x
Evan navigated the hospital lot with tense precision, every bump rattling through his body. His eyes darted, scanning for an open space among the sea of cars. His heart pounded, frustration mounting.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZpVGMVOjx
“Damn it! Where the hell am I supposed to park?” he muttered, voice tight.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFMd2IkJEl
From the truck bed, his mother shouted, urgent and sharp. “Just pull up to the entrance!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7j4xJvKxy
His grip on the wheel clenched, knuckles white as he veered toward the front—only to hit a wall of stalled cars and frantic drivers just like him. With no choice and honking behind him, Evan threw the truck into park and bolted for the hospital doors.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXQaXvYMu1
Inside, chaos reigned supreme. The air was thick with a cacophony of moans, groans, and the occasional wail of distress. Nurses and front desk staff rushed around, their faces marked by fatigue and determination. A frazzled staff member stood at the brink, confronting a line of restless people stretching into the distance.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0pdegY0ZF
Evan stood frozen in the chaos, the press of people closing in. He tried to speak, but his voice vanished into the noise. “Hey, ma’am, I—” The words fell flat, drowned by the flurry of movement around him.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCsaWYL3Yr
Nurses in scrubs rushed past, too locked in crisis to notice his quiet plea. The sheer volume of people, the urgency—it all pressed down on him, triggering his instinct to withdraw.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAyaIGNfTW
But desperation overpowered habit.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ1LHl4WfM
He stepped forward, grabbed a nurse’s shoulder. His voice cracked, louder than he'd meant—but he didn’t care.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfTZrkjJtR
“Ma’am, can you PLEASE help me? My brother and nephew are in my truck—serious head and neck wounds! They need help. Now!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSZBNsAgt7
The panic cut through him, sharper than fear, louder than hesitation.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ959hK20Lad
The nurse gently but firmly removed his hand, her tone brisk but not unkind.
“I’m sorry, sir—I really am—but I have a trauma case I’m assigned to right now. Please go to the front desk and let them know. Someone will be with you as soon as possible.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y9qeYH3y9
As she turned to leave, Evan’s voice cracked. “It’s a child, ma’am! Do you have no sympathy?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0RC7TS562
She stopped, turned back, her expression calm but firm.
“Sir, I’m currently treating a newborn with a head injury. Her mother’s on life support. One might not make it. Maybe neither.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIWlzGqFQD
Her eyes didn’t soften. “So yes, I do have sympathy. A lot of it. But I also have priorities. If you’d like, I can introduce you to the father in the waiting room—he’s been there all night, waiting to hear if his family survives. You can tell him why you should go first.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBVkQRDZQq
Evan was left speechless, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "I... I'm sorry-"
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZHswvonGq
Before he could finish, she was gone, her pace quickening as she melded back into the chaos.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VuUEo5Fx3
He took a moment to gather himself, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSzivSKykd
Evan scanned the waiting room, eyes landing on an older man with a bald head, a scruffy beard, and the unmistakable scent of cigar smoke and stale liquor. A makeshift sling cradled his arm.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8xUPN8Qsd
Evan hesitated, then stepped closer. “Did we really just have an earthquake here?” he asked, disbelief in his voice.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4wOUDAVTa
The old man didn’t even look up at first. When he did, his reply was dry and raspy. “No shit, Sherlock.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mk3W980E7
“In Florida, of all places,” Evan muttered, trying to inject some humor. “That’s just… wild.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEJoxIhivp
“Yup,” the old man grunted, eyes already drifting elsewhere.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJrj212Zep
Evan glanced around, anxiety pressing on his chest. “Sir, do you think I could—”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbtYOZ0w1V
“Don’t think so, pal,” the man cut in, narrowing his eyes.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvVplXW7IO
“Please, I just—”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTRh1cHUPS
“What makes you so special?” he snapped, twisting around. The stench of booze and cigars hit Evan full force.
“Ya don’t even look hurt. What're doing here?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqxNaUBsUC
The man jabbed a finger into Evan’s chest.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SkBr9r1aW
Evan’s temper snapped. He slapped the finger away. “It's not me! My brother and nephew are in my truck—head injuries! I’m trying to get them help!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqnPVaBflO
"Yeah, well, they ain't the only ones hurtin'," the old man retorted.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsYhUplqdp
Evan snapped. “Hey, you old fart! My brother’s unconscious and bleeding out, and my ten-year-old nephew’s right there with him! I think you’ve had enough beer to numb your arm long enough to let a kid with a head injury go ahead of you, you crusty old piece of shit!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdnhNIrMy5
The man turned slowly, his expression unreadable—almost blank. Evan tensed, suddenly unsure if this was about to turn into a fight.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38dnAAWZwo
Then the old man burst into raspy laughter, his whole body shaking.
