Growing love

chapter 1

Ruhi's POV:

Oh my God, what is happening to my dad? Before dinner, he was fine and even laughing with us, but within minutes, he stopped talking. I don’t know what’s going on. I keep calling for my mom and sister, but they aren't listening to me.

I hurried over to my father and tightly gripped his hand. I told him, "No matter what happens, I’ll always stay with you." In return, he gave me a big smile, and that smile melted me.

Suddenly, a new energy surged through me. I grabbed my dad's hand with one of mine and supported his shoulder with the other, helping him into the car so we could rush to the hospital and check on him.

After some time, we arrived at the hospital, and I called for the staff to assist my dad. My heart was racing, but I tried to hide my anxiety so my father wouldn’t feel weak or scared.

The doctor came and asked me some basic questions before the staff took my dad into the emergency room. While they were doing that, I filled out the necessary forms and paid the emergency fees.

Not long after, the doctor returned and told me that my dad was asking for me. I hurried to the emergency room, thinking my dad must want to tell me something important. But when I arrived, I found my mom and dad having a silly argument in the hospital room! Wait—how did my mom get here so quickly?

I ignored the confusion in my mind and went to the doctor to ask about my father’s condition. The doctor said he was completely fine, just a little stressed, but that he’d be okay soon. Even though the doctor was reassuring, I couldn’t shake my growing worry.

At one point, my father got up to walk, but suddenly lost his balance. I rushed to grab his hand, but in the commotion, we both fell with a loud thud.

And then I woke up—panting and in a panic. It was just a bad dream, but it felt so real. I glanced at the clock: 2 AM. My mind was trying to convince me that it was just a dream, but my heart kept telling me it was some sort of warning. I decided to trust my heart and got out of bed.

I quietly made my way downstairs to my parents' room, tiptoeing inside to check on them. I peeked through the door and, finally, I saw them both sleeping soundly. My dad was snoring peacefully.

Relief washed over me. I walked into their room, carefully covered them with a duvet, just like they used to do for me when I was young. After one last glance to make sure everything was alright, I left the room.

I returned to bed, but that terrible dream wouldn’t let me sleep. Feeling restless, I went to my sister’s room and found her sleeping peacefully, too.

I know it was just a dream, but it felt so real. Papa’s health isn’t something I want to take lightly. Maybe this is my mind’s way of telling me to cherish every moment with him. I just hope I’m overreacting, and he’s truly fine...

I realized I was probably just overthinking everything because of how much I care about my dad. Slowly, I made my way back to my room and lay down in bed.

My mind was racing, and I knew sleep wouldn’t come easily tonight. But I had a trick. Every time I struggle to sleep, I imagine stories from books or dramas I’ve seen, and slowly, I start drifting off.

So tonight, I decided to try the same thing. But before I closed my eyes, I prayed to God to always keep my mom, dad, and my entire family safe.

Next Morning:

I woke up lazily, my mind still clouded by the memory of yesterday's bad dream. The unsettling feeling lingered, casting a shadow over my mood as I got ready for the day.