Chapter 71
Hazel sat beside Daisy, gently running her fingers through her daughter’s hair. The room was hushed, filled only with the soft hum of medical equipment. Daisy’s eyes fluttered open, and in a feeble voice, she called out, “Mr. Princess?”
Hazel’s heart sank at the innocence in her daughter’s voice. She whispered soothingly, ‘Hey, sweetheart. Mr. Princess isn’t here right now.” The vulnerability in Daisy’s eyes tugged at Hazel’s emotions, and she couldn’t help but stroke her daughter’s cheek with a gentle touch. As Daisy tried to sit up, Hazel couldn’t ignore the weariness in her movements. It was a stark reminder of the battles Daisy was facing.
Hazel felt bad wishing she could take all of the pain instead.
Noticing the new toy, the pigeon, in Daisy’s grasp, Hazel’s curiosity mingled with a touch of suspicion. She hadn’t seen this toy before, and its sudden appearance puzzled her. Hazel’s motherly instincts went on alert. She gently inquired, “Sweetie, where did you get that pigeon?”
Daisy still looking frail, managed a faint smile. Hazel’s concern deepened, and her thoughts. turned to Ethan. Had he visited while she was away?
He couldn’t have; he was at the company today. She tried to shake it off.
Just then her phone ringing cut through the quietness of the room.
She moved to pick it.
“Hello.” She said into the phone, she recognized the caller id as Tiny tots contact.
Her heart raced as she listened to the unsettling noises at the other end of the phone. The sound of ambulance and people talking loudly.
“Hello,” Hazel called once more, loudly this time, her voice already laced with concern.
“Ma’am, your child had to be taken to the hospital,” the staff from Tiny Tots informed her. “Yes, I know. Daisy’s hospitalized; that’s why she hasn’t been in school,” Hazel responded, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her daughter’s well–being.
“No, ma’am, not Daisy. It’s Liam. He’s been rushed to the hospital right now,” the voice. explained, injecting a new layer of urgency into the conversation.
Hazel’s world seemed to spin. “Wait, what?! How?! What happened?!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of fear and desperation.
Tim so sorry, ma’am, the voice apologized, but the words offered little comfort. Panic surged through Hazel as her thoughts raced,
The news had Hazel’s mind racing. He was fine this morning; why was Liam suddenly being nhed to the hospital?
“What hospital?” she asked anxiously, a knot tightening in her stomach.
Cleveland. We’re headed for Cleveland right now, the voice on the phone replied.
Hazela heart pounded in her chest as she rushed out, leaving Daisy momentarily. The urgency in her movements betrayed the fear that gripped her.
Imaiy?” Daisy called from the other room.
lly run back in, desperately trying to maintain composure. “Daisy, honey. I need mething for a moment, the spake hurriedly, turning on the TV to keep
e’s heartstrings, but she had to her occupied. The worried glint in Daisy’s eyes tugged at Hazel’s heartstrings, but she had to focus on finding out what happened to Liam.
The elevator doors opened, and Hazel hurriedly stepped in, her impatience evident in her tapping foot. As it descended, she mentally prepared herself for what she might see on the first floor.
Exiting the elevator, she practically sprinted towards the entrance where the doors to the Accident and Emergency area were being swung open to allow the arrival of a new case. Her eyes darted around anxiously, searching for any sign of Liam.
Moments later, the wailing sirens of the ambulance pierced the air, and the vehicle came to a swift stop. The back doors flung open, revealing paramedics surrounding a stretcher. Liam, her precious son, was being wheeled in. Hazel’s heart skipped a beat as she rushed towards them.
“What happened?” she questioned the paramedics, desperately seeking answers in their
eyes.
“Liam, honey,” she called out to him, trying to reach him, but she was prevented by the swift movements of the medical team. The sense of helplessness overwhelmed her as she watched her son being wheeled into the emergency room.
Hazel felt a surge of panic as the paramedics addressed the doctor, mentioning signs of an allergy. Her mind raced to comprehend the situation.
“Allergy, what?!” she thundered, her voice a mix of fear and frustration. How was it possible? She had meticulously listed all of her children’s allergies and provided it to the school. authorities. How then did Liam end up in this situation?
As her thoughts spiraled, she turned to the Tiny Tots staff standing by, seeking an explanation. The staff member spoke anxiously “I’m really sorry, ma’am. I honestly didn’t know. One of the kids celebrated his birthday. The parents sent a cake and drinks, and unfortunately, the drinks happened to have soy properties.”
“Liam’s allergic! I already informed you guys about that!” Hazel stated angrily, her worry her son evident in her voice.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t check properly,” the woman pleaded.
for
Hazel sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern etched on her face. “Nothing had better happen to my baby,” she warned sternly.
