Trials Of Thelma: Unbroken

The Call

~Thelma~

I am still talking to Ava when when my phone rings. I glance at the screen and see it’s my mum. I quickly excused myself, telling Ava I'd see her later. She nods, and I pick up my stuff and walk away, answering the call.

“Mum, what’s wrong?” I asked, hearing the panic in her voice. “Thelma, you need to come home now! Jayden was in a serious accident. Please, come quickly!” Her voice is frantic, and I can hear the fear and desperation. My heart sinks. “Mum, I’ll come as soon as I can, but it’s already late. It’s not safe to travel right now. I’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

Her sigh was filled with frustration. “Fine, but hurry.” I ended the call, my hands trembling. I took a deep breath and headed to the hostel. Emily, Meghan, and Sarah are in our room talking. "Hey, Thelma," Emily greeted, but stopped when she saw my face. "What’s wrong?" "My brother... he’s been in an accident," I managed to say. "I need to go home."

"Oh no," Meghan says, rushing over to hug me. "Do you need help packing?" "Thanks, but I think I can manage," I reply, trying to keep it together. I start packing my bag, my mind racing with worry. Jayden is only fourteen, and the thought of him being hurt is unbearable. I pray silently as I fold my clothes and gather my things. "Please, God, let him be okay."

That night was the longest night of my life. I barely slept, my mind filled with fear for Jayden and what might be waiting for me at home. The next morning, I left early, my heart heavy with dread. The journey feels endless, every mile stretching out as my worry grows. I keep praying, "Please, God, save Jayden. Please let him be okay."

Finally, I arrived at the hospital, my stomach in knots. I rush inside and find my parents in the waiting room. My mother’s eyes are red from crying, and my father looks exhausted, his shoulders slumped.

"Mom, Dad," I said, hurrying over to them. "How is Jayden?"

My mother’s face twists in anger. "Why didn't you come last night when I called? Your brother needed you!"

"It was late, Mom," I tried to explain. "It wasn't safe to travel. I came as soon as I could." "Excuses," she snaps. "You should have been here." I look to my father for support, but he just sighs and shakes his head. I feel a wave of guilt wash over me, even though I know I did the right thing by waiting until morning.

"I’m here now," I say softly. "What do you need me to do?" "Just be here," my father says, his voice weary. "We’re waiting for the doctors to update us." I nod, sitting down beside them. The minutes tick by slowly, each one feeling like an eternity. My mother’s anger simmers beside me, and I try to make excuses in my head for her behavior. She’s just worried about Jayden, I tell myself. She doesn’t mean to be so harsh.

After a few hours, I decided to go home and prepare some food. "I’ll bring back some food and a change of clothes for you, Mom," I said. "Just in case you need to stay overnight." She just nodded, not looking at me. I hurried home, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. The house feels empty and cold without Jayden’s laughter.

I quickly made some sandwiches and packed a bag with clothes for both my mom and me. I grab a few essentials, just in case I need to stay overnight as well. As I was about to leave, I took a moment to look around Jayden’s room. His room is scattered around, and his bed is unmade, a testament to his playful nature. I feel tears prickling at the back of my eyes but push them away. I need to be strong for him.

Back at the hospital, my parents are still waiting. I handed my mom the bag of clothes and food. She takes it without a word, her anger seemingly muted for now."I brought some clothes for you too," I tell her. "Just in case you need to stay the night."

She nods again, and for a moment, I see a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. It’s a small comfort in this tense situation.

The hours drag on, and I feel a growing sense of helplessness. There’s nothing I can do but wait. Finally, a doctor came to speak with us. His expression is serious, but there’s a hint of hope. "Jayden’s condition is stable," he says. "But it’s going to be a long recovery. We need to monitor him closely over the next few days. "I felt a flood of relief flowing through me, but it was quickly overshadowed by my mother’s renewed anger.

"Why did this have to happen?" she cries, her voice breaking. "Why wasn’t I more careful?"

"It’s not your fault, Mom," I said gently. "Accidents happen. We just need to focus on helping Jayden get better."

She doesn’t respond, but I can see the guilt and pain in her eyes. My father puts a comforting arm around her, and I feel a pang of jealousy. I wish someone would offer me the same comfort, but I know I have to be strong. That night, I stayed at the hospital with my mom. It’s a long and uncomfortable night, filled with worry and whispered prayers. Jayden is still unconscious, and I can’t help but feel a deep fear for him.

***********************************

I spent the next morning cleaning and cooking and went to the hospital in the evening. I glanced at my brother, my heart clenching at the sight of him. He’s hooked up to various machines, his face bruised and pale. I felt a wave of sadness and anger. How did this happen? Why does it feel like everything is falling apart?

My mom finally spoke, her voice softer now. "You’ll stay here tonight," she says, not asking but telling. "I need a break."

I nodded, understanding her need for rest. "Of course, Mom. You should go home and get some sleep. I’ll stay with Jayden."

She stands up, and I could see the exhaustion in her movements. She nods curtly, then leaves with my dad. I sat down on the chair she vacated, looking at Jayden's unconscious form. The machines beep steadily.

As the night wears on, I sit there, watching over my brother. The room is quiet, except for the hum of the machines and the occasional murmur of a nurse passing by. I feel a mix of emotions: fear, sadness, anger, and a deep-seated guilt that I can't shake.

I try to push them aside. Right now, all that matters is being here for Jayden. I lean back in the chair, closing my eyes for a moment. I need to stay strong, for him and for my family.

As the night stretched on, the minutes feel like hours. The hospital’s sterile scent fills the air, mingling with the distant hum of the machines. I shift in my chair, trying to find a comfortable position, but comfort feels like a foreign concept in this place. My eyes keep drifting back to Jayden. His face, usually full of life and mischief, looks so still and pale. It breaks my heart to see him like this.

A nurse comes in to check on him. She gives me a small, sympathetic smile, but her eyes betray the worry she tried to mask. "How's he doing?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "He's stable," she replies, her tone gentle. "The doctors are hopeful, but it's a waiting game now."

I nod, feeling a lump in my throat. She leaves, and the room falls silent again. I let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Hours pass, and fatigue sets in. I fight to keep my eyes open, but eventually, I succumb to exhaustion. My head droops, and I drift into a restless sleep, plagued by anxious dreams.

In the early hours of the morning, I was jolted awake by a movement. Jayden stirred slightly, and my heart leapt. I stood up, peering closely at him. His eyelids flutter, and for a brief moment, his eyes open. They look hazy and unfocused, but he's awake.

"Jayden," I whisper, leaning closer. "Hey, it's me, Thelma, your sister. Can you hear me?"

He blinks slowly, a faint flicker of recognition in his eyes. He tries to speak, but his voice is barely audible. I grab his hand, squeezing it gently. "Don't try to talk. Just rest, okay? You're going to be fine." Tears well up in my eyes, a mix of relief and sadness. Seeing him awake is a small victory and I press the button to notify the nurse. I stay by his side, holding his hand, offering what little comfort I can.