The Winter Clock

CHAPTER 23 - NEW DISCOVERY

“How many were transported to different hospitals?” Ryther asked and checked his watch. It’s been an hour and a half since they started the rescue.

“Twenty-six critical patients, and eighteen victims with yellow tapes.” The head of the paramedics answered swiftly. “Twenty-four victims with green tapes were gathered in one place and fifteen deceased victims were gathered as well.”

“How many were transported to T.H.?” He asked again and his head quickly scanned his records.

“Thirteen critical patients, Doctor.”

Ryther nodded and his eyes searched for Reina who sat on the walking lane beside the bridge with her legs up to her chest, and her arms wrapped around her knees like a little kid. “Can I have the first aid kit and some clean cloth and bandages as well?” Ryther asked and the paramedics quickly fetched for the stuff he asked. Ryther then walked towards Reina.

“Raise your head.” Ryther said. Reina slowly lifted her head and her eyes narrowed as she felt her head throbs as it follows the rhythm of her pulse. Ryther sighed deeply and shook his head. “How come you managed to endure the pain for an hour and a half?”

Reina crumbled her fist and bit her lower lip in pain as Ryther started cleaning her wound. “Your wound was deep. But thank goodness it’s not deep enough to need some stitches or else you’ll be a pain in the neck.” Ryther spat. A hint of anger was present in his tone. “I’ll just do the butterfly stitch.” Reina sighed in relief.

“What are you so relieved about? If you don’t want me to operate your head then stop being reckless.” He seethed, making Reina frown.

“Do you really think I want to be caught in that gruesome accident? Seriously? Stop being a nagger.” She retorted. Ryther was about to speak when his phone rang.

“Answer it.” He tossed Reina his phone without even looking at the caller’s ID. As soon as Reina answered and put the call on loudspeaker, Vander’s panicking voice and the swift movements in the Emergency Room greeted them.

“Doctor Ryther, we need your help. None of us can reach Doctor Rein and we have thirteen critical patients from the Harbour Bridge accident here!” Vander exclaimed. Reina’s eyes widened and motioned to stand but Ryther pushed her back on the ground.

“Doctor Rein is with me. She was caught in that accident and I am currently tending her head wound.” Ryther answered calmly. Vander’s gasp was heard from the other line. “Don’t worry, she’s okay. We will go there as soon as I finish this. Please remain calm.” Ryther said and used his pinky finger to swipe the call off. Reina glared at him.

“Move faster. The patients nee-“

“I know, stupid. So stop moving so that I can finish this swiftly.” Ryther cut her and Reina remained silent unwillingly. Her fingers played with each other as she impatiently waits for Ryther to finish. “Haven’t you noticed?” Ryther broke the silence.

“What?” Reina asked with a pissed tone.

“You can now see people’s time of death even in the morning.”

Reina’s eyes widened as she realized Ryther's words. It’s true. Her life was eventful for the past few days that she did not even realize that she can clearly see the time of deaths in the morning.

“Seriously? You really didn’t realize it until now?” Ryther asked in amusement and Reina slowly nodded her head. First, Ryther was able to see the events that will happen even when he is awake. Now, Reina can see death time in the broad daylight.

“H-How did that happen?” Reina whispered. Everything was new for them now. Ryther shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know. But I’m thankful that happened.” He said and covered Reina’s wound. “For now, let’s focus on our job. Let’s find this out later.”

Reina nodded reluctantly and Ryther pulled her up and ran to the ambulances.

“Where will this ambulance go?” Ryther asked quickly.

“T.H. Doctor. This one is critical.” The paramedics replied. “Will you ride?”

Ryther and Reina nodded their head in unison and quickly jump inside the ambulance. Seeing the man with a distorted face and bleeding legs, Reina quickly checked his forehead and sighed in relief. Seeing her reaction, Ryther quickly examined him. His eyes then landed on his dislocated legs.

“Hand me the scissors.” He said and the paramedics quickly gave him the scissors.

“What’s wrong?” Reina asked worriedly.

“I think his legs have been run over by a car.” He said and the paramedic’s face became distorted. Ryther quickly cut his jeans and the paramedic’s eyes widened. The two man’s feet were greatly swollen and it became purplish-red. Ryther quickly fished for his phone. In just a few rings, Mr. A picked up.

“Sir, in three minutes we will reach T.H. Please inform Dr. Roffer and Coleg to prepare O.R 3. We have a critical patient here whose feet are progressing with necrotizing fasciitis and the bone on his right side is broken. They will be conducting the operation.” Ryther quickly reported.

“I got it.” Mr. A answered and hung the phone.

After three minutes, they finally reached T.H. As expected, Dr. Coleg was waiting for them and assisted them as soon as the ambulance opened. Reina and Ryther dashed quickly to the Emergency Room and without any more greetings, they started their job.

The Emergency Room was in beautiful chaos. Everyone moved faster than flash. Doctors and nurses went in and out of the Operating Room with no break. Reina’s head hurts so bad and her vision was a little foggy. She shook her head. It’s their fourth patient now and the team cannot afford it if she falls.

“I can do this. Few more hours, Reina. Few more hours.” She whispered to herself.

“Vitals?” Ryther asked as he swiftly stitch the patient’s stomach. Reina checked the vitals but stopped when the numbers doubled. She cursed under her tongue. “Silver? Vitals.” Ryther asked with a firmer tone.

“V-Vitals are…” She whispered and blinked a couple of times. Ryther threw her a quick glance and seeing her reaction, his hands moved faster.

“Hey, you okay?” He asked, trying to calm his voice. Reina felt that her head was about to explode so she quickly held it and groaned. “Assist her.” Ryther said firmly and one of the nurses moved quickly to hold Reina. Reina felt her head become heavy and her body weakened.

Ryther tried to focus on what he was stitching but his eyes unwillingly switch from the patient’s stomach to Reina who was breathing heavily. “For earth’s sake!” He whispered under his tongue and stitched with great speed. The Doctor assisting him gulped.

"D-Doctor? Aren't you being too fas-"

“Cut.” Ryther said and his assistant quickly cut the thread. Reina tried to stand but her body won’t move. As soon as Ryther put his equipment down, Reina’s vision turned black.

~ Despite of our strength, we have limitations as human beings. ~