93
Nicholas’s POV
I stared at her intently, trying to find answers in her face, Bit Hazel seemed confident in what she was saying.
I knew Hazel always had her way of steering situations to her liking, but this time I couldn’t fully accuse her. After all, I wasn’t there when all this happened.
There was something in her demeanor that made me hesitant to argue further. Maybe she was right; perhaps there were things I didn’t know, reasons behind her actions that had frustrated me. In this silence, I felt the vulnerability between us, and for the first time, I wanted to listen–not just to judge, but to understand.
“I’m not accusing you, Hazel,” I finally said. “But I still find this strange. Charlie loves Sabrina so much. Why would he think that Sabrina doesn’t love him anymore?”
My mind circled around that question. Confusion and worry enveloped my heart. Charlie always seemed happy when he was with Sabrina, and I couldn’t imagine him feeling neglected.
Maybe there was something he didn’t understand, or perhaps his feelings were affected by the situation we were in. In tough times like this, children often feel anxious and uncertain, and sometimes that can change the way they perceive the relationships around them.
I hoped Hazel could provide an explanation, a glimmer of hope to address the doubts clouding our minds. Facing this reality together might help us find a way out of the confusion surrounding Charlie.
Hazel shrugged and said casually, “Maybe he feels like Sabrina is ignoring him. You know, Sabrina is in critical condition. She can’t answer Charlie’s calls or even see him. Kids like Charlie won’t understand reasons like that.”
That statement hit home. I realized that Charlie’s misunderstanding of the situation could make him feel neglected and confused. In a child’s world, everything feels simpler, and they often can’t grasp the complexities around them.
Empathy began to grow within me. Perhaps it was time to explain this situation to Charlie in a way he could understand. We needed to help him feel loved and supported, even when things weren’t normal.
I nodded slowly, although my heart was still restless. Something felt off, but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my thoughts.
“So, now you want to take Charlie home?”
“Yes, of course,” Hazel replied quickly. “He’s already been through a lot today. He needs to rest.”
That statement made me ponder. Charlie had indeed gone through a lot, and I agreed that he needed time to recover from all the stress he had faced. However, in the back of my mind, I still doubted whether this was truly the best thing for him.
We needed to ensure that whatever happened next, Charlie felt loved and safe. Knowing he would return home and be able to rest in a familiar environment was a good step, but I was still worried about how we would help him cope with his feelings
1 looked at Charlie again. His peaceful face while he slept only deepened my confusion. How could such a small child have such complex feelings?
I just hoped everything would become clearer later. But for now, I could only follow Hazel.
The decision to take him home felt right, even though doubt still lingered in my mind. In this silence, I realized that even though we might not have answers to all the questions, what mattered most was being there for Charlie
#25 BONUS
-providing the support he needed.
As we arrived in the hospital lobby, the quietness of the night enveloped the hallway. The dim lights created a calm atmosphere, yet I felt the weight of the situation we were facing
When the taxi arrived, I intended to help Hazel, who seemed to struggle a bit carrying Charlie, still fast asleep on her shoulder. Charlie looked so peaceful, free from the burdens haunting him. Seeing him like that lightened my heart a little, even though worry still loomed over my thoughts.
“Let me help,” I said as I stepped closer.
Hazel shook her head quickly, her face still determined as usual. “No need. I can manage.”
I stepped back, allowing Hazel to adjust Charlie in her arms. I didn’t want to complicate things, even though I felt an urge to at least ensure they got into the taxi safely.
Hazel looked tired, but she maintained a face full of determination. There was something admirable about her dedication, and it gave me a bit of peace. She was trying her hardest to take care of Charlie, and I knew we could rely on each other.
“Thank you for driving us,” she said softly.
I simply nodded, watching her now seated in the taxi.
“Hazel, make sure you rest, okay? You look tired too.”
I felt worried seeing the exhaustion on her face. She had been through so much and was trying her best to take care of Charlie. On the way home, I was determined to ensure she got some time to relax and recharge.
Hazel glanced at me briefly, then turned her eyes back to Charlie.
“I’m fine, Nicholas. You should go back to your room and rest. Your injury isn’t fully healed, and you still need to be observed.”
1 gave a faint smile, even though the pain in my head was still quite troubling.
“I’ll rest, don’t worry. But I want to make sure you guys are okay first.”
Hazel sighed softly, looking concerned.
I wanted to say something, but I finally just nodded.
“Alright then, I’ll go. Take care of yourselves, Hazel. And be careful on the road.”
She didn’t respond, just nodded while instructing the taxi driver to start the engine. Before they drove away completely, I caught a glimpse of Charlie’s sleeping face in his mother’s embrace.
Anxiety enveloped my heart as the taxi began to move. Watching them leave made me feel heavy, but I knew this was best for them. In my mind, I hoped everything would go smoothly and that Charlie would feel comfortable at
home.
When the taxi finally drove away and disappeared from my sight, I stood there for a few seconds, reflecting on what had just happened. Our relationship had never been easy, and tonight only reinforced how complicated our
situation was.
