Eric's POV
Days had passed, and still no sign of Liezel. My worry was growing unbearable. Everyone—MJ, Franz, Laren, and Martina—tried their best to comfort me and help locate Rafaela's hideout. We were all doing everything we could, but the uncertainty was eating away at me.
Sebastian returned from the CBI with an update. They had located Rafaela's hideout in a secluded area of Itogon. But there was something he wanted to share about the location: it was one of the biggest gasoline depots in the region. My heart sank at the thought of the potential dangers, and I couldn't help but worry even more.
Eric: (anxiously) "A gasoline depot? Are they planning to blow the place up?"
Sebastian: (seriously) "We don't know their exact plans, but we have to assume the worst. The CBI is aware and they're going to try their best to retrieve and save her."
Hours dragged by with no news. I felt like I was losing my mind with worry. Then, my phone rang. It was the CBI. I held my breath as I answered.
CBI Officer: "Eric, we have retrieved Liezel, but she's severely injured and has lost a lot of blood. She's been taken to the hospital."
I barely heard the rest of what they said. The world around me seemed to blur as I relayed the news to the others. We rushed to the hospital, our hearts pounding with fear and hope.
When we arrived, we were informed that Liezel was still in the operating room, fighting for her life. The sight of the red "Surgery in Progress" light was like a punch to the gut. My knees felt weak, and I leaned against the wall for support.
Martina: (softly) "She'll make it, Eric. She's strong."
Eric: (voice trembling) "I know, but... seeing her like that... I can't bear it."
The minutes felt like hours as we waited for any news. I couldn't sit still, pacing the hallway, my mind racing with worry and fear. My thoughts kept drifting to Liezel, imagining the horrors she had endured. I wanted to hold her, to tell her everything would be okay.
Finally, a doctor emerged from the operating room. We all rushed forward, desperate for news.
Doctor: (calmly) "She's stable for now, but it was touch and go. She lost a lot of blood and has multiple injuries. The next 24 hours are critical."
I felt a mixture of relief and continued worry. Liezel was alive, but she wasn't out of the woods yet. We were allowed to see her briefly, and as I stepped into the room, my heart ached at the sight. She looked so fragile, lying there with tubes and monitors all around her.
Eric: (whispering, taking her hand) "Hang in there, Liezel. We're all here for you. I love you."
As I held her hand, I vowed to do everything in my power to support her through this. No matter what it took, I would be there for her, just as she had always been there for me.
