The Elixir Project [Gen L Society #4]

Chapter 23

André

I was in the middle of a game when my phone exploded with missed calls and text messages from Alphonse - Grandpapa's butler.

Hindi ko ito pinansin ng halos isang oras. Tinapos ko pa ang isang game bago ko binuksan ang phone ko.

And the first thing I saw were the words, "Naghihingalo na ang lolo mo, Sir André. Dito kami sa ospital."

My eyes twitched for a second as I read the text again. No, it can't be.

Standing from my seat, I didn't bother changing my clothes and marched my way out of the penthouse. Hindi ko alam na umuulan pala sa labas, so I got drenched under the rain while driving my motorbike.

It only took me a few minutes before reaching the hospital where grandpapa was taken in.

Pinagtitinginan ako ng mga tao nang pumasok ako sa loob ng ospital. My whole body was being dragged by the weight of my soaked white robe and sneakers.

"Sir, okay lang po kayo?" A staff asked me once I reached inside the emergency room.

"I need to see my grandfather!" I roared, scanning the room.

"Okay po, sir. Huminahon po muna kayo. Dalhin ko po kayo sa nurses' station."

I followed the staff as we headed our way inside. My mind was too hazy that I couldn't think straight.

"Ano po ang pangalan ng lolo niyo, sir?" Another nurse asked me the moment we reached the station.

"Aurelius Laurent," I answered in monotone.

"Alam niyo po ba kung anong ward? Ano po ang nangyari sa kanya-"

"He's dead! They're telling me he's dead for fuck's sake!" I burst out, unable to control the emotions building up inside me.

"Uh, sorry po, sir. Wait lang po," the nurse took the phone and called someone.

I just stood there, getting impatient by the minute. When I couldn't get an answer from them, I walked away, trying to find my way inside.

"Sir, teka lang po..." the staff tried to stop me, but I ignored him.

I found the elevator and pressed the next floor. Looking at the signage, it read, "Pediatric Ward." I went back inside the elevator and went to the next floor. "Medical-Surgical Ward."

He's probably here. I stepped out of the elevator and walked through the hallway.

Not long after, a familiar face came rushing towards my direction. It was a guy in a white long coat. "André!"