Chapter Sixty-Five - Devastated

He rushed from one doctor to the other, waiting in front of the OT hopefully, leaving no stone unturned in his attempt to save his dad. The operation was successful. The bullet fragment lodged was removed, and they shifted his dad to the ICU. Ashton didn’t leave the hospital, waiting for the neurological examinations and serial imaging reports.

It was evening when his dad gained consciousness and wanted to see him. The nurse allowed him inside the ICU for a brief visit. He went inside to find his dad looking pale and drained. “How are you now, Dad?” he asked, bringing a stool to sit at his bedside. His dad shook his head, having difficulty speaking.

“Why did you shift me here, Ashton? This place is so expensive,” he croaked softly, unable to speak much.

“It’s okay, Dad. I can afford it. Your health is most important.”

“I’m not feeling any better, son. I can feel my body giving up on me,” said his dad, releasing a deep sigh. Ashton grabbed his hand as a feeling of dread washed over