On Finding Chance

Part 1 - Chapter 7

It is the day of the concert. Everyone in the house is busy preparing for it except Madie. She did not get enough sleep last night. Yesterday's events linger in her mind and it caused her insomnia. Before she went to bed, she decided to let it all go but they would not leave her thoughts.

Who is Chance? Is he the same guy as the one mentioned in the radio? But, Harvey said it is Ethan's story. Did he lie to me? He would not do that? Would he?

The same questions pop out of her head the moment she wakes up. She hates it and shakes off the idea. Her brother will never break his promise and she believes him.

Madie decides to head downstairs for breakfast in an attempt to distract herself.

She already knows what is on the table - Bacon. Pancake. Fried rice. Toast. All of Harvey's favorites. It has been a tradition that every time a family member has an important event, her mom will prepare his or her favorite meal.

She is expecting to see everyone in the dining room but to her surprise no one is there. Confused, Madie searched the house and found everyone in her brother's room. "Mom? Dad?" Her parents turn around and she is shocked to see Harvey lying on his bed. "What happened???" she exclaims.

"Harvey collapsed. I guess he got too exhausted from practice. We already called your aunt Cali to check up on him. She will be here soon", says her dad.

They insist that she have her breakfast first but Madie objects. Unfortunately, her tummy growls and informs her parents that she is definitely hungry; they all laugh. Stubborn as she is, she continues protesting until her father forces her and accompanies her to the dining room.

Her dad pats her head and exclaims, "You are one persistent child, aren't you?"

"Haha! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" she replies.

"Let's enjoy breakfast. Do not worry too much about Harvey. He'll get better soon."

Right after they finish their meal, the doctor arrives and immediately checks on Harvey. She does the usual pattern –eyes, throat, lungs, and blood pressure. After that, she explains, "I don't think he collapsed due to mere exhaustion. His blood pressure is high and his breathing is not normal. I am guessing it is due to too much stress or anxiety. He needs to take a few days of rest."

"Is it serious, Cali?" asks their father.

"I don't think so. But we still need to get him to the hospital and run some tests to make sure."

"But auntie, it's concert day." Madie interrupts.

"I know, Madie. I will give him a prescription for now. He needs to take it every 6 hours and as much as possible, let him rest. After the concert, go straight to the hospital. Let us pray he will not break down during the show. Call me if anything goes wrong."

All of them nod.

After half an hour, Harvey wakes up and finds himself surrounded by his family. His dad is sitting by the window while reading today's paper. His mom is fixing his clothes for the concert. His sister is sitting on the floor beside the bed while watching another Korean drama on her laptop.

He feels dizzy and lightheaded. As he is trying to figure out what happened, Madie notices that he is already wide awake.

"Harvey!" she exclaims.

His mom slowly explains to him everything that occurred from the time he lost consciousness up to what needs to be done. First thing on the list is to let him have his brunch and take his medicine. Next is to rest again for maybe another four hours. His manager agreed that he can come to the venue at a later time for the final check. They will leave the house by 4pm. 5pm, medicine. The concert will start at 8:30pm. 11pm, medicine. They should be in the hospital before the clock strikes 12mn.

There goes his schedule.