CHAPTER 14: HOSPITAL

REAH'S POV 

My heart skipped a beat when I saw the tears on Joyce's face. Joyce was a very strong person who hardly cry, anything that could make her cry must be a very deep issue. "What is it?" I asked but before she could talk, I took her hand and led her into the Supermarket. 

I was the only one there in the morning though, so we could talk inside. 

We entered the Supermarket together and I made her sit, "Now, Tell me what happened." I pleaded. 

Joyce wiped the tears that rolled down her eyes and tried to compose herself "It's Gabriel, " She swallowed. "When he was coming from his office last night, he had an accident and had been in a coma since yesterday. He refused to wake up even though the doctors said he was supposed to wake up already," Joyce cried again. 

My eyes widened and I gasped. "Was the accident serious?"

"Somehow, he hit his head and a glass got stuck in his belly but he's been treated. The wound in his head wasn't that deep either. I don't know why he refused to wake up. What do I do, Reah? What am I supposed to do?" Joyce took my hand and continued crying. "You know he is the only brother I have, he can't leave me like this. He mustn't die like this," She pleaded, her eyes turning red with tears. 

I shook my head, Gabriel mustn't die. Though he wasn't my biological brother, he was more like a brother to me, too. He had helped me so many times that he had become my biggest benefactor and he was someone I would never want to lose. 

"Let's go see him," I told her. 

Joyce shook her head, "Your Boss won't be okay with you leaving the Supermarket. We can just go when you're free." She suggested. 

"You should know I'm never free. I either go whenever I want to or continue working. I once took a spot for one of the part-timers and she promised me she would cover up for me whenever I'm busy too. I will just call her and explain to her. Don't worry." I told her as I brought out my phone to search for the lady's number. 

I dialled her line and waited for her to answer the call. 

"Hello, Reah?" I heard the Lady's cheerful voice and a knot of jealousy hooked my heart. 

How could someone be this happy?

"Hello... I need your help, please. Something came up now and I need to leave. Are you free?" I questioned. 

"Oh Yes. I will come over right away." She replied and a smile formed on my face. 

"Thanks, I will leave the shop to you then," I ended the call and turned to look at Joyce. "She agreed. She lives close to this place so she should get here soon," I explained and Joyce nodded her head. 

We both waited for the lady and soon, she opened the door and entered. "I'm here. You can leave now," She said, her bright smile never leaving her beautiful face. 

I nodded my head and took Joyce's hand, "Let's go," I said and we both walked away. 

We got to the hospital and just as Joyce said, Gabriel was lying in bed, unconscious and unmoving. 

I lowered my eyes instinctively as a roll of tears escaped my eyes but I quickly wiped it off. Gabriel was a strong person, he was always smiling and he was always there to cheer me up. He was like a knight in shining armour to me, my guardian angel...

I quickly wiped away the tears and moved closer to him. I took his hand and sighed, "He's going to be fine," I mumbled to myself. It was more like I was comforting myself rather than telling Joyce. 

We stayed in the hospital, waiting by his side for hours while we both hoped that he would be fine. Later in the day, Joyce went out to get us something to eat. 

"Do you like it?" Joyce asked as I tasted the food she bought. 

"It's spicy but nice," I replied, savouring the aroma. "I've always thought I wouldn't be able to eat it but eating it right now... I kinda like it," I added and we both smiled. 

"It's my first time too. Gabriel once bought it when he was returning from work one day but I told him I wasn't joining. He had to eat it alone." 

"Gabriel must have fallen..." I frowned slightly and dropped the spoon I was holding. I stood up, my eyes filled with confusion as I walked toward Gabriel...

"What's it, Reah?" Joyce asked. 

I shook my head, confusion clouding my mind as I continued walking forward "I saw something just now..." I mumbled. "Gabriel moved his fingers," I explained and just then, his fingers moved again. 

I covered my mouth, eyes widened as I rushed closer, "He did it again," I said excitedly and this time around, Joyce had seen it too. 

Joyce and I stood by his side, gently waiting for him to finally open his eyes and a few minutes later, Gabriel really opened his eyes!

He looked at our side and closed his eyes again, after a few seconds, he opened it again and stared at us. "Reah?" He called, his voice was low and weak. 

"It's me," I replied and he smiled. 

"I'm here too, bro," Joyce grumbled. 

Gabriel finally looked at her and he closed his eyes again, not saying a word. 

Joyce raised a fist as if she was going to punch him but she only gritted her teeth and dropped her hand. "Good, Just get better and get beaten!" She threatened while I just laughed at the siblings' attitude to each other. 

We stayed in the hospital for a while longer, none of us wanting to leave Gabriel's side and fortunately, he was keeping our company by telling us things too. 

Soon, My phone started ringing, I brought it out of my bag and my heart skipped a beat when I realized it was past 10 at night and it was Luna Bella's call!