Chapter 5: She's Unconscious!

Chapter 5 

Eliana's P.O.V 

“Is your daughter in this hospital?” the old lady asked, and I shook my head.

I explained everything to her, but obviously, she couldn't understand a word I was saying, because I was crying and speaking at the same time.

“It's okay,” she patted my back. “Just calm down and talk slowly, okay?” she said and handed me a handkerchief.

I nodded and wiped my tears, but they kept rolling down.

Minutes later, I had calmed down, and was finally able to speak coherently. “I'm worried about my daughter,” I started.

“The last time I saw her was before I left for work in the morning. On my way home, I caused an accident, and that was how I came to the hospital. I've been trying to call her but she's not picking up, and she hasn't even responded to the texts I sent her during the day.”

“How old is your daughter?” She asked.

“She's almost eighteen,” I responded.

“Oh dearie, just stay calm and take a deep breath. I'm sure your daughter is alright. You've been through a lot today, and it's understandable you're worried sick. 

You couldn't have prevented the accident, and it's not your fault. Accidents happen, and you're lucky to be okay yourself.

Why don't you try to relax a bit? It's too late for you to go back home right now, so I'd advise you to stay till tomorrow. It's not safe for a young lady like you to be on the street by this time of the night. Besides, your daughter is old enough to take care of herself. You know kids — maybe her phone is on silent, and she didn't hear it ring. When she sees your calls, she'll definitely return the call.”

My tears kept rolling as she spoke, and I wiped them. The old lady made sense — Leah had a knack for putting her phone on silent at night.

“Okay,” I nodded.

“There now. I'll leave you to it—my daughter is in this hospital too. I'm spending the night with her,” she said.

I was surprised. She was too calm for someone whose daughter was in the hospital. “Is she alright?” I asked in concern.

Surprisingly, she chuckled. I lifted a brow in confusion, then she finally cleared the air, “She's fine, and very healthy. She put to bed a pair of pretty girls, and will be discharged tomorrow morning.”

“Oh, congratulations!” I smiled.

Just then, the doctor emerged from the ER.

I subconsciously stood up and rushed to the doctor, and the old lady followed behind.

“How is he?” I asked anxiously.

“He had a concussion, and is still unconscious, but overall, your husband is fine, ma'am,” he said and left.

“He's not my—” I wanted to explain, but didn't see the need to. “Forget it,” I muttered.

“I told you he'd be fine,” the woman said from behind me.

I turned to her with a smile. “Thank you ma'am, for your kind words,” I bowed respectfully.

“It's nothing, really. You must be exhausted, go get some rest,” she said and turned around, leaving.

I watched her retreating figure untill she was out of sight. I can't remember the last time I spoke to my mother, and this old lady made me feel like I was with my mother.

By the time the man was transferred to a regular ward, I was very sleepy, and ended up sleeping by the bedside.

When I woke up the next day, it was already 7:25 a.m. Oh no! I woke up late!

Well, my workplace isn't very far from the hospital, so I could leave for work immediately. Since I had a few clothes at my boss's place, I can change when I get there. I glanced at the man sleeping on the bed — I have to call his family.

“But first, I have to make sure Leah is alright,” I mumbled as I entered my call log.

The last call was from me to Leah the previous night. I was surprised at first that she didn't return my calls —she should've woken up by this time of the morning, and definitely she would've known that I didn't sleep at home last night. Though I'd sent her a text that I wouldn't be at home last night, she should've called this morning.

I dialed her number a couple of times, but she didn't respond…

What is going on? Definitely, she couldn't be asleep by this time of the morning. She was supposed to prepare for school early. Even at times when I would've woken up late, she'd be the one to wake me up.

I called repeatedly, my hand shaking frantically. Then suddenly, “the number you've dialed is switched off”.

My mind went blank, and I rushed to the door, walking as fast as I could, while dialing her number, but the only response I got was the automatic voice-over, “the number you've dialed is switched off.”

I quickly boarded a cab and went home. Throughout the ride, I couldn't sit still. I knew I could be fired for this, but nothing else mattered more than my daughter.

Getting home, I opened the door with my spare key, and entered. 

“Leah? Are you home?” It was almost past nine by now, and she shouldn't be at home, but the fact that everything remained the way it was when we left home the previous morning puzzled me.

I ran upstairs to her room, calling out with my voice laced with fear and anxiety, “Leah? Leah?!”

I pushed her room door open, scanned the room, and to my surprise, Leah lay on the bed motionlessly.

I calmed down a bit, but the fact that she was still asleep by this time of a school day scared me.

“Leah…” I pulled back the covers, but was shocked that she was wearing her uniform which was meant for the previous day.

“You're still wearing your…” I paused when I touched her arm and felt her temperature. Even with the layer of her long sleeve clothing, I was able to feel her high temperature.

“Leah!” I yelled, panicking again.

She didn’t stir.

And for the first time since becoming a mother, I was afraid to touch her..