THREE
Soft and tender hands gently shook my shoulders. "Darling wake up." A male voice boomed from somewhere.
Weary features surfaced before me. His wrinkled forehead manifests his old age. "I want to see him dad, where is he?" Those were the words that came out first.
He stroke my hair with rugged fingers. His gesture laid me to stillness, taking me back to the time when I was his little girl. "Are you sure you're ready?" He asked.
I looked away. I don't exactly know what I was getting ready for. But I managed to respond. "Yes dad." My voice barely audible.
"Wait here, I'll call a hospital personnel." He planted a kiss on my forehead and quickly moved out of the room. But wait, a Personnel?
I was undeniably weak, but that's not an excuse for me to be wheeled on a self-propelled hospital vehicle. "It's okay honey," dad said. I didn't refuse because I wasn't able to figure out an alibi and my feet were limping.
Screeching wheels, I was pushed forward along the sulky hospital corridors. I grasped the arm rest tightly, geared up for the next events of my life.
The personnel left along with my dad. "I will give you some time honey." I was consoled by a gentle pat in the back.
The door creaked, giving more intensity in the area. What is this room? I moved to stand on my feet.
It was a solid-coloured room with metal cases leant on the corner. Midst of it was a gurney, and what seemed like a lying motionless figure covered with white thin blanket.
My body trembled as I drew closer. My gait was unsteady and I braced myself to stumble. I collected all the air in my lungs followed by a long puff and with shaky hands, I grabbed the tip of the blanket. This is it.
In all shallow motion, I pulled the blanket downward.
It revealed the face of the man I expected to spend my life forever and to grow old with.
Sudden blast of cold air came gushing from nowhere. I moved few steps back as my body began to quiver. I heard my bones cracked joined by the leap of my heart away from its cage. My mouth fell open, but not a single word came out of it. I blinked a few times trying to conceal what I've just seen.
I was shocked. I didn't move. No, I didn't. I just stared at you.
Minutes turned hours.
"Tim?" I called.
"Baby, can you hear me?" I know it's ridiculous, because you just can't.
A spirit to face pain and distress overtake me. I pinned my ears into your chest. I was supposed to hear your heart, but I didn't. My hands flinched a little the moment they collided with your face. It wasn't as pink as it always have. It was grey and dull.
"Why did you leave me?"
"Why Tim?"
I battered you with questions with no granted answers. But still, I did, just in case. Just in case you were hearing me.
I know you still can.
"Sleep baby. It's alright."
"I love you baby, I will and always will do."