“BAHAHAHA! Well, shit, son! I think you’re right!” He broke into a wet, hacking smoker’s cough, wiped his mouth, and pulled out a battered flask. One swig later, he added, “Hell, I probably don’t got much time left anyway. Let that little boy go ahead of this old turd.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu5vStaA7A
He stepped aside with a crooked grin.
“Shit, you look like you need this more than me. And for the record—wasn’t beer. Whiskey.” He held out the flask.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoEDdFqfcy
Evan blinked. “N-no, thank you,” he said, waving it off—though, if he was honest, the offer almost sounded nice.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiU9V5xyFh
Something shifted in Evan. For once, standing his ground hadn’t backfired—it had worked. The old man’s laughter, the way people actually listened—it hit him harder than expected. Maybe his voice did matter. Maybe retreating wasn’t the only way to survive chaos.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyrXViKVsW
He turned back toward the waiting area with a flicker of resolve, ready for whatever came next.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbV85CYGb6
A few nearby had seen the whole thing. A younger man with a sling gave Evan a nod and stepped aside. Two women—one with a bandaged leg, the other with gauze over one eye—traded glances, a mix of wariness and quiet empathy, and let him through. Others followed suit, parting to make room without protest.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye58F5TVRR
For the first time all night, the world didn’t feel like it was pushing him back.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnNiheXYAz
Despite the small victories, reality set in fast. Even after cutting ahead of eight people, there were still over twenty more in front of him.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLfL7flrTO
His pulse quickened as he scanned the room, eyes landing on a short woman with vibrant red hair and an overwhelming wave of cherry blossom perfume. She rocked back and forth, visibly agitated.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxUiQXERv2
Evan stepped toward her, ready to make his case—until something over her shoulder stopped him cold.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeQfw0tL0o
Wait… was that a baby?
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7hh36xrX1
He leaned in slightly. Wrapped tightly in a blanket, a tiny infant rested against her chest. Gauze circled the baby's head, faint crimson patches seeping through the white.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTHfJgpczn
“Oh God,” he breathed, the weight hitting him all at once.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr51TrpoiH
The woman turned, her tear-filled blue eyes wide with panic. Lipstick smeared, eyeliner streaking down her cheeks.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEa06m7Dfs
“M-my baby,” she choked out, trembling. “I was walking down the steps when it hit... I tried to hold on, but I fell—on top of him. I... I didn’t mean to...” Her voice cracked, dissolving into sobs.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPWCnBky18
Evan’s chest tightened. “Oh my God,” he whispered, instinctively placing a hand on her back. For a moment, his own panic vanished. He glanced at the line—too long. Way too long.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJgdFDbOXt
This can’t wait.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeJdPPwRHn
He raised his voice, louder than he thought possible.
“THIS WOMAN HAS A BABY WITH A HEAD INJURY! SHE NEEDS HELP—NOW!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKeuph94Ro
The room went still. Heads turned. Phones lowered. Eyes locked on them.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOON2p8Ws0Z
The woman looked at him, stunned, gratitude flickering through her tears. Then she turned to the crowd, voice cracking, “Please! My baby!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yOshfhdcs
One by one, the line began to part like the Red Sea. Evan guided her forward, a firm hand pressed against her back, trying to maintain a sense of urgency and purpose. Yet, as he advanced, a nagging thought invaded his mind-
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMAKzXxVxq
Am I skipping ahead, taking advantage of the situation?
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHnvAzMoaC
But he shook it off, focusing on the priority at hand. "Please, everyone, make way! The young are top priority!"
