Book Two in the "Alcaraz Duology"
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Catalina Alcaraz is a single mother with a past that she doesn't wish to revisit. She has managed to become a successful doctor and to create a life of her own desp...
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I exhale deeply as I prepare to enter the room.
But it doesn't help. It never does.
I do my best to not fall apart every time I enter the hospital room where my son is resting, but I always do. It just hurts me deeply because he shouldn't be here.
Even after a week, I still find it hard to accept that he is in a hospital bed with devices connected to him. He should be at school right now and later at soccer practice. I would do anything to take his place.
My gaze remains fixed on him as I move toward the chair next to the bed where I typically have been spending my days. I reach over and give him a kiss on the forehead.
I gently run my fingers through his soft wavy hair. "Good morning, my beautiful boy."
Taking in his precious face makes my eyes burn with tears. I let out another breath before taking my seat.
I've been balancing my work life while visiting Orion and Silas. My father had them transferred to his hospital so going back and forth has been easier.
I've been so appreciative of Desiree and Alyssa's help as well. Max has also been very helpful. Since I am trying not to overwork myself and I can no longer stay out of work, they have taken in some of my patients. I don't know how I will ever be able repay them for everything they are doing for me.
Along with looking at homes this week, I've been beginning the process of opening my own clinic and transferring to a new hospital. During our conversations, the majority of my patients, possibly all of them, took my contact information to follow me over.
That's how I've been keeping myself occupied because I can't just sit around crying for hours on end and expecting the worst. It won't wake up Orion.
I have been trying to stay calm since I fainted. It was due to the nerves, but it scared everyone. Additionally, I want to be well for Orion for when he wakes up. I know he will because he has so much to live and achieve. He wouldn't leave the world in this way. Not so soon.
I actually cried for hours yesterday after a patient came in bleeding. She had a miscarriage, and it really got to me. I have at times shed a few tears due to different situations but I've never actually full on cried before.
The woman was expecting a baby boy. I even recall how excited she was throughout her ultrasounds. Her obvious pain and tears really got to me because of how sensitive I've been. I know that it wasn't my fault but the thought of losing my son too quickly got to me. I wouldn't desire or wish on anyone the mental and emotional suffering she must have endured.
I stare at Orion for a moment before softly grasping his hand. For the first time I see his heart rate briefly increase at the action. Even if I might be hallucinating, I smile for the first time in so long and squeeze his hand.
"I'm here, my little star." My voice cracks a little.
"Please wake up, Orion. I really need you." I can't even fight the tears anymore. They simply fall.
