La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au

XVIII

As the morning sun streams through the kitchen window, Charles and Loyden move about their home, preparing for the day ahead. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and the sounds of breakfast being made create a cozy atmosphere. Charles is busy scrambling eggs, while Loyden sets the table, a small smile on her face as she helps.

Charles glances over her shoulder, a playful spark in her eyes. 
"Did you remember to check the presentation for today’s meeting? You know how important it is for us to make a good impression."

Loyden chuckles, her confidence evident. 
"Of course, Hon! Everything is ready to go. I’ve double-checked the slides, and I think we’re going to wow them today."

Just as she finishes speaking, Loyden suddenly pauses, a wave of dizziness washing over her. She grips the edge of the table, momentarily caught off guard. Charles notices the change in her demeanor, her playful tone fading into concern.

"Uyab? Are you okay?"

Loyden takes a deep breath, trying to shake off the sudden feeling. 
Loyden: "Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit lightheaded for a second."

But as she tries to steady herself, the dizziness intensifies, and she sways slightly. Charles immediately drops the spatula and rushes to her side, worry etched across her face.

"You don’t look fine at all! Maybe you should sit down for a moment."

Loyden attempts to dismiss her concern with a smile, but the smile doesn’t reach her eyes. 
"Really, I’m just… I think I didn’t get enough sleep last night. It’s nothing to worry about."

Charles places a gentle hand on her arm, her expression serious. 
"Hon, you need to listen to your body. You’ve been working so hard lately. Maybe it’s time to take a break or see a doctor."

Loyden opens her mouth to protest but then closes it, realizing she might be right. She takes a deep breath, trying to ground herself.  "I’ll just grab a glass of water. That should help."

Charles nods, but she stays close to her, ready to support her if she needs it. Loyden moves slowly to the counter, filling a glass with water and taking a careful sip.

After a moment, she turns back to Charles, trying to mask her unease with humor. 
"See? Just a little hydration, and I’ll be back to normal."

Charles watches her closely, her concern still evident. 
Promise me you’ll take it easy today. If you’re not feeling better, I want you to call in and rest. I can handle things here."

Loyden nods, appreciating her concern. 
"Okay, okay. I promise I’ll take it easy. I just… don’t want to worry anyone."

Just then, their daughter Selah walks into the kitchen, her eyes wide with curiosity. 
"What’s going on? You both look serious."

Charles offers a reassuring smile, though it’s tinged with worry. 
"Just a little dizziness, but your mom’s going to be fine. Right, Hon?"

Loyden forces a grin for Selah’s benefit, but the lingering dizziness still concerns her. 
"Yes! Just a momentary hiccup. Nothing to worry about."

Selah nods, but she looks between her parents, sensing the tension in the air. 
"If you’re not feeling well, Mom, you should rest. You can’t go to work if you’re sick!"

Loyden chuckles lightly, but she can’t help but feel the weight of her daughter’s concern. 
"I appreciate it, Selah. Don’t worry; I’ll be fine. I promise."

As they gather for breakfast, Charles remains vigilant, keeping an eye on Loyden while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for Selah’s sake. The unease in the air is palpable, but with the support of her family, Loyden knows she can get through the day dizzy or not.

After finishing breakfast, Charles and Loyden grab their bags, exchanging light banter as they head toward their car. The morning air is crisp and fresh, but a sense of unease lingers in the back of Charles's mind as she notices Loyden’s color seems off.

As they approach their car, Loyden suddenly stops, gripping the side of the vehicle for support. Charles turns back, a frown of concern forming on her face. 

"Loyden? Are you okay?"

Before Loyden can respond, she sways and collapses to the ground, her body hitting the pavement with a dull thud. Charles's heart races as she rushes to her side, panic setting in. 

"Uyab! Oh my God!"

She kneels beside her wife, checking for any signs of consciousness. Loyden’s eyes flutter open for a moment, but she looks disoriented and pale. Charles gently shakes her shoulder, her voice trembling with worry. 

"Stay with me, honey! Can you hear me?"

Loyden blinks slowly, trying to gather her thoughts. 
"H-hon? I… I’m so dizzy..."

Charles immediately pulls out her phone, her hands shaking as she dials for help. 
"I’m calling an ambulance right now. Just breathe, okay? Help is on the way."

Loyden tries to sit up, but Charles gently pushes her back down, wanting her to stay still. 
"Don’t try to get up. Just focus on me."

Selah, hearing the commotion, rushes out of the house, her eyes wide with fear as she sees her mother on the ground. 
"Mom! What happened?"

Charles looks up at her daughter, trying to maintain a calm demeanor despite the panic rising in her chest. 
"Selah, call 911 and tell them we need an ambulance. Your mom fainted."

Selah quickly nods, her hands trembling as she grabs her phone, her young mind processing the urgency of the situation. 

Charles turns back to Loyden, who is now breathing heavily, trying to stay alert. 
"Hon, can you hear me? Just keep talking to me. What do you feel?"

Loyden struggles to speak, her words slurring slightly. 
"I don’t know… it just hit me. I felt so lightheaded…"

Charles holds her hand, squeezing it tightly, her voice steady and reassuring. 
"You’re going to be okay. Just stay with me. We’re going to get you some help."

Selah returns, her face pale but determined. 
"I called 911. They’re on their way!"

Charles feels a wave of relief wash over her, but the worry still lingers. 
"Good job, sweetheart. Now, let’s keep talking to your mom."

Selah kneels beside them, her small hand reaching for Loyden's. 
"Mom, just focus on me. You’re going to be okay. I’m right here."

Loyden manages a weak smile, her eyes flickering with gratitude as she looks at her family. "I’m sorry… for worrying you both."

Charles brushes back a strand of Loyden’s hair, her heart aching for her wife. 
"No apologies. Just focus on getting better. We’re all here for you."

As they wait for the ambulance, Charles and Selah stay close, providing comfort and reassurance, their love a beacon of hope amidst the fear. In that moment, they are united, determined to face whatever comes next together.