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoprAW9UZlT
They reached the front desk, where the administrator, wide-eyed and flustered, immediately called for a doctor. Within minutes, the woman and her baby were handed a clipboard with paperwork before being whisked away to the other side of the hospital, the entire waiting area watching in silence.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns9Zwt3McL
Suddenly, a voice shouted from behind, "Hey! You can't skip the lin—"
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5POW3FEg7N
But before the complaint could fully form, Evan's voice rang out, drowning it out.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN1sC9c68g
"I HAVE A FATHER WITH SEVERE TRAUMA TO HIS HEAD AND NECK, AND A TEN-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO IS BLEEDING PROFUSELY! I NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION-RIGHT NOW!"
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aniZY4yVF
"Okay, sir," the desk administrator stammered, her hands trembling as she handed him a thick packet on a clipboard. "If you could please fill this out..."
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsqHCaDXlq
Evan's blood began to boil as he glanced down at the paperwork, feeling the heat rise in his chest.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2exlUdHsG
"ARE YOU SHITTING ME? I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS! NONE OF US HAVE TIME FOR THIS! I HAVE A CHILD BLEEDING OUT OF THE HEAD! CAN'T THIS BE DONE LATER?!?"
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpA6lN8Do3
"I'm s-sorry, sir, it's protocol," she stuttered, her face flushed with panic, looking as if she might faint at any moment.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD95Ipfvx93
Just as the corners of his vision began to darken, a tight grip on his shoulder brought him back. He turned to find the familiar face of the nurse he had encountered earlier, the one who had been with the mother and baby in critical condition.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dp5lmsPit
"Do they need a stretcher?" she asked, urgency lacing her voice.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeBjlraUAm
"Yes!" Evan exclaimed, relief flooding through him.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk000uPLXYC
"WE NEED TWO STRETCHERS!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ajMSIlbOQ
"Give me that!" With a swift motion, she snatched the paperwork and clipboard from him, letting the pen fall to the floor.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1sTkslOGq
Moments later, two male nurses arrived with stretchers.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NFfsNbIKK
“Take them to the room—the paperwork will be ready,” she said said, then nodded to the front desk administrator before hurrying off.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jLXyJECJa
Evan bolted toward the exit, the nurses close behind. As he rounded the corner of the truck, he stopped short—his breath caught.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnHv99lnBf
Essiya was sitting up in the truck bed, wide-eyed and alert.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgo2fk90sc
“OH THANK GOD, FINALLY!” his mother cried, voice cracking with relief. “Essiya’s awake!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTRQ7v2K3j
“Essi—”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnLdu203lk
“Is the adult male the one with the neck injury?” one nurse cut in, focused.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvrb3OWyJq
“Y-yeah,” Evan said quickly.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIdULqL77R
“Alright, we’ll load him first. Carefully.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSlfTeCpID
The two nurses worked in sync, lifting Donovan onto the stretcher with practiced precision. Once Essiya was secured as well, they turned back to Evan and his mother.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQnmXMtptP
“Follow us.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XIK3VgCdV
Back inside, the chaos hadn’t lessened. Crowds pressed in from all sides.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeilgBvpGn
Beside him, his mother gasped. “Oh my goodness, Evan... we need to pray for these people. It’s packed in here.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8PYXRRwzv
“Yeah,” Evan muttered, still catching his breath. “I basically had to make a scene to get us this far. Otherwise, we’d still be halfway through that line.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvZdVmrHsM
As they passed the ever-growing queue, Evan caught sight of the old bald man staring at him intently. As their eyes met, the man chuckled softly, raising his flask in a mock toast before taking another swig. Evan couldn't help but nod back.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYClHWAqAv
They finally reached their room. One of the male nurses opened the door, motioning Evan and his mother inside just as Donovan was wheeled down a separate hall.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQFIMdLXeR
The door clicked shut behind them, dulling the chaos outside, though the tension still clung to the air.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0tKsBGwVe
“Alright,” the nurse said, gently transferring Essiya to the exam table and moving the stretcher aside, “I’d love to tell you the doctor will be right in—but we’re overwhelmed. A lot of our staff are injured too. All I can promise is someone will see you as soon as possible.” He pointed to the clipboard on the table. “Filling this out might help move things along.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMuwHVivHf
“Okay, thank you,” Evan and his mother said in near unison, voices taut with anxious hope.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l0YOoWRXm
Once the nurse left, Evan sat down and began filling out the paperwork, pen moving quickly despite his nerves. His mother knelt beside Essiya, brushing his hair back gently as she whispered a quiet prayer.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOPKpArrmb
As Evan focused on the forms, he tilted his head back, rubbing his eyes.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wdzTm1paC
"Gosh darn it!" his mother exclaimed, snapping him out of his thoughts.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKgT2EF2CS
"What?" Evan asked, momentarily distracted.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56oRS93Crt
"I forgot my purse and my phone at home! I wanted to call some of our family to make sure they're okay."
