When we arrived at the hospital, we quickly headed to the emergency room. Arlo’s father, upon seeing us, immediately approached Arlo and Ella.
“How is Grandpa?” Arlo asked.
“No news yet,” Philip replied.
Arlo’s mom held her husband’s arm.
“Sir, Ma’am, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen…” I couldn’t finish my sentence because Arlo interrupted me.
“Lily, don’t blame yourself. If anyone’s at fault, it’s me,” Arlo said. Arlo’s parents remained silent while he squeezed my hand and smiled at me.
“Arlo, I’ll just step outside,” I said.
“Stay, please,” Arlo pleaded, inviting me to sit down. His parents sat on the other side.
To be honest, I felt uneasy being with them as we waited for the doctor to come out. I felt out of place, and if it weren’t for Arlo wanting me to stay by his side, I would have left the hospital long ago.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Damian sitting seriously, seemingly deep in thought. Then, the man who had earlier handed me a handkerchief approached him. In my rush earlier, I couldn’t remember where I had put the handkerchief—perhaps I dropped it or left it in Arlo’s car.
I saw Damian nodding while the man touched his arm reassuringly.
When the emergency room door opened, we all stood up. I didn’t move from my spot, simply watching them as they talked to the doctor.
The doctor must have shared good news because everyone visibly relaxed, and I saw Philip smiling as Ella hugged him. Even Damian’s somber face was replaced with relief. He, too, had been deeply affected by what happened to his close friend.
I just stood there, observing their interactions. A few moments later, they transferred Thomas to a private room. Arlo glanced back at me, and I smiled at him.
The three of them entered the room where Thomas had been moved. While they were inside, I stepped outside the hospital. It was already 10 PM, as I noted on my phone. I sat on an empty bench. The night was cold, and it seemed like it might rain. I shrugged my shoulders and slowly closed my eyes.
I couldn’t think of what would happen next between me and Arlo. I also didn’t want things to get worse between Arlo and his parents, especially with his grandfather.
I felt that Ella and Philip didn’t have any problems with me. Ella had always been kind to me, even though we rarely saw each other. She was often out of the country, traveling and sometimes accompanying Philip on business trips.
As I sat there, I suddenly thought of my mom and dad. I longed to hug my mom and chat with her about everything that was happening to me. I wanted to share the feeling of having someone who made my heart beat faster. I also wanted to get good advice about love. I missed my mom so much. I wiped away the tears that had formed on my cheeks.
If I called my mom at this hour, I was sure my dad would find out, unless he was still in the library.
Mom was very understanding, unlike my dad and Grandpa Williams, who always tried to control me. It was so hard to get along with them. Instead, I put my phone back into my sling bag.
I couldn’t decide what to do. I took a deep breath, massaged my temples, and leaned back on the bench.
“You got yourself into this, Lily, so only you know what’s best for you,” I told myself.
Just as I was about to stand up, I was startled when someone sat beside me.
“What are you doing out here? Aren’t you cold? By the way, I’m Paul Ramos, Uncle Damian’s nephew,” Paul introduced himself.
