The Nightquake

Chapter 2: The Road To Recovery

Sonny Rider woke up to find himself in hospital. What had happened to him? He rubbed his head gently. He felt something wet. Blood. Then he remembered. They'd had a car crash. He'd been badly injured along with his parents. He was alive, but what about his parents?  Sonny got out his Blackberry. It was 11:55 pm. Rosie had called him almost two hours ago. Sonny decided to ring her. He had to speak to her. Dialling her number, Sonny put the phone to his ear.

 "Hello? Is that you Sonny?" Rosie's voice sounded as lively as ever. "Yeah it's me." Sonny croaked. "What's wrong? Why does your voice sound so weird?" Rosie asked. Sonny took a deep breath. "I'm in hospital. There was a car crash after we left Rozetti." Rosie was shocked. "Oh my gosh! Are you okay?" Sonny coughed. "No, not really. I feel horrible, but I'm alive at least."

Rosie sounded frantic. "What about your mum and dad?" Sonny sounded quiet and distant as he spoke. "I don't know if they are alive. They looked even worse than I did." Rosie swore loudly. "Who did this? Was it deliberate? Was the driver drunk?" Sonny coughed again. "I don't know the answer to any of those questions. I was asleep when the accident happened. I woke up to find Mum and Dad in a state, ambulance and police by the BMW, it was a huge mess out on the road. I'm hoping to find out everything from the doctor or nurse soon." 

Rosie sounded calmer now. "Okay, I really hope that your parents are going to be alright. I'll come and visit you soon. Like next weekend maybe? Or I'll come after school?" Sonny was almost whispering now. "Okay."  Rosie began to sob. "I love you babe. Be strong, I know that you can get through this." Sonny croaked again. "Love you too. And thanks." With that, he ended the call. And then, he fell asleep.

                                                                           *

Over the next few days, Sonny slept and was taken into theatre. Aided with a sore throat and regular headaches, he kept vomiting frequently. It had now been almost a week since the car crash and he was still in hospital. Rosie had already visited him once, and had promised to visit again soon. Today, Sonny was feeling a lot better but he still had a slight headache and his throat was still sore. He was still none the wiser about his parents, and he vowed to find out the truth today. It was Friday afternoon, and the ward was less busy. It was quieter on the ward today, which Sonny considered a bonus. 

 Feeling slightly relaxed, he played some games on his iPad Two. Doctor Miller, a tall and blond-haired man, came to Sonny's hospital bed. "Afternoon Sonny, how are you feeling?" Sonny replied swiftly. "Good thanks Doctor, how are my parents?" Dr Miller ignored Sonny's question, as he smiled at Sonny. "Good, your health has improved massively since last week. I'm very glad to see this."

 Sonny returned the smile. "Yeah, I'm not vomiting anymore, and I feel a lot stronger. But I've still got a slight headache and a sore throat." Dr Miller smiled again. "Well the headache and sore throat will go soon. Just keep resting." Sonny nodded. "Will do. Now I want to know two things. Firstly, how are my parents? And secondly, how did the accident happen? I was asleep when the crash happened."

Dr Miller answered the second question only. "You'll have to speak to the police about the car crash. Whenever you're ready, let me know and I'll tell them." Sonny nodded. "Okay. Let them know now. I feel a lot better. When can I get discharged?" Dr Miller shrugged. "Let me run a CT scan. If all is well, you could leave tonight." Sonny smiled. "Great! Now, what about my parents? You haven't answered that question yet."

 Dr Miller turned to leave. "I think I should go and book the scan." Sonny lost his temper. "Tell me! How are my parents?! Stop avoiding the question!!" Dr Miller sighed. "Well? I'm waiting." Sonny snapped impatiently. "They're dead Sonny." Dr Miller said quietly. Sonny blinked. "They're?..." "Dead Sonny." Dr Miller said quietly.