“I’m so sorry, ma’am,” another staff member walked over, attempting to explain. “This last one actually just started working with us. She’s still new, and I believe she got carried away by the kids‘ party and excitement.
“It took us a while to understand what was going on. He suddenly collapsed,” the middle–aged woman added.
Hazel, trying to maintain composure, took a deep breath. “What’s your name?” she asked calmly now,
Roseline, the teacher replied.
Harel sighed. “I am talks about you all day. He says you’re his favorite.” She sighed again.
You should be careful next time!
anger momentarily gave way to a deep sigh as she processed the information. The anintentional oversight had led to this alarming situation. She couldn’t blame the staff
the weight of the consequences prested heavily on her. The doctor continued ation, leaving Hazel grappling with mix of emotions in the chaotic atmosphere
of the emergency room.
Just then, the doctors exited the ward. “How is he?” Hazel intercepted them.
“Anaphylaxis,” the man stated. “Life–threatening. It seemed some first aid was applied before he got here.” He added.
“Yes. We laid him on his side, supported by his arm and legs since he was unconscious,” Roseline explained, feeling terrible.
The man nodded.
“Good. He’ll wake up soon, don’t worry about it too much,” the doctor reassured before leaving,
Hazel sunk to the floor in relief.
“I’m really sorry, ma’am,” they apologized once more.
“It’s fine,” Hazel said with a small smile. “It was an accident, but please do be careful next time. Hazel’s relief was apparent.
The other teacher and Roseline hung around for some time; soon, they left.
“Can you step on the gas?!” Ethan bellowed in impatience.
To go through where?” Axel retorted.
Cause the road is free, and I just happen to be driving slowly, right?” He asked sarcastically The roads were congested, and there was mild traffic. Ethan sat impatiently.
“What’s going on anyway?” Axel inquired. Ethan had gotten a call and order him to drive back to the hospital after that phone call without giving him any details
“Liam was rushed to the hospital.”
That was all he needed to say. Moments later, they finally pulled into the hospital.
Ethan lept out of the car before it came to à complete stop leaving Axel to find a parking
spot.
Ethan’s urgent voice echoed through the hospital corridor, “Hazel! Hazel!” He hurried until he finally spotted her, relief washing over him.
“Ethan?” Hazel responded with surprise in her voice.
“How’s Liam? Heard he was rushed here,” Ethan inquired hastily.
“He’s fine now. It was an allergic reaction,” Hazel replied calmly, though the worry lingered. in her eyes.
Ethan visibly relaxed, a weight lifted from his shoulders.
Just then, Liam was wheeled past them. The hospital staff was taking him to Daisy’s ward. Hazel’s voice was calm as she explained, “They’ll have him moved to Daisy’s ward; it’s best they stay together. Her eyes were fixed on Ethan, noticing the way his eyes filled with emotions was trained on Liam as her was wheeled away. she felt her throat tighten noting the beads of sweat on his face and the loosened tie, it seemed he had run to get there.
Axel entered the scene just then. “Allergic reaction. He’ll be fine,” Ethan informed him briefly
headed to the elevator, a heavy silence hung in the air, each of them wrapped in thoughts, the shared concern for the two kids,
Prosddn’t help but steal glances at Ethan. Typically cool and collected, this was the first had witnessed him so visibly ansious panicky. The concern etched on his face
didn’t go unnoticed, he must really care about Liam. She thought to herself.
“But Ethan…. How did you know Liam was hospitalized?” Hazel finally asked, curiosity lacing her words. It puzzled her – Liam had been taken to the hospital directly from school, and she hadn’t informed anyone yet somehow Ethan had discovered the situation and rushed there.
“Ermm. Ethan cleared his throat uncomfortably, pondering a convincing reason. The truth. that he had purchased access to information about Hazel’s kids‘ school and had someone keep him informed, was something he couldn’t reveal.
The hospital did,” he lied with a calm demeanor.
“The hospital?” Hazel repeated slowly, seeking clarification.
“Yes,” he replied smoothly. “I have connections here, especially after getting involved with Daisy’s health. The hospital management thought it best to keep me informed about Liam’s situation as well.”
Just then, the elevator dinged to signify their arrival.
“Oh,” was all she could say, her mind racing with questions about how Ethan had reached the hospital so quickly.
Seeing her contemplative and confused look, he continued, “I was actually close by. So we drove down quickly.”
Hazel’s features relaxed, understanding the reason for his swift arrival. They trudged silently to the ward.
“Hazel,” Ethan called, pausing in his steps. “What allergy does Liam have?” He asked, curious about what had caused the severe reaction requiring hospitalization.
“Soy,” she said casually. Ethan’s head snapped up immediately, an incredulous look on his face. Hazel regretted the revelation the moment she said it – Ethan was also allergic to soy.
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