Obsession

Chapter 30

(30)
I walked through the exit swiftly and sneaked out of the back of the restaurant as fast as my legs would carry me. I got rid off the excess clothing covering me to become less noticable and more casual.

I slumped against the thick trunk of the tree as my head momentarily fall back to rest against the rough bark. My legs shook and each breath burned in  my throat. Shit. I'm really out of shape after those years spent sitting on my ass in a confined space. I strolled further down the road in hope of getting a taxi. But I realized I didn't get any money.

Double Shit!

I desperately tried to stop a car. Soon a car was pulling up, revealing an old couple with concern written all over their faces. 'Come on, Vivan. You need to use your acting skills now.'

"Is everything okay, dear?" The old man asked.

I took in a deep breath and let myself be consoled by tears. "My mom, she is in the hospital. And I lost my uncle here. I really need to go to the hospital, please," I sniffed but soon tears followed as I sobbed, " I don't have any money on me but I would be grateful-"

The old lady shushed me, " Oh my poor child, come with us. You shouldn't be alone, come quickly,"

By luck or by coincidence, I was on my way to my mom.

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They dropped me off and I practically rushed towards the clerk. My ears were just ringing and I practically choked on my words as I forced myself to remain calm and recited my mom's name.

She gave me a look I couldn't quite decipher and pushed a pen in my direction. I impatiently scribbled my name and signature. She spat the room number and I was already on my heels, strolling down the busy corridor. I instinctively sucked my breath in as I digged my nails into my palms. 'Act normal, act normal.'

I looked down until I reached my destination. I hesitantly cracked the door open and the sight made me dizzy. The monitors beeping and my mother laying so lifeless on the bed but breathing ever softly. I struggled to keep my steps towards her steady. 'None of this should have happened'

I slowly reached to her fragile form. My fingers felt unfamiliar with the texture of her temple. It felt cold. She was always warm and at ease. Now I feel cold and tense. I gently eased my fingers in her hair, "Mom?"

I felt the muscles on my face tightening as I gripped on her palm. "Mom? Wake up!" I nudged her head with my own as if she would somehow complain me about the itchiness of my hair rubbing in her face. I nudged her shoulders to slowly shook her. 'Why won't she wake up?'

"Wake up,-" "Wake up,-" "Wake! up!"

She wasn't moving.

I longingly gazed at her chest rising and falling. I pull her palms against my cheek and for a while, I felt so safe.

I laid my head down the space and nudged her hand. She felt so cold. "It's all my fault. I'm sorry, mom."

My breath hitched as I snapped back at my back at the sound of door being click open. The sight made me froze, dad? Dad?????

He was holding a bag and staring at me as with his eyes wide as saucers. My legs were moving towards him unconsciously and found myself running into him.

I could feel the deafening heartbeats wilding in my ears as my body collided into his body.

Warm.

Familiar.

'Oh my god. Dad was still alive. Thank god. I'm sorry. It's all my fault.' I was saying gibberish at this point and dad's harsh grip on my face brought me back.