Hook: The Novel (English)

Chapter 27: Turning Points

THIRD PERSON'S P.O.V.

As soon as they returned home from the trip, Ford couldn't help but notice how exhausted their mother looked. She had been moving non-stop, tidying up and checking on things, even when everyone else had begun to wind down.

"Mama, let me do that. Please, rest already," Ford said gently, concern lacing his voice. He had been watching her for a while now, her fatigue evident in every movement.

Gadiel wasn't with them—Ford had insisted he go straight to his condo to finish his research. Gadiel had hesitated, even argued, unwilling to leave his side. But Ford had been firm: school had to come first. Reluctantly, Gadiel had agreed, promising to call once he settled in.

"Yeah, Ma. Brother and I can handle things," Maxton added, stepping beside Ford to offer his support.

With a tired sigh, their mother finally nodded, relenting. Ford grabbed their bags from the van and headed inside, ready to unpack and put everything away.

He was just about to head upstairs when a blood-curdling scream tore through the air.

"BROTHER! SOMETHING HAPPENED TO MAMA!" Maxton shouted, panic cracking in his voice.

Ford's heart dropped.

He bolted outside, and the world seemed to freeze the moment he saw her—Mama, collapsed on the ground, one hand gripping her chest, the other clawing at the earth as she struggled for breath.

"MAMA!!" he cried, dropping to his knees and pulling her into his arms. His hands trembled as he held her tightly, his voice breaking with desperation.

"Mama, what's happening? Stay with me—Maxton, CALL AN AMBULANCE! NOW!"

Without hesitation, Maxton fumbled for his phone, his fingers trembling as he unlocked the screen and dialed emergency services. His breath came out in short, panicked bursts, matching the frantic pounding of his heart. Every second felt like an eternity as he waited for someone to answer.

"Hello? Please—we need an ambulance! It's our mom—she's collapsed! She can't breathe! Please hurry!"

Meanwhile, Ford clutched their mother against his chest, as if his arms alone could keep her from slipping away. His hands trembled violently, his entire body shaking under the weight of helplessness. Tears streamed freely down his cheeks, blurring his vision as sobs began to rise from deep within him.

"Mama... please, please hang on," he whispered, his voice cracking. "Don't do this. Don't leave us."

Fear squeezed his chest like a vice, stealing the breath from his lungs. He could barely hold himself together as his thoughts spiraled out of control.

Ford's emotions were a storm, whirling and crashing into each other all at once—fear, panic, helplessness... confusion.

They were just fine earlier.

Just hours ago, they'd come back home laughing, teasing each other about the trip. Their mom had even scolded them both for leaving the van a mess. She had smiled, tired but warm, just like always.

So why now?

Why was she lying in his arms, gasping for breath, eyes fluttering open and shut as if she were slipping further and further away?

His mind raced. Was she hiding something?

Was there something she hadn't told them?

Was she sick?

Did she keep it all to herself so she wouldn't worry them?

His chest tightened further, pain and confusion colliding like thunder inside him. He looked down at her pale face, her lips trembling, her breath shallow. He didn't understand.