The lost smile

chapter -4

Sophia POV

I winced in pain as I slowly opened my eyes and heard the machine. I gazed around the strange location, trying to figure out how my mishap happened. I turned my gaze to my left, where I noticed my mother standing and crying, as if she had been crying for a long time. Then I recall our most recent talk, and how she expressed her dislike for me. I quickly shifted my gaze to the opposite side. "How are you feeling, Sophia?" she asked tenderly as she caressed my cheek. It felt so warm, which I hadn't felt in years. I yanked her hand as I tried to move my body to the opposite side. She abandoned me when I needed her the most, preferring to spend time with her friend. I don't need her sympathy anymore. She murmured and wailed, "Please, don't hurt yourself any more."

"What brings you here right now? I'm not looking for pity. So, simply leave," I said," she continued, her voice frigid.

"This is not what your father wants you to become a druggist, an alcoholic, or a murderer," she said, holding her breath. Her murderous word pierced my heart, and I exclaimed with all my might, "I am not a serial killer. You also believed that my father is no longer alive because of me." She takes my hand in hers and sits next to me "No, Sophia, I was afraid. I never imagined you would be the one to blame for Robert's death." While tears stream down my palm, she caresses my cheek and rubs my palm. My mother's pain flickered in her eyes.

"I was furious with you because you didn't comprehend us and were abusing drugs and booze. I apologise for what I did ", she replies, her eyes swam with tears. I want to believe her words and feel her love, but there is a barrier between us that has existed for a long time. It won't be readily broken by her little conversation. I shook my head, indicating that I disagreed with her statement.

"Then why did you call me murder?" I demanded angrily. Suddenly, the door of the room opened, and a soft voice spoke. I shifted my focus to the door, where I noticed a small girl carrying her doll entered in the room. In a state of bewilderment, I narrowed my eyes. Who was she, exactly? What brings her here? My mum provided me with the answers to my questions.

"She is the daughter of the person who got killed in the accident by your car. She is now an orphan", she remarked as she wiped her tears away and took the girl's hand in hers. I was disgusted and ashamed of myself. Once I was called the cause of my own father's death first, and now I'm the cause of this little girl's father's death.

This was a crime I could never forgive myself for.

Tears pricked up in my eyes and I murmured, "I aplogise for the accident . But I lost my balance and hit her father without realising it?"

Mom wiped my tears with her hand as she nodded.

"I know you could never do this on purpose," she replied. The small girl sat her doll in front of her and muttered, "Please, please, come with us.You are ill." Her tone was hushed and subdued. She appeared to be a young girl of about five years old. When my father died, I was the same age. In my heart, I felt the sting plan and the loss of my father. The doctor then opened the door, and Alexander's mother's second spouse entered. Looking at me, he seemed nervous and restless, yet he gave me a little smile. "How are you?" he worriedly questioned, pecking on the mom's head with love and worry. I didn't respond to his question and instead turned to face the doctor who had come forward to examine my nerves and reports.

Then he sighed and said, "Thank God, you're safe and sound now, and your reports are excellent. Your father was hunting me down and threatening me all the while."

I grimaced, realising he wasn't my father. He is my mother's only husband, not my father.

"He is not my father," I murmured, my lips twisted.

Doctor's brows furrowed in confusion as he looked at me. He sensed the tense atmosphere in the room and said, sternly, "Miss Sophia, I would advise you to be cautious about your future. if you used drugs or drank booze. Then your second kidney may fail as well, so don't waste your life." He casually patted my arm and handed Alexander the prescription; I was unaffected by the fact that my first kidney had failed; what impacted me the most was this little girl, who was preoccupied with her doll and oblivious of the major changes in her life as a result of me.

I tried unsuccessfully to escape my attention and whispered, "come here," I requested the girl. She smiled as she stepped forward and grasped my hand in her small hand. I couldn't move my hand since I was hooked up to an IV.

"Can you tell me your name?"

I interrogated her.

"My name is Emily Princess," she says, her teeth gleaming in her smile. I smiled at her sweet grin and felt instantly at ease around her.

"Come to your grandmother's house with us and let's start a new life together. Please leave these narcotics and alcoholic beverages here," my mother begs me. Not only does she want me to come with her, but Emily also begs me to come with her. I felt compelled to help her because of her voice. I couldn't replace her father's love for her or bring him back. But I could do everything I could to offer her everything she wanted and fill the gap. I couldn't allow her follow in Sophia's footsteps.

"I'll accompany you," I murmured gently. My agreement brightened up their expressions. Alexander thanked me for accompanying them, and mum kissed me on the cheeks. Though he did not cry, his eyes flashed with the same worry that my mother had.

My bandages were replaced, and IV was removed. They took me for additional testing such as MRIs and X-rays to determine how much my body had been impacted by the accident. For me, this accident was a wake-up call. Dad would never intend for me to become a druggist or an alcoholic, mom was correct. I need to change, though it will be difficult, but I will do so.