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdECgDLfWS
"I think I brought mine," Evan said, reaching into his pocket, only to find it empty. "Damn it! I must have left it in the truck. I'll be right back."
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAKtKRoIGV
"Okay, honey," she replied, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WeHSOIszt
As he turned to leave the room, the weight of the situation pressed down on him amidst the chaos of the hospital, but he knew he had to keep moving.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8El6JsZFve
As Evan closed the door behind him, he turned to leave—only to feel arms wrap around him from behind, stopping him in his tracks. The familiar scent of cherry blossom hit him instantly.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLEqlrbwJF
He froze. Something delicate but firm clung to his chest. He looked down—an arm, pale and almost translucent under the harsh hospital lights. Beaded bracelets dangled from her wrist, their bright colors stark against faint bruises beneath.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHn6DyYgJb
A soft, shaky voice whispered against his back.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrst96Uqlue
“Th-thank you... so much.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVYWrdGi7K
He turned, startled, heart racing—only to find himself face to face with the young mother. Her blue eyes shimmered with tears, mascara trailing like ink down her cheeks. And yet, in all the exhaustion and chaos, there was warmth.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VFZracV0g
Cherry blossom.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXwremrkIa
“You—you helped me,” she said, voice cracking. “I don’t know what I would've done. Without you, we’d still be waiting.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WpVlcIHIM
Evan rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly shy.
“Oh. It was nothing, really. I just... saw your baby and—I don’t know. Felt like someone had to say something.” He let out a breath. “Honestly, it was kind of... freeing.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aOwJ9A2W9
She smiled through the tears, her shoulders relaxing. “Well, thanks to you, my baby’s going to be okay.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQTnW2vD2R
He shook his head. “That’s all the doctor. I just cleared the way.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0kBV7AZsp
“The doctor said there’s no major internal damage,” she said, relief pouring from her voice. “Just a few stitches—he’ll be fine.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQc1Z6u4ON
Evan let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “That’s... amazing. I can’t imagine how stressful that was.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbj1QQx8Lf
Karen reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a crisp business card, sliding it into his hand with practiced precision.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V0tIGSL5B
“I owe you a significant debt of gratitude,” she said, her voice smoothing into something more professional. “I’m an attorney—criminal defense and civil litigation. If you ever find yourself in legal trouble—charges, wrongful accusations, even just a nasty dispute—call me. No consultation fees, no red tape.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRY3qZh7OL
Evan looked down at the card: Karen Bridges, Attorney at Law.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxWDE26pnn
He nodded, slipping it into his pocket. “Thanks. I’m Evan, by the way.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumicSAi9ii
She offered a firm handshake and a half-smile. “Duly noted, Evan. And again—thank you. What you did back there? That wasn’t nothing.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gPLgwgC3U
They exchanged goodbyes, and Evan made his way back to the truck.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgAx8Zi2DV
“Man… I’m a regular celebrity today,” he muttered, unlocking the door and pulling out his phone.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xqvSteJrt
The cracked screen flickered to life—over thirty texts, nearly fifty missed calls. Most were from relatives trying to reach his mom.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8epPUTpcE4
He scrolled through the chaos, then stopped at one message that made him exhale a breath of relief.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6cCZW6hZV
Babe, if you’re dead, I’m going to kill you!
