CHAPTER 12: A WALK WITH LONELINESS

Early the next morning, my bags were packed and I dragged them out of my apartment. I immediately grabbed a cab to the station and grabbed the first tube to Bolton.

Danny and Rachel have been calling and texting me since last night, but I never answered nor replied. I was too busy thinking up scenarios at home.

It hasn't been the first time my dad had a heart attack. Earlier on, about six months ago, they discovered him on our basement; unconscious. The doctor had said he better be careful because he wasn't getting any younger.

I took a deep breath and focused my attention on the scenery outside.

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ

I glanced at my phone. Danny. I pressed end and ignored the call.

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ

Oh, for goodness' sake! I checked my phone again.

"Hello?" I quickly answered.

"Hey." My sister replied faintly.

"Is dad okay? Are you and mum okay?"

"Yeah. We'll talk about dad later. You just get yourself here, yeah?"

"I'm on my way."

"Okay."

I rubbed at my eyes furiously as I stifled a yawn. I didn't get enough sleep the night before. How could I, to be honest?

"Hello love. Having a nice morning?" A man sat in front of me. He was roughly in his late thirties. I pondered on his question before flashing him a weak smile.

"No. Not really."

"Ahh. Whatever it is, you'll get by."

"I hope so." My gaze fell on my lap.

I looked at my watch and out the window, then back at my watch again. If only I could get there faster. I still don't have a clue about dad.

"You'd look much more beautiful if you kept that frown from your face." The man said in a knowing tone.

I flashed him a genuine smile. I needed that. He was a sweet man.

"That's it, love. Keep on smiling."

For the rest of the journey, I had a nice conversation with him. He managed to keep my mind off my problems.

I learned he was a thirty-nine year old widower who just lost his wife in a battle with leukemia. He told me about his fight for survival for the sake of his two kids.

In turn, I told him about my family's situation which paled in comparison to what he told me. Nonetheless, he was very sympathetic and offered me kind words.

His biggest advice for me was to always SMILE. "Life will not get better if you frown or cry, but it just might if you learn to smile and think positive." He said.

When we reached Bolton, I was no longer afraid of what I would hear in the hospital. The man taught me how to mentally prepare myself.

"Thank you." I hugged him tightly before I left the station.

"You're welcome. Take care of yourself." I nodded and walked off to the direction of the cabs.

"Thank you." I glanced up at the sky as I walked.

When I reached the hospital, I called my sister and met her at the hospital canteen. She led me to my father's room just before the doctor left.

"Can I talk to you please?" I turned to the doctor. He nodded and headed out the lobby. I glanced at my mum and sister before I followed him out.

"What exactly is wrong with my dad?"

"He's fine. I saw his medical record and his heart attack now is milder than last time." I sighed heavily. "But that doesn't mean he's safe. He'll be bed ridden for a couple of months and you need to make sure someone will be watching him."

I nodded as I took in what he said. "When will you allow him to get out?"

"In two weeks. For now, he needs to be under observation."

"Thank you." I shook his hand and headed back in.

I sat beside my mum and hugged her tightly. "He'll be okay." I whispered softly.

I spent the night at my dad's hospital room with my mum and sister. I stood up quietly and walked over to my sleeping father. I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and slipped out the room discreetly.

I punched in a very familiar number and sighed before I put my phone against my ear.

"It's me." I breathed softly.

"Why haven't you called or replied." Danny demanded.

"Problems...I...I'm sorry."

"You don't know how worried you got me! I've almost called the police on you!"

"I'm sorry."

"You can't just walk out of a pub at night and not call for a full twenty four hou-"

"I said I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I cut him angrily. Stress and worry have built up inside me and I was wound up.

Danny sighed on the other end. "I'm sorry, too. Are you okay?" His voice was softer now, tired.

"Yeah...I...just have some things to take care of. I have to go." I rubbed my knuckle against my forehead.

"Okay. Call me as soon as you can. I love you."

I sighed heavily. "Love you too."

To be continued...