96
Nicholas’s POV
+25 BONUS
I imagined Sabrina in her bed, fighting pain and uncertainty every day. Have I been present enough for her? Or have I been too busy with my work and other problems, forgetting how valuable our time together is? And what about Charlie? The child might be too young to understand what is really happening, but 1 know he also has the right to know the truth. But Hazel… she definitely won’t let me talk about this to Charlie.
I sipped my coffee, which was almost cold, trying to gather ny thoughts. The man in front of me looked at me with understanding in his eyes.
“You know, Nicholas,” he said softly, “sometimes we focus too much on how we can fix something, that we forget to truly be present in the moment. Don’t let that happen to you.”
His words struck a chord with me. I thought of Sabrina, struggling against pain every day. How often have I been caught up in routine, letting time pass without giving her the attention she needs?
“This moment,” he continued, “is an opportunity to show love. Being present is not just physical; it’s about touching hearts, listening with your whole soul.”
I nodded, feeling the weight in my chest. “But what about Charlie? He’s still so young. I don’t want him to be affected by all of this.”
“When we talk about love and honesty, we empower them. Charlie may not fully understand, but he will feel your presence, how important it is for him to know.”
His words rekindled hope. Maybe I could find a way to share with Charlie, even if gently. However, the thought of Hazel crossed my mind. She would surely oppose, protecting the child from the harsh reality.
“Don’t let fear stop you,” the man said again, as if reading my thoughts. “Sometimes, we have to take brave steps even when there are obstacles.”
I nodded slowly, his words resonating in my mind. After a few more minutes of chatting, we finally wrapped up the meeting. I shook his hand sincerely, thanking him for his time and the stories he shared.
I looked at my nearly empty coffee cup. Maybe it was time to fight, not just for Sabrina, but also for Charlie. Time keeps moving, and I didn’t want to lose the chance to create precious memories amidst this uncertainty.
As I walked out of the restaurant, my mind was filled with various emotions. This meeting was not just about work, but also a reminder of how fragile life is and how important it is to cherish the time we have with our loved
ones.
I glanced at my phone, tempted to call the hospital and ask about Sabrina’s condition. However, I held back. I knew I had to visit her in person. There’s something more significant than merely hearing news through a voice on the phone; my presence beside her would provide the support she needs.
My steps felt heavy, but my determination grew stronger. Every second that passed was an opportunity that should not be wasted. Thoughts of Charlie emerged, and I realized I also needed to think about how to explain all of this to him. He deserves to know, even if it’s in a gentle and loving way.
With every step toward the hospital, I promised to be more present, to dive into the little moments that are often overlooked. Nothing is more important than ensuring that the people I love know how valuable they are to me. As I walked into the hospital, I felt ready to face whatever would happen.
I got into my car with a sense of unease. My left hand grasped the steering wheel, while my right hand held my phone. Sabrina’s name lit up the screen, and my thumb hovered over the call button. Yet, I didn’t press anything. It felt pointless; she was still in the ICU. She might not even be conscious.
#25 BONUS
Every second felt like a burden, and my mind was filled with doubt. What could I say? What could I do from this distance? The sound of the running engine couldn’t drown out the anxiety in my heart.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Even though I felt hopeless, I knew the best course of action was to go there and be by her side. Maybe she couldn’t hear me, but my presence could provide some comfort.
I tried to gather beautiful memories with her. Laughter, stories, and simple moments that made life feel precious. All of that served as a reminder that love is not only expressed in words but also through sincere presence and attention.
The man’s voice echoed in my head. “Don’t let yourself be so focused on fixing something that you forget to truly be present in the moment.”
Those words felt like a slap. All this time, have I really been there for Sabrina? Or have I just been busy escaping into my work, justifying every priority with reasons that are actually shallow?
I recalled the times when Sabrina needed my attention–little moments that I should have faced with affection. Instead, I chose to sink into routine, overthinking tasks and responsibilities. Now, all of it felt empty.
Sabrina had always been a strong figure in my eyes, until I forgot she was human too. She is fragile. She also needs someone by her side, someone who is not just physically present but emotionally as well.
The strength she had shown all this time mesmerized me, but it also made me complacent. I often got caught up in the assumption that she could handle everything on her own, that she didn’t need me beside her. But now I realized that behind her smile was fear and sadness that she might never show.
I miss the moments when we shared stories, laughter, and even sadness. Those times remind me that love is not
about happiness, but also about supporting each other in difficulties.
Now, as she struggles in the hospital bed, I feel connected to her vulnerable humanity. I want to be her support, not just to provide encouragement, but also to remind her that she is not alone.
I promise to not only be present by her side but also to open my heart, listen, and feel everything she is experiencing. This is a time to love with my whole soul, and I will not let that opportunity slip away.
1 exhale deeply, trying to calm myself before starting the car. The restaurant is beginning to empty, and the sun is almost set. The orange sky fades into deep blue.
•25
