help her but I knew I couldn't do anything. I felt helpless and captive here. I wonder what happened to her kids. God! P lease let them be alive.  Darian's grip on my hand tightened when I attempted to look away and leave the room. I looked up at him as he focused intensely at the woman. He wanted me to watch. Pay attention. But why?

"You're going to die. But you have a slight chance. I could delay your soul a little longer for the doctors to try and save you. But if I do that, two of your kids will die in your place. The other two aren't that hurt so they will survive." She stumbled back blankly, releasing Darian's hand to him. "What do you mean? I don't understand you-"

"Actually, you do. Now decide before the three of you perish." He followed her one step closer, backing her to her operating table. She turned slowly to her body laying there, seemingly lifeless.

I sucked in my lips and held in a river of tears. The choice was an easy one to make but this was just cruel. Couldn't he save them all? She had to choose? A cold chill overwhelmed me and I felt my eyes burn warm tears as it twinkled down my cheek. I yanked Darian's hand a little, when his gaze it mine. I stared deep into it for a flicker of pity to work on. But instead I was faced with a cold and distance gaze that held nothing like pity or guilt. He was mechanical. He turned his gaze back to her and I felt my heart shatter in pieces. I couldn't even save myself, what makes me think I can save them. I was incapable of helping.

My sights went back to the cold white tiles on the ground. She was a mother so it's obvious what she would pick-

"Save me. Please."

What?! I raised my head at her. Her words hitting me with a hard thud. "I choose me."

"Your littlest and you third. Your own children will perish in place of you. And you have no problem with that?" Darian asked with a  harsh tone.

I can't believe she picked herself. What kind of mother would do that to their own children? 

"I love my kids, but if I'm gone who will take care of the others. My husband is dead. I have no known relatives. I can't do that to them."

"Don't be ridiculous. You are just scared to die."

"No, I'm not-"

"Shut it." He cut her off harshly.

The lights used for her surgery became dim and the doctors bowed their heads in defeat. 

"No, no please. Okay, yes, yes, I'm scared. I am a coward and bad mother for choosing myself over my kids but I am only doing it for the others. They can't live without a mother. I-I'm begging you," her hands held together apologetically. "I don't want to die." She sobbed bitterly. Her desperate tactics to continue living despite the consequences was quite surprising. She was selfish. 

"Let's go." He dragged me toward the door with a demanding force that had me stumbling behind him. "Please. Help me!" Her cries lingering behind me I stopped, pausing for a moment. I did feel bad for her. But not as much as I felt bad for her kids. 

Nothing can excuse how terrible of a mother she is for abandoning them. For choosing her life over theirs. 

I felt Darian's gaze stare down at me but I stood firm to the ground. Turning, I sigh.