rus

my way to the car, my phone started ringing. I fished it out of my pocket and checked the caller ID. Once

nd closed the door. I relaxed my back against the chair, preparin

ar. How are

you back when I get home?" I said, trying to distract her from what she was about t

y it sooner or later. I'll keep reminding you that I'm aging

we've talked about this. I'm focused on

ss? And mine? I want to see you settled, with a good woma

tone even. "But finding the right person takes time. I'm no

ent palpable. "Just promise me you'll make an effort. Go

I wasn't sure how much effort I could

e said, her tone softening. "

a pang of guilt. "I'll talk to you later, o

e of yourself. And don't f

. Goodbye

ccessful I became in my career, it was never enough for her. There was always that lingering expec

ts wandered. Maybe she was right, to some extent. Maybe I did need

g my fingers on it as I drove down the road. My phone started blaring again and within a split second, I looked away from the road to check the caller ID. As I looked up to focus on t

the door and rushed to her side, my heart pounding in my chest. She lay

oice trembling. I reached for my phone to

their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. The operator's voice cam

woman, trying to keep my voic

again. I stayed by her side, feeling helpless and terrified. The minutes stretched o

stark contrast to my frantic efforts. I watched as they loaded her

though my thoughts were a chaotic jumble. As they took my in

p myself from thinking that it was all my fault that she was in this condition. I was sitting i

stood up and made my way over to him, tension

ies. We'll need to keep her here for the mea

my head. "I-I'm the one who hit h

nderstanding. "I see. Well, she'll need some tim

ckly followed by a wave of guilt and r

ou can stay here if you want. She might appre

e of gratitude and apprehen

one else here, and the least I could do was make sure she was alright. Time seemed to drag on as I waited. N

d me. "You can go in and se

looking pale and fragile. Her eyes were closed, and she looked p

sense of responsibility. "I'm so sorry," I whispered, even though I

wasn't something I could walk away from. I needed to see it through, to make sure

I woke up was her voice mumbling for help, she was liter

voice filled with remorse. "I didn't

to look at me, her eyes fi