Uncharted Hearts

~Chapter 24: (Kira's POV)~

I was in the middle of changing Alex's diaper when my phone buzzed on the kitchen counter. It was a message from a number I didn't recognize. With my hands full and the baby's cries filling the room, I hesitated before grabbing the phone. I finally managed to swipe it open, only to see a message from Chase that made my blood run cold.

"Kira, Hudson's in the hospital. He tried to take his own life. Please, come if you can."

The words seemed to blur together, and for a moment, I couldn't comprehend what I was reading. My heart pounded in my chest, and the room felt like it was closing in on me. I looked down at Alex, his innocent face oblivious to the chaos unfolding around him. The enormity of what I had just read hit me like a sledgehammer.

Hudson. I hadn't thought about him in days, not really. I'd been too wrapped up in my own life, trying to navigate the whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities that came with having a baby. But now, the thought of him in such a dire situation shattered my world.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt a sob escape my lips before I could stop it. I took a shaky breath, trying to calm myself. I needed to think clearly. I needed to get to the hospital, but I couldn't leave Alex alone.

I stumbled through the house, searching for my phone to call a babysitter. My hands were trembling, and it felt like the walls were closing in on me. I finally dialed the number of the only person I trusted to watch Alex on short notice. Each ring seemed to stretch into eternity.

"Hello?" came the familiar voice of Mrs. Thompson, the kind woman who had watched Alex a few times before.

"It's Kira," I said, my voice breaking. "I'm really sorry to bother you, but something's happened. I need someone to look after Alex for a little while. It's urgent."

I heard her take a deep breath on the other end. "Of course, Kira. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Thank you," I managed to say before hanging up. I felt a sliver of relief at her quick response, but the gravity of the situation still weighed heavily on me.

I moved quickly to get Alex ready for Mrs. Thompson. My movements were mechanical, driven by sheer adrenaline and fear. As I dressed him and gathered his things, my mind raced with images of Hudson, alone and hurting. The idea that he was in such a dark place made my chest ache.

Finally, Mrs. Thompson arrived, and I handed over Alex with a mixture of guilt and desperation. I could see the concern in her eyes, but I didn't have the time to explain. I just gave her a quick thank you and hurried out the door.

The drive to the hospital was a blur of red lights and anxious thoughts. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, and I could barely focus on the road. I kept replaying the message in my head, trying to make sense of it all. How had things gotten so bad? Why hadn't I seen the signs?

When I finally arrived at the hospital, I almost ran through the doors, barely pausing to catch my breath. The fluorescent lights and the sterile smell of the waiting room did nothing to calm my nerves. I approached the reception desk, my voice trembling as I asked for Hudson.

The nurse at the desk gave me a sympathetic look and directed me to the waiting area. Chase was already there, looking just as lost and broken as I felt. His eyes met mine, and I could see the relief and sadness mingled in his gaze. I took a seat beside him, trying to steady my breathing.

"How is he?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Chase shook his head, looking at the floor. "I don't know. They're still working on him. He was in pretty bad shape when they brought him in."

The silence between us was heavy, filled with unspoken emotions and regrets. I wanted to reach out and comfort Chase, but my own heartache was too consuming. I felt so small and helpless in that moment.

The hours seemed to stretch endlessly as we waited for news. I couldn't stop the tears from falling, each one a silent testament to the turmoil inside me. My heart ached for Hudson, for the mistakes we had all made, and for the family we had lost along the way.

Finally, a doctor appeared, and my heart leaped with a mix of hope and dread. Chase and I stood up, our eyes locked on the doctor as he approached us. His expression was serious but not devoid of compassion.

"Hudson is stable now," the doctor said. "He's been moved to a private room. He's not out of the woods yet, but we're hopeful. You can see him in a little while, but he's still under observation."

The relief that washed over me was almost too much to bear. I nodded, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to break free. Chase placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, and for a moment, we shared a quiet understanding of the weight we both carried.