EPISODE002
924 Words
MADISON’S POV
Noah spoke steadily but softly. "Leave. When you need me, I'll be here.
I turned before the tears in my eyes betrayed me, having nodded too quickly. I tried to concentrate as I hurried into the hospital, but my chest felt like it was in a steel grip.
"Where is he?" Where is my son?" As I arrived at the nurses' station, my voice sounded sharper than I intended and broke with fear.
Calm but kind, the nurse looked up. "Ms Madison, right down this hallway. He now has the doctor with him.
I hurried after her, making noise with my footsteps on the linoleum. I saw Carter as soon as I opened the paediatric room door. Carter was awake but pale, tucked under hospital sheets.
"Mom!" His smile lit up the room.
I hurried over to hold his face. "Are you okay, sweetie? What took place?
With a clipboard, the doctor took a step forward. He appears to have experienced a mild case of heat exhaustion. He has started receiving fluids. He will be alright later today, he should be able to return home.
My knees nearly buckled. I bent over and gave Carter a firm forehead kiss. "You really frightened me, friend."
"I'm sorry, Mom."
He put his little arms around my neck. Before I could stop them, tears began to fall down my cheeks. He was all right. That was all that mattered.
The door behind me clicked open.
Noah was standing there when I turned, carrying a takeaway bag.
He remarked, "I didn't know what he liked." "So I got fries and a burger."
Carter spoke before I could respond. "Is that for me? "A cheeseburger?"
Grinning, Noah made his way to the bed. "I'm sure you deserve it. After frightening everyone, I assumed you deserved it.
Like he had done it a hundred times, he ruffled Carter's hair. The way he looked at Carter filled me with nausea.
Unwrapping the burger like it was a present, Carter accepted the bag. Ketchup quickly covered his smile.
"Thank you," I muttered.
My eyes met Noah's. "No big deal."
However, He was not required to bring food. He wasn't required to sit next to Carter but he chose to sit there anyway. However, he did. This was significant because it showed his commitment.
There was a heavy, warm silence between us.
At last, I broke it. "About $20 billion... that's a lot, Noah. This amount is substantial, especially considering the size of the estate. I have to know exactly what that number includes.
He gave a nod. "I understand. I had a breakdown;Building,Licenses, Materials that are imported and customised. Italian artisans. It builds up.
Carter spoke up with a full mouth before he could elaborate.
"Wait!" He gestured towards Noah. "You never gave me your name."
Yes, that is accurate. My name is Noah. Carter, it's a pleasure to meet you.
Carter gave him a serious handshake. "You remind me a little bit of my favourite superhero. Do you exercise frequently?
Noah flexed his arm and laughed. "I do. However, being a true superhero requires more than just physical prowess. You need heart, brains, and kindness.
As if listening to the universe's secrets, Carter nodded. "Can you teach me how to build muscles like that?"
"Yes. However, this is only possible if your mother gives her approval.
Carter answered before me.
"She puts in significant effort at work. I try not to annoy her.
"Carter. I smoothed his hair and said, "You never bother me." "We worked as a team. Do you recall?"
Noah leaned a little forward. But he's correct. Strong role models are essential for all children. I'd like to assist you. The gym,The field,Anywhere I would like to attend.
I gazed at him. Was that what he meant? Business was no longer the only focus.
The doctor's return interrupted my thoughts.
"He is free to return home. All we need are signatures on a few forms.
Carter pumped his fist and whooped. Then he looked back at Noah.
Would you be able to visit us sometime? I'd like to show you my baseball trophies.
Noah's grin grew softer. "I would adore that."
I could see his sincerity. The situation had nothing to do with civility or courtesy. The event actually happened.
At that moment, I became aware that something had changed. The man who had vanished five years prior was not the same man who was sitting next to my son, making him laugh and giving him fries. For this, Noah received a grounding.
Hope had a dangerous quality. Silently, it slipped in. It warmed you before you were ready. However, I couldn't help but wonder what might have happened when I saw them together.
Carter bounced between us as we left the hospital.
He enquired, "May I ride in Mr Noah’s car?"
I said, "We'll both ride."
Carter talked endlessly in the car about comic books, school, and the need to outlaw broccoli.
He hurried inside the house and called for his aunt.
Noah stood by the door. Would it be possible for me to visit tomorrow? I want to check on him.
"You can."
We lingered there for too long.
"Thank you," I repeated.
"Anytime."
He turned, but he turned back.
Madison. Five years ago, that night had significance. It continues to do so.
I didn't respond. I didn't have to. It was all in the way I looked at him.
This was not the end of it.
This is by no means the case.
- Writer
