Chapter 16- When The Past Comes Knocking
1052 Words
The children had just returned from school. As they walked into the restaurant, they noticed something odd—the place had fewer customers than usual, and their mom was nowhere in sight. A sense of worry settled in.
"Where's Mom?" Kate asked, scanning the canteen.
“I’ll check the back,” Richard said, rushing off.
Moments later, Richard found her on the way to the restroom. She was on the floor, barely conscious. On seeing him, she tried to stand but collapsed again. Richard caught her just in time.
“Mommy!” Kate called, just as Alex arrived on the scene.
“We need to take her to the hospital,” Richard said urgently, turning to his siblings.
“Okay. You two go, I’ll stay and handle things here,” Alex offered, helping them out of the restaurant.
---
At St. Mark’s Specialist Hospital
Mrs. Williams was now awake and hooked to a drip.
“Mom, how are you feeling now?” Kate asked softly.
“I’m fine, but why are you two here? Shouldn’t you be in school?” she asked weakly.
“We’re back from school already,” Richard said.
“Where’s Alex?” she asked again.
“He stayed at the restaurant.”
“Him alone?” she exclaimed. “Kate, go help him.”
“But Mom…”
“I’ll stay with her,” Richard assured.
Kate nodded and left for the restaurant.
Just then, Nurse Jessica entered. “How are you feeling now?”
“Better,” Mrs. Williams replied. “Thanks.”
“Richard,” Jessica called.
“Yes?” he responded quickly.
“Keep her company till the drip finishes.”
“Sure.”
Jessica left, and Richard turned to his mom. “Should I sing for you? You always said you loved my voice.”
“Yes,” she smiled weakly.
He began singing softly:
🎵 You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy when skies are gray... 🎵
As his voice echoed gently in the room, Mrs. Williams drifted into her thoughts, her mind pulling her back to earlier that day…
---
Flashback
Mrs. Williams was at the restaurant, tired but still serving customers. Then, a familiar voice called out:
“Mrs. Ella Williams.”
She turned.
“Long time no see,” the voice said again.
Tears welled in her eyes. It was Mr. Gabriel Anthony.
“What are you doing here?” she managed to ask after a pause.
“Let’s sit and talk,” he said, pointing to an empty table.
“One minute,” she said, quickly attending to a customer and wiping away her tears before returning.
“What are you doing here again?” she repeated.
“Aren’t I welcome?”
“You’re not.”
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
That triggered something in her. “Sorry? For what?”
“For everything. It wasn’t really my fault—”
“Whose fault then? Mine? Or Richard’s? Do you even realize what you've done?”
“I know,” he said.
“Then answer me properly. What was your reason?”
“It was Kayla... she—”
“Duped and dumped you?” she cut in.
He blinked. “How did you know?”
“Your sister told me. She said you'd come back one day, asking for forgiveness. I’ve been waiting.”
“I really missed Richard. But I don’t think I can face him.”
“You still haven’t answered my questions,” she said sternly.
“I know the weight of what I did.”
“So how do you want to fix it? Just asking for forgiveness won’t change anything.”
“I… I know.”
“Anyway,” she softened, “you are forgiven… on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“Face Richard. Ask for his forgiveness.”
“That’s the hardest part,” he whispered. “I don’t know how to.”
“He misses you too,” she said gently. “Think about it.”
“I will try.”
There was a pause before he spoke again. “Can we… be friends? This time, I’ll be different.”
She thought for a moment. “I’ll think about it. Now, do you want anything?”
“No. I should be going.”
“Alright. Goodbye.”
After serving a few more customers, fatigue overcame her. She tried heading to the restroom, but collapsed before she could reach it.
---
Back at the Hospital
The drip was finished. Jessica returned with a set of papers.
“These are her test results,” she said, handing them to Richard. “She’s okay—just needs rest and sleep.”
“Thank you,” he said, visibly relieved.
“These are her medications,” she added, handing over a bag.
“Where are Kate and Alex?”
“At the restaurant.”
“Okay. I’m off-duty tomorrow, so I’ll stay with her,” Jessica offered.
“Thanks so much. Is she discharged?”
“Yes, but let her wake up before leaving.”
“Okay. By the way, are you coming home tonight? Alex told me to ask.”
“No, I’ll be in tomorrow morning. Greet him for me.”
---
Meanwhile
Alex and Kate had finished serving the remaining food and closed the restaurant. They arrived home and began cooking, preparing for their mom’s return.
“Kate, are you still going to the party tomorrow?” Alex asked.
“I don’t know,” she replied.
“Me neither,” Alex said just as they heard a knock at the door.
“Coming,” Kate said, walking to the door.
“Mom!” she cried, opening it and embracing her tightly.
“How are you feeling?” she asked.
“I’m fine,” Mrs. Williams said as she walked into the living room.
“You scared us, Mom,” Alex added.
“I’m sorry, kiddos,” she said, pulling them in for a group hug.
“Aren’t you guys hungry?” Richard joked, making everyone laugh.
“Food is ready! Let me serve it,” Kate said joyfully.
“Need help?” Alex asked.
“Yes, come on.”
They served the food, sat down, and ate together—happily and full of love.
- Writer