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp1X8A7AkO
A smirk crept onto his face.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhmbS4wFou
Kyra.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOwWLhnbFx
He hit call. It barely rang twice.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCgdjtk4KI
“¡Dios mío, Evan! Are you okay?!” she burst out. “You weren't answering! I was freaking out!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0Yqq1CrvX
He chuckled tiredly, leaning against the truck door. “I’m alright, babe. Sorry I didn’t pick up. Everything’s been chaos.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKlVolKLfw
“I saw the news! An earthquake in Florida?! That’s loco! Are you sure you’re okay? Like—no cracked ribs or buried under rubble or some Final Destination shit?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDFj49ca81
He ran a hand through his hair, gaze distant. “It’s… more complicated. We had to rush my brother to the hospital. And Essiya, too.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eHnbs57CL
Silence. Then her voice softened.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAinZ8YEWNz
“¿Qué? Oh my God… mi amor, I’m so sorry. What happened? Are they okay?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAlAxr9hd8
“Essiya woke up—he’s stable. But Donovan... we still don’t know. The hospital’s slammed. Everyone’s overwhelmed.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMbFbIpnQU
She let out a shaky sigh. “Pobrecito. I wish I was there. I’d be right next to you, holding your hand... and cursing out anyone who got in the way.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EI3mEbrkP
He smiled, swallowing the lump in his throat. “Yeah… I wish you were here too.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRW8t37UzE
They talked a little longer—her voice grounding him like a tether to something safe. She cracked jokes, slipped in Spanish nicknames, reminded him to breathe.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP94Lu2fD7S
Eventually, he glanced at the screen. “Babe, I gotta go. My mom needs my phone. She left hers at home.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVWjYNZye1
“Okay,” she said, reluctant. “But text me, call me, send a pigeon—whatever. Just keep me posted, ¿sí?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNatfLtQNpS
“I will. Love you.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR9BRk7HAr
“Te amo.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWFuVnBVGL
Click.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqVjGyRbOp
Evan’s steps dragged as he headed back toward the entrance. Every muscle ached, exhaustion clinging to him like wet cement.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyplgkwKCFg
Just as he reached the doors, a voice called out.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5kavH2Ubs
“Hey, kid!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiiagewlGF
He turned, brow furrowing.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsTYPKWGHI
Leaning against a trash can was the nurse—the one who’d helped get his family into a room. A cigarette dangled between her fingers. She took a long drag, then flicked it away and stood straighter.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU9t7pVCNA
“Listen,” she said, voice rough but sincere, “I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier. That wasn’t professional.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W854dUxyi
Evan blinked, surprised. “Oh—no, it’s fine. Really. I snapped too. I get it… you’re all under a ton of pressure.”
He hesitated. “Thanks for helping us. My nephew and brother—I don’t think we’d have gotten in without you.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpecC1vyffU
A faint smile tugged at her lips. “No problem, Mr…?” She glanced at the clipboard tucked under her arm.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgsCDylXyQ
“Pettway. Evan Pettway.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5eIyM2gDn
She nodded. “Nice to officially meet you, Mr. Pettway.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh0OGP9cMI
“Nancy, right?” He motioned to her badge.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfgVIexNP6
“Yep.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyshy55sFnm
They shook hands, brief but genuine. Then she turned and disappeared back into the blur of hospital chaos.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9MhK7ZuhS
Inside, Evan stepped through the doors, and the exhaustion that clung to him was quickly replaced by a familiar dread as he approached his family’s room.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz8NTOmZ7W
The moment the door swung open, a piercing wail split the air.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioiVyGhFAq
“Waaaah! I don’t wanna, noooo!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcqZ5HQYHP
Evan’s stomach dropped. Essiya was in full meltdown, face blotchy, cheeks streaked with tears.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsbREI8KDF
“What’s going on?” he asked, handing his phone to his mom before crouching beside the bed.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yEFZgt69x
He forced a grin. “Hey, little man. It’s not that bad. Could be way worse.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiDD3tgUBr
Essiya glared through wet lashes. “Easy for you to say! Your big belly cushioned you from getting hurt!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcriZ2qByDx
Evan snorted. “Damn, kid. Cold.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92zEoRETBZ
“Essiya!” his mom scolded.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhpLn7zcNh
But Evan just laughed. “Alright, alright. But if you keep crying, I’m texting Kyra’s sister to let her know you’re just a big ol’ crybaby scared of a little scratch.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVxvYxkFzc
Essiya hiccupped, visibly torn. “No, you won’t!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlgsaU7CXN
“Try me.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHVhPLBsbL
But the teasing couldn’t hold. His fists clenched. His face crumpled.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXTzRLGkQV
“I want my daddy! Where’s my daddy?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGzasVnD6l
The room stilled as his cries echoed through the sterile space.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakNKlOzX7b
Evan’s smile faded. His stomach twisted.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBcyEqjFdQ
“Did the doctor say anything about Donovan?” he asked, voice low, thick with dread.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmS2uMe0i5
His mother tightened her grip on the phone. “He said... he’s not handling Donovan anymore. Dr. Gupta took over.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfoNXuYmQe
Evan’s chest tightened. “Why?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhGzafsMyC
Her voice cracked. “It might be a spinal injury.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7zqzyi0ub
The words hit like a punch to the gut. Spinal.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeF8JirpXM
Evan’s thoughts spiraled—flashes of Donovan laughing, lifting him like a feather, tackling him into couch cushions, whispering plans for trouble after bedtime. Donovan, unbreakable.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41KEEjTnxS
And now?
