Chapter Hundred And One

LEONARD’S POV:

I placed my hand gently on Evelyn’s thigh, tapping lightly to assure her. “It’s going to be alright,” I said softly.

But my words did little to comfort her. Tears spilled down her cheeks, her voice cracking as she sobbed, “I don’t want anything to happen to him.”

Her tears hit me hard, slicing through my chest like a blade. I wanted so badly to stop and comfort her fully, but I couldn’t. I had to focus on driving. Mr. Wyatt needed immediate attention, and every second felt critical.

I pressed harder on the accelerator, the car speeding through the streets as tension hung thick in the air. Soon, we reached the house.

The moment I parked, Evelyn and I jumped out and rushed inside. Her tears hadn’t stopped, but her focus was clear: we needed to get Mr. Wyatt to safety. The caregiver met us at the entrance, her face etched with worry.

“Quickly, this way!” she said, ushering us inside. Together, we carried Mr. Wyatt to the car. His breaths were shallow, each one labored and strained. My chest tightened as I listened to him struggle for air, but I forced myself to remain composed.

The drive to the hospital felt endless. Evelyn’s sobs filled the car, but there was nothing I could do except keep going. When we finally arrived, the medical team acted swiftly, bringing out a stretcher and rushing him inside.

Evelyn and I were left in the sterile, cold hallway, waiting helplessly. She slumped into a chair, leaning into me for support. Her body trembled as sobs racked her frame. I stroked her hair gently, whispering soothing words that felt empty even to me.

“It’s going to be okay, Evelyn,” I murmured, kissing her forehead.

The caregiver, too, was visibly shaken. She paced up and down the hallway, her anxiety mirroring our own. Time crawled, each minute stretching endlessly.

Finally, Evelyn broke the silence, her voice trembling. “Leonard, I’m scared. Why haven’t they come out yet? What’s taking so long?”

I didn’t know how to answer her. I pulled her closer, letting her bury her face in my chest. “Evelyn, steady your breathing. He’s in good hands. This hospital is one of the best. They’ll do everything they can for him.”

The door to the emergency ward creaked open, and a nurse stepped out. Evelyn shot up from her seat, rushing toward her. “What’s happening? How is he?” she demanded, her voice thick with desperation.

The nurse hesitated before replying, “The doctor is still working on him. He’ll be the one to update you.” With that, she disappeared down the hall.

Evelyn turned to me, her eyes brimming with anguish. “I can’t do this, Leonard. I’m trying, but it’s too much. It’s suffocating.”

I guided her back to the chair, taking her hands in mine. “I know it’s hard,” I said, my voice steady. “But we have to be patient. He’s going to be fine.”

The hours dragged on, and the waiting room grew colder. I noticed the caregiver shivering in her seat and suggested she go home to rest, but she refused.

“I can’t leave like this,” she said firmly. “My mind won’t be settled until I know he’s alright.”

Her dedication touched me. “Thank you for everything,” I said sincerely.

“Mr. Wyatt is a good man,” she replied with a small, forced smile. “I wouldn’t feel right leaving him now.”

Just as I was about to sit back with Evelyn, the door to the emergency ward opened again. This time, two nurses stepped out, followed closely by the doctor.

Evelyn was on her feet in an instant, rushing toward him. “Doctor, please,” she pleaded, gripping his arm. “What’s happening to my father?”

The doctor held up his hand, his tone calm but firm. “Madam, please remain calm. We are doing everything we can. He’s stable for now, but the situation is critical.”

Evelyn shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “It’s been hours! I need to know what’s going on!”

The doctor sighed, giving her a moment of silence before speaking again. “He’s not stable, madam. We’re trying to manage his condition, but we’re facing complications. Excuse me.”

With that, he walked away, leaving Evelyn in fresh tears. She collapsed into me, her sobs tearing through the quiet hallway. Every tear felt like a dagger in my heart, but I stayed strong for her, whispering reassurances she could barely hear.

Eventually, exhaustion overcame her, and she fell asleep against me. The caregiver, too, had dozed off in her chair. I gently shifted Evelyn onto the seat, careful not to wake her, and went to find a place for us to rest.

The hospital rooms were all occupied, and the thought of leaving the premises to find a lodge felt impossible. I returned to Evelyn, pulling her back into my arms as she slept.

It was then that the doctor returned, his expression grim. He gestured for me to follow him. Carefully laying Evelyn back down, I rose and walked to him, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Mr. Henderson,” he began, his tone heavy. “There’s a serious situation.”

The words made my stomach drop.

The doctor paused, allowing me a moment to absorb the weight of his words, before continuing. “Mr. Wyatt needs a bone marrow transplant. It’s a rare and complex procedure, and finding a compatible donor in time will be a significant challenge.”

My breath caught, my thoughts racing. “Can I be a donor?” I blurted out.

The doctor shook his head gently. “It requires specific criteria, including genetic compatibility. The likelihood of you being a match is slim. However, we can begin searching for a donor immediately. Time is of the essence.”

I nodded numbly, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Do whatever you have to do,” I said, my voice firm. “I’ll cover any costs—just find someone.”

The doctor promised to do his best and walked away.

Returning to Evelyn, I pulled her into my arms once more. My mind churned with thoughts of how I would tell her the news. Her reaction was something I dreaded almost as much as the situation itself.

For now, all I could do was hold her and hope for a miracle.