Solid Ground

Chapter 20

\\ WhyJullietHatesRomeo ^^ this dedication goes to you:) I had so much fun talking to you last time. Hope we can do that again. And hope you like the chapter:) guys feel free to follow her:)

Riley

My worn out flats ran down the hospital hallway. Speeding down the lane as though it was my last.

My heart beating faster than drummers could play. I swore I thought my heart stopped and the world blanked out for a split second. But no, I needed to see my father. Or at least, for the last time. For his last breath. Or wherever he was right now.

The hospital seemed to be different from my current perspective. Usually I'd be the heartless ever ready doctors siting behind the desk, but now, my father's life was in the hands of one of those over-confident doctors. And all I could do was sit and pray.

"Dad!" I yelled out when I saw through the glass window. I pushed the door wide open, taking in the sight of what they did to my father. Tubes were coming in and out from every where. The screen showed the heart beat of a weak but steady heartbeat.

And to my relief, he was still breathing.

"Hey..." My mom tapped my shoulder, holding a tissue in her hand.

I ran into her arms. Spilling my tears onto her. I couldn't bare the sight of what was my father now. He has always been strong and healthy, but now, his life was depending on life support.

"Mom. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't be here earlier. I'm so sorry." I said these words on repeat, something a broken cassette player would do. The guilt was killing me inside out.

I should've never went to London. I should've spent every second I had with my parents.

Funny how we only learn to appreciate things when they are taken away from us.

"It's not your fault Riley. Sometimes, it's just God's way of saying it's time." My mom tried to stay strong for me. But I knew it was tearing her apart from the inside.

Just then, Mr and Mrs Anderson also arrived to the ward. They both went and gave my mom their deepest apologies.

"He's going to be okay." They comforted my mom. But they didn't know that, none of us did. None of us even have the slightest idea whether he'll ever wake up. These were just fake promises and fake hopes, something that didn't come with warranty.

I turned around and saw Marcus talking to one of the doctor's from outside the room. He crossed his arm, and his eyes were focused on the files that the doctor handed him.

I took a look at my father. All the statistics and reports in the world isn't going to save my father. I shut my eyes tight, and rested on the sofa behind me.

I could hear the beeps of the machines hanging in and out of my father. I could hear my mom's soft sobs. I could sense the sadness that was lingering in the air.

I tired to count the chances of my father waking up. But that felt like one against an infinity. Then, I heard the door opening.

Marcus came in, and went near to my dad. It was as though he was thinking. He flipped through the files in his hand, and studied my dad from the outside.

Then I realized, my only hope was standing in front of me.

I bounced off my seat. "Marcus can you save him..." My eyes started to tear up once again. The world shattering around me, the sky falling down on me.

He hesitated. "You know even if I could, I can't. You of all people should know."

How could he be so emotionless. How could he be so cold hearted. Here I am torturing myself for the billions of things I should have done with my dad, and he can't even help me?

"I hate you! I hate you so much! Why the hell did you even become a doctor. What is the point if you could save millions and trillions of people on earth but you can't save the one person that matters the most to you!! What is even the fücking point?! I yelled at him out of anger, out of unsatisfaction.

"Riley..."

"No! Don't ever call me again! Don't you ever talk to me again! I can't believe you! Do you even remember the reason why you became a doctor. Do you need me to remind you?! Do you want to go through that torture again... Do you?!" My voice gradually getting louder. I was boiling inside, and this was the only way to release steam.

At the moment of tension, I was just one more step closer to giving him a slap. Suddenly someone pulled me back.

"Marcus, son. Maybe there is something you can do." Mr Anderson pulled me backwards, while helping me to convince him.

"Yes dear. Maybe just this time." Melanie added.

I felt empowered by everyone's help. But at the end the choice was still his. I fully do understand why he wouldn't want to. If the directors found out, Marcus might loose his precious job.

Marcus kept silent. He gave it a long thought. His eyes fixed on my dad. The other doctor who was appointed stood behind Marcus, probably anxious to know his answer as well. Everyone and anyone here knew that they should never test his intelligence.

"Samuel. I'm going to take this surgery. Get the operation room for tonight's operation." Marcus gave his orders.

"But Marcus you know that if the director finds out..." Dr Samuel was obviously against it.

"Give me the paper. The one that says the hospital will not be responsible if a life is lost. I'm going to sign it. That way, the hospital won't be at fault. Go. Now." He ordered again.

Dr Samuel backed out of the ward and to get the required documents ready.

My eyes lit up with gratitude, a small smile slipped pass my lips. "Thank you Marcus..."

"Don't thank me yet." He stopped me half way. "The journey has just begun."

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Hellooooo:) im definitely trying to make it up to all of you for the long wait for the past few weeks... *crosses fingers* hope you all liked it:) which one of you liked the fact that Marcus broke the rules? *raises hands* I sure do ^^

Anyways great meeting and talking to all of you:) #blessed:) don't forget to comment and vote:) see you all soon !!:)