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaOkneMjBo
He sank into a chair, hands sliding through his hair as his mother turned back to Essiya, her voice soft, soothing—a whisper trying to quiet the storm.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl6v194l5T
“Oh, so... has anyone tried to call us?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchiEPRKQY2
“Yeah,” Evan said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Auntie, Grandpa, a couple cousins… some family friends, too.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOoyZAnvDt
His mom let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “I hope everyone’s safe.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PbxnVUa3m
She stood, hesitating for a moment. “I’m gonna step outside and make a few calls. Can you stay with Essiya?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFGn1EBXO7
“Yeah, of course.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrWLXcJUns
As the door clicked shut behind her, a small voice broke the silence.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH6Su7WplT
“Is my dad gonna be okay?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I445nzlwl
Evan turned. Essiya sat curled on the bed, eyes wide and glossy with tears. The question came out barely above a whisper, but it hit like a brick.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BoO48njYq
Evan’s throat tightened. “He will,” he said, even though he didn’t know. “Your dad’s the strongest guy I know. Stronger than me. Stronger than anybody.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZUHgeK2Fc
Essiya lunged into his arms, clinging to him with everything he had. Evan hugged him back, rocking slightly, ignoring the ache in his back, the weight in his legs. This—this—was what mattered.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEoklheR7o
After a minute, Essiya pulled away, wiping his nose on the sleeve of his oversized hoodie.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4R8YOTWes
“Are… are the stitches gonna hurt?” he asked, voice trembling on the edge of another breakdown.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvxFrXhF42
Evan forced a grin. “Nah, the doctor’s gonna numb you up. You won’t feel a thing.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDiDmR8gfs
“You promise?”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FzXOfQNA0
“Of course! They’ll give you a little numbing shot and—”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbx8uGAiji
Essiya froze. His eyes went wide.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarjj7YpMsq
“Sh-shot?! Noooo!”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtx7dB0McM
A shriek tore from his lungs as he flailed wildly, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE3boIz7KR
Evan winced. Shit. I shouldn’t have said that.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlonKcMCecS
Essiya’s cries filled the room again, loud enough to draw glances from passing nurses.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJPsWf0mAq
Well... that backfired.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ6tgehus3
The crying stopped as a knock sounded at the door.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4TczsPQfr
Evan stood fast, heart lurching as Dr. Gupta stepped inside. His face was unreadable—not comforting, not grim. Just professional. The kind of expression worn by someone used to delivering bad news.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcJWoBVAKP
“Hello, everyone,” he said, voice steady. “I have an update on Donovan Honesty.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNTdfmm9ut
The room tilted. Evan’s focus tunneled to the space between him and the doctor.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9laJX2Ez0
“Is he okay?” he asked, barely above a whisper.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIjGO7Vfmp
Dr. Gupta folded his hands. “He sustained blunt force trauma to the back of the head and neck. We’re also seeing signs of potential spinal damage.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RDEOM98Hf
The words hit like a sledgehammer. Evan swallowed, but it felt like glass scraping his throat.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaqa3GJtdc
“How bad is it? Doc—just tell me he’s gonna be okay.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGdVVaVh7X
“At this moment,” Gupta said carefully, “we can’t say for certain. He requires specialized spinal care. We’re transferring him to a trauma center in Miami. Surgery is scheduled within twenty-four hours to forty-eight hours.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6jFtyIXpt
Spinal damage. Trauma center. Surgery.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcxpNPb9Ss
Evan’s thoughts reeled, grasping for something solid.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyHhmF46vC
“For now,” Dr. Gupta continued, “we’re moving Essiya to another room to treat the laceration on his head.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbG7ENExZ1
The door opened behind him, and a nurse rolled in a stretcher.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXqMgePsoy
Essiya’s eyes widened in horror. “No! No, I don’t wanna go!” He burst into tears, clutching Evan’s sleeve with trembling hands.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PUmMtXTrj
Dr. Gupta turned to Evan. “You can wait in the waiting room. It shouldn’t take more than an hour.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGl8iZ0RBl
