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The call comes in in the middle of the night. My father has had a stroke. They don't know if he'll make it the next twenty-four hours and they needed to inform his next of kin. I'm surprised it was me. But then, I've always thought I was the most responsible one out of my siblings.
I call my brothers and my sister, who are much closer to Holmes Chapel than I am. Only Chris answers. It's early where they are. He says he'll go to the hospital and asks if I'll be coming, to which I reply that I don't know.
Now, only a half an hour after receiving the call about my father, I've booked a flight and am packing a suitcase. I bring enough clothes to last three days because I'm not quite sure how long I'll be in England.
I call Elowyn, but she doesn't answer which isn't really a surprise. She's probably fast asleep. Next to Orlando. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth as I finish packing. I decide to send her a message telling her that I'm going to England and I don't know when I'll be back, but don't tell her why.
I drink a glass of wine, followed by another, and then another. It makes me think of Elowyn. We drink plenty of wine together, as well as other alcoholic drinks. She's so fun when she's drunk, but she's fun when she's sober too. Fun all around and I know I'm going to miss her a lot.
The airport is crowded when we land. The last thing I want is to be around hoards of people like this and I decide to rent a car instead of attempting to catch a taxi. There's paparazzi that take pictures of me as I walk out of the airport. It surprises me and I instantly put my hand up to shield my face from the flash.
As I walk across the lot and find the car I've rented, Elowyn's calling me. She doesn't give me a chance to speak as I answer.
"I've been trying to call you for the past three hours, Harry. You're in London? Are you okay?"
I hold the phone between my ear and my shoulder as I put my suitcase in the car. She sounds really concerned about me and I sigh.
"Yes."
"Why are you there? I was hoping to see you today. I hope you're not mad at me, I know I was-"
"My father had a stroke. I came back here to see him."
She's silent for a moment and I furrow my brows.
"Oh god, Harry, I am so, so sorry."
"It's alright. I just wanted you to know that I won't be home for a couple of days."
"Are you okay?" She asks softly.
I close my eyes and sigh.
"Yes. I'm okay."
"And your father? How is he?"
"They don't think he'll make it. I haven't seen him yet. I've only just landed and am getting in a car."
"Oh, Harry... can I do anything for you?" She sighs and I can hear the pout in her voice.
"Unless you can come to Holmes Chapel, no. I miss you. A lot. But I'll be okay. If he pulls through I'll be back tomorrow. If not, then I'll..... well I don't know."
