Chapter 4

"Ah! My child, somebody please, help me," I wailed, turning toward the car that just hit me. The headlights still pointed directly at me, their brightness harsh and unforgiving. I could feel blood running down my head, the bandage wrapped around it barely holding. My head was yet to heal from the surgery.

"My goodness, oh my God, we have to get you to the hospital," the man who stepped out from the driver’s seat said, his voice urgent and tinged with panic.

"No, I’m fine. My baby, just make sure my baby is fine, please," I cried, my lips trembling uncontrollably.

The second man, dressed in a well-tailored suit, came down from the car’s back seat. He bent down and gently lifted my child, carrying him back to the car he had come from. The driver helped me up, and I stumbled into the back seat, my wet dress clinging to me uncomfortably.

I had no control over my sobs and tears at this point. I peeped at my son in the man's arms as he checked him, my heart aching with worry.

"Liam, drive back to the clinic now," the suited man commanded the driver, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. Liam nodded and turned the car around swiftly.

"Is my baby okay?" I sobbed, reaching out to touch my son's little hand, desperate for reassurance.

"You have to calm down, madam. Your baby is fine. He's been sleeping, and you can feel his breath. The cold right now is too much for him," the suited man said in an assuring tone.

"How... how are you sure? We fell really hard," I sobbed, my body trembling with fear and exhaustion.

"The person who I should be worrying about now is you. You instinctively shielded your pup, so he’s fine, but you are in the worst state. Rest your head; we’ll be there in 10 minutes," he assured me.

I attempted to rest my head as he had said, but I was unable to do so due to the adrenaline shooting through my body. My mind was racing with uncertainty and anxiety. I looked at my child; his calm expression stood in sharp contrast to the mayhem all around us. I prayed in a whisper to the moon goddess for his safety, tears streaming down my face.

Every second of the journey seemed to stretch into an agonizing eternity. The rain hammered on the car’s windows, reflecting my inner storm. I was so overcome with terror and panic that I couldn't stop reliving what had happened that evening in my head.

Finally, the car came to a halt, and the men quickly helped me out. They rushed us into the clinic, where the bright lights and sterile smell made everything feel surreal. A nurse guided us to a room, her face a mask of professional calm.

"She’s better now, sir," I faintly heard an unfamiliar female voice say as I slowly regained consciousness.

"Where is my baby? Where am I?" I mumbled, opening my eyes to see a white ceiling above me. I turned my head and saw the suited man from earlier, now dressed like a doctor.

"You’re finally awake," he said, beginning to check my vitals. "Your baby is safe, and he’s lying by your side," he said, nodding toward the crib next to my bed.

I tried to get up, but he shook his head, indicating that I shouldn't hurry. Gently, I sat up, and my heart swelled with relief as I saw my son sleeping soundly. He was dressed in new clothes, probably changed by the clinic staff.

"You have great healing genes, madam. You should not be awake for the next few days, but you’ve only slept for 48 hours. That’s amazing," he said, a note of admiration in his voice.

Seeing my baby safe calmed me. I leaned over and kissed his cheeks, my happiness flowing like a river after a storm.

"I’m Navian. I’m the doctor here," he said, looking at me with a kind smile. "I should know the lady who surprised me with such a brave and determined show?" he asked, still smiling.

He was probably talking about the time I had sat up immediately to grab my child, despite being hit hard by a car and falling. I smiled back at him and shrugged.

"Survival instinct," I replied. "I’m Annabeth. Sorry, I put you through all that trouble. You saved me from those men. I’m sure my baby and I wouldn’t have survived if you didn’t hit me," I said, looking up at him with gratitude.

"Ah! They immediately ran back. I bet they thought you wouldn’t survive that accident, but here you are. I am proud of you," he said, nodding.

As I lay back down, exhaustion finally overtaking me, I felt a profound sense of relief. I was getting care, and my son was safe. I let myself unwind and think that we weren't in immediate danger for the first time in what seemed like forever.

The rest and recuperation that followed was a blur. My son and I received excellent care thanks to the attentiveness of Navian and the clinic personnel. Every day, I could feel my strength coming back and my body recuperating more quickly than I had thought. During this time, my pup and I developed an even closer bond, with each moment being a priceless reminder of the reasons I had battled so hard to keep him safe.

Navian often visited, checking on us and engaging in light conversation. His warmth and presence were a comfort to my raw nerves. He expressed his respect for my tenacity and will, and I couldn't help but feel proud of him for that.

I started to tell Navian more of my story. I told him what had happened before that tragic night, how I had sensed danger, and how much I wanted to protect my son. He listened intently and offered empathy and support without passing judgment.

"You are incredibly strong, Annabeth," Navian said softly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "What you did for your son, the lengths you went to protect him, it’s truly remarkable."

Tears welled up in my eyes, not from sadness, but from the overwhelming gratitude I felt. "I had no choice. He’s my everything," I replied, my voice choked with emotion.

Navian placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "And you will continue to be his everything. You’ve proven that you can overcome anything for him. You both have a future filled with hope and love."