Beyond The Classroom

Special Place In My Heart

The next day, Faye sat in a chair on the hospital balcony, looking out at the view and reminiscing about the happy moments she had shared with Yoko.

The memories were bittersweet, filled with laughter and warmth,  but now tinged with pain and regret. She was lost in thought when she suddenly, Yoko's stepmother, Yadira, appeared beside her, holding out a cup of coffee.

"Coffee," Yadira said softly.

"Faye looked at Yadira, searching her face for any sign of lingering anger or resentment. To her surprise, Yadira smiled and nodded, indicating that there was no hostility. Faye took the coffee with a grateful smile. "Thank you," she murmured.

"I know that you're really tired, Faye," Yadira said gently, her voice filled with concern.

"Before Faye could respond, Yoko's father, Yahir who had been nearby, overhead their conversation and quietly moved closer to listen. Yadira continued, "Why don't you go back to the hotel? Or if you want, go back to Stonebridge. So you can rest. We will take care of Yoko."

"Ma'am, don't send me away," Faye pleaded. "I just want to know if Yoko's okay, then I'll leave."

"I'm not saying that you should go," Yadira clarified. "But what I am saying is that you should rest."

"But that's what it should be, for Yoko's good. I need to be out of her life," Faye replied, her voice trembling. "Ma'am, I didn't come here with any bad intentions. I just wanted to pick her up and bring her back to you. But she didn't want to go back. She wanted to be with me and leave this country, but I said no."

Yadira's eyes softened. "You didn't agree?"

"I would never do that," Faye said, looking at Yoko's stepmother, but suddenly, Yoko's father was at the corner, secretly listening to their conversation. "I just wanted to correct all my mistakes. The reason I came here was to make things right."

Yadira reached out and placed a hand in Faye's arm. "I know that Sir Yahir doesn't want to see me, but I apologize for everything. For all that happened between us.

If loving Yoko is wrong, I wish you could forgive me. But if her love will destroy her life, then I don't deserve forgiveness, and I will never forgive myself." Tears began to roll down Faye's cheeks.

Yahir, still listening from the shadows, felt a pang of guilt and realization wash over him. He had been too harsh, too controlling, and was now beginning to see the consequences of his actions.

The next day, Faye and Yoko's family were seated outside Yoko's room, anxiously awaiting news. Suddenly, the doctor emerged from the ER and approached them. Yahir immediately stepped forward. "Can I go inside and see Yoko?" He asked.

The doctor nodded. "It's allowed, but only immediate family members for now."

Faye and some of Yoko's sisters stayed outside while Yahir entered his daughter's room. He sat beside Yoko's bed and began to weep. "Yo, it's all my fault. This is all my fault. Am I a bad father? After everything I've done... when your mom and I separated, I fought so hard for your custody because you're my baby, because you're my daughter. All I wanted was for you to have a good life. I wanted to provide and protect you, but I still made a mistake.

Yo, wake up, please wake up. I will listen to you, I will prioritize you, I'll support you. Please give me a second chance. Please wake up."

Yahir was holding Yoko's hand, his tears falling on her motionless fingers when he suddenly felt a slight movement. His heart skipped a beat. "Yo?" He whispered. Her fingers moved again, and he quickly called for the nurse.