Evan barely heard him. His fingers worked gently, peeling Essiya’s grip from his arm as the nurse guided the boy onto the stretcher. His cries echoed down the hall, shrinking with every step until the door clicked shut behind them.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JWU32Ewzj
Mom returned just moments after Essiya was wheeled away, her eyes scanning the room like it might still hold answers.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQTAhBYXKm
“Where’s Essiya? What did the doctor say?” she asked, breath shaky.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEkEODLSWA
Evan swallowed the lump in his throat and forced the words out. Repeating the diagnosis felt like betrayal. There was no comfort to offer—only facts. And waiting.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIUcrmP5fO
The Waiting Room
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydTsyDgWIX
Time dragged like an anchor. Each second stretched unbearably, tethered to Evan’s chest.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt0uNBUTyq
The fluorescent lights above buzzed without mercy, bathing the room in a cold, artificial glow. The sharp scent of antiseptic lingered, mingling with murmured voices and the occasional cry from somewhere down the hall.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD7v4sXuQS
Evan shifted in his seat. Every passing nurse sent a jolt of hope through him.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFDQP20VH9
News. It had to be news.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38pKhYLHev
But none came.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDDONlKpQM
Anxiety dug in, relentless.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoctUesPcMs
Finally, Nurse Nancy appeared, her expression calm but unreadable. Beside him, his mother straightened, gripping the edge of her seat.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ2BqXgpi5
“Everything went smoothly,” Nancy said gently, offering a small, practiced smile. She handed over a plastic bag filled with gauze and prescription bottles. “Instructions are inside. You can expect an update on Mr. Honesty within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.”
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxuxmsUaWr
Evan exhaled—not relief. Just breath. Just something to fill the quiet space between panic and numbness.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzByZAe3KP
“Thank you,” Mom murmured, her voice low.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wApytFmen
She stood slowly, her movements stiff with exhaustion. Evan rose beside her, and together they walked toward the exit, the weight of uncertainty pressing down with every step.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBVAgMKvIK
The Drive Home
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSUuxbgNSn
The night air was cool against Evan’s skin, sharp with the scent of rain, asphalt, and something else—something like change.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87NpWjQIE3
He climbed into the passenger seat beside his mother. Neither spoke. The tires hummed beneath them, a low, tuneless lullaby that filled the silence.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6HBbdSUtz
When they pulled into the driveway, the house looked unfamiliar. The porch light still glowed, casting soft yellow over the debris. A chair lay on its side. The screen door hung crooked on its hinges.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Kazar4jTH
Inside was worse.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1yuLSOYyS
Blankets and broken dishes littered the floor. The dining table sat off-center, muddy footprints streaking through the wreckage—evidence of paramedics moving fast, of life turned inside out.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TF7ROVLYI
No one had cleaned.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox0P6gta52
No one said a word.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tgWclP0Lh
His mother lifted Essiya and carried him upstairs, vanishing into the hallway like a shadow.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdfeDGQtmR
Evan didn’t follow.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbY7gKR4IR
He stood in the middle of the wreckage for a long moment, unmoving, then turned and climbed the stairs to his room.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jJFAXB7mP
He collapsed onto his bed—shoes on, arms splayed.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wIk7ftNx8
Reaching for his phone, he hovered over Kyra’s name. Then, finally, he typed:
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH576XLqQI
No update yet. Still waiting.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV5j7133Yb
The moment he hit send, the adrenaline drained from his body, leaving only the ache. The weight.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1Gb58Dynr
His head sank into the pillow, but sleep didn’t come.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22Jtq6iDQ9
Instead, his mind replayed everything on loop—the fear in Essiya’s eyes, the way Mom’s hands trembled, Donovan’s still body on the stretcher.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXELDFnOiaV
What if he never walks again? What if—
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrta6LbYRm
Evan squeezed his eyes shut. He couldn’t go there. Not yet.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZY6qB6niO
His last thought before sleep finally took him was a silent plea.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBGyiEhzPs
A prayer for his brother.
A prayer for peace.
A prayer that morning might bring mercy.
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVyq14jjso
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHLhLhAHjP
