Game of Memories

4

Game of Memories
[Part 4 of 5]

Win's heart is pounding. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead and he did not even bother wiping it away. He is focused on the road; stepping on the gas to speed up even more.

Bright, holding Pipe in his arms, sat quietly at the rear seat. He is not saying anything but the look in his eyes screams worry; worry for Win and his child. The scared expression on Win's face is appalling. The last time he saw that expression was when he thought Bright was leaving him for a work overseas.

"T-thanks for coming with us." Win broke the silence. He looked at Bright through the front mirror. Bright just smiled in response – a smile assuring Win that everything's going to be fine.

"During the time that I wasn't able to remember you, did you hate me?" Win asked.

"No. I hated the universe for doing this to us. But I was also thankful at the same time."

"Why?"

"Because I eventually remembered us. You forgot, but I remembered you. At the very least, there is one person who kept our memories so they are not lost. It was painful. But I can bear the worst kind of pain if it means remembering those precious memories we shared," Bright said. His voice was so soft, and yet Win felt like a dagger was poking a tiny hole in his heart. "Our memories are what makes us, and our journey, a spectacle. I was happy to remember them, even if it's only me."

Win lost his words. He felt so guilty. But he knows Bright did not want him to feel that way. Forcing a smile, he continued driving.

Few minutes later, they arrived at the hospital. Nurses immediately assisted them and gave Pipe the medical attention he needs.

Win and Bright patiently waited for the doctor's diagnosis. They sat in silence, their heavy breathing being drowned in the busy chatters of nurses and patients passing by. The cold air coming from the air conditioners is not enough to keep Win from sweating and his hands were also shaking a bit.

He is worried.

What if it was genetic? What if Pipe inherited his mother's defective cells?

Win shook his head. No, he thought, it can't be. He will not allow it. He can not take it. If that happens, he will probably lose his mind. Pipe is the most important person in his life right now. If anything happens to him –

"Are you the father?" A middle-aged man wearing a doctor's coat approached them.

"Yes, how is my child?" Win asked.

"He is fine now. We already moved him in a separate room. He collapsed due to dehydration and fatigue. But we already injected him with IV fluids so he will be okay now. He can be discharged in 3 days time," the doctor replied.

"Thank you so much! Can we please see him now?"

"Yes, of course, he'll be in room 024. If you have no other inquiries, I have to go attend to my other patients now." And just like that, the doctor left.

"Let's go," Win told Bright and did not wait for him to respond. He hastily looked for the room the doctor mentioned, and when found it, immediately went inside. Bright was silently following him.

Pipe was sleeping. He looked so peaceful and Win almost cried to see his son fine.

He can now breath normally. He sat beside Pipe and held his tiny hands, looked at him affectionately, and gently kissed his forehead.

Looking at this scenario, Bright can't help but feel like he was intruding.

What if Win and Pipe really are just fine without him? What if he does something again that will destroy this beautiful family?