THE PAIN YOU GIVE

CHAPTER 16 -Awakening from Darkness: A Ray of Hope

"The next day, Jason returned to the house to freshen up before returning to the hospital. He received a call from Auntie Imelda. 'Chrissy is awake ?!' 'I'm on my way,' he replied, hanging up and driving to the hospital. June gazed quietly through the window as her husband's car disappeared into the bushes.

Jason arrived at the hospital with a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates in his hand, but bolted off when he heard screams coming from Chrissy's ward. He entered to find Auntie Imelda and Uma crying bitterly close to Chrissy's bed. The doctor, who was present in the room, tried comforting them.

Jason didn't understand as his eyes gazed at Chrissy, who was awake but seemed distant. She became stiff, her eyes fixed into space. "What is going on, doctor?" Jason asked urgently. "She is in shock due to her head injury. Right now, we have to wait and observe. There is nothing we can do. The choice is hers now," the doctor replied, patting Jason's shoulder before leaving the ward.

Jason kept mute, still in shock. He went towards Auntie Imelda and Uma to comfort them. "It's all my fault...I shouldn't have told her. She would have been okay...I'm so sorry, my baby," Auntie Imelda spoke through her sobs, holding Chrissy's lifeless hands. "It's alright, Auntie," Jason said softly. "I must take her home now so we can take care of her there."

Auntie Imelda nodded in response, and the three of them headed out to arrange Chrissy's release from the hospital.

As hours passed, Jason arrived at his mansion with Chrissy, accompanied by Auntie Imelda and Uma, who stayed close to her. They assisted in packing Chrissy's aids and medicines while Jason carried her into his house. June, who was right at the entrance, was shocked to see Chrissy's condition.

"What happened to her?" June asked as Jason looked at her in silence and proceeded to take Chrissy to her bedroom. As Jason laid Chrissy down and tucked her into bed, he heard a knock on the door, revealing Chrissy's aunt.

"Can I have a word with you?" Auntie Imelda asked, and Jason nodded, following her and gently closing the door behind him.

"I know it's not entirely your fault, my son, but you were part of this problem," Auntie Imelda told him. "I didn't know she suffered so much as a child, Aunt. I am so ashamed of the way I treated her. She lost pregnancies because of me. But the other child is not yours, Jason?" Auntie Imelda interrupted.

"Yes, I know, but I don't blame her. She loved me, but I mistreated her, so she sought love elsewhere. I'm sorry for what I did to your niece," Jason pleaded.

"You don't need to apologize to me, Jason. This is the time to make it up to her, now that she is vulnerable," Auntie Imelda said. Jason nodded."Well, I'll tell you a secret Chrissy kept from all of you. It's about your son-he's not dead," Auntie Imelda revealed. "It can't be," Jason replied, astonished. "But you said......."

"Yes, I did. Chrissy knew her father would take the boy from her, so she lied to keep him safe," Auntie Imelda explained. "I understand, Auntie, but where is he?" Jason asked, and together with Chrissy's aunt, they left for her house.

Jason stood in the hall, his heart pounding with anticipation, waiting for his son. Soon, Auntie Imelda emerged, cradling a six-month-old baby in her arms. Jason's eyes welled up with tears as he reached for the baby and held him close, unable to tear his gaze away from his beautiful features.

"He's beautiful... like his mum," Jason murmured, marveling at his son's blue eyes and fairly dark hair. The baby suddenly began to cry, and Jason instinctively started rocking him to calm his sobs. "Chrissy visits him secretly to feed him and spend time with him," Auntie Imelda revealed. "Does he have a name?" Jason asked, his voice trembling with emotion. "She named him after her mom, Daniella," Auntie Imelda replied. "Thank you, Auntie," Jason expressed his gratitude, his heart swelling with love for his son. "You must love your son and your wife," she responded. Jason nodded solemnly, his mind filled with a mixture of joy and responsibility, and then he gently cradled his son in his arms, ready to take him home.