Bonus

Martin was startled awake by the persistent ringing of his cell phone. He picked it up with a grunt. He hadn't uttered a word when a worried voice notified him that he was needed at the hospital because Theo had gone into cardiac arrest due to internal bleeding. Apparently, he had been rushed back to the theater for another surgery. Martin's heart skipped a beat and for a while, he didn't utter a word. His mouth suddenly dried and his breath held. “Sir,” Martin could hear the same voice call him over and over again. He attempted a response, but all that tore out of his throat was a loud sob. That woke Hilda. She immediately thought the worst. Her husband's wretched expression made her think they had lost Theo.

“Martin,” she called softly. Her voice shook with dread. That is what drew Martin from his trance.

“We will be there soonest.” He told the patient soul on the other end of the line and hung up the call. He turned to a now sobbing Hilda.

“Don't tell me,” she cried, latching ont