Samuel kept his hand on the small of Kali's back while the doctor gave them a rundown of everything that happened before they arrived. June was still in surgery. She had been shot twice during the robbery, and her condition when she arrived was critical. He didn't mention any complications, but the monotone voice with which spoke didn't seem to give a stock still Kali any relief.
The doctor left, but Kali remained frozen on the spot, her eyes glued to his retreating back. Samuel came around to look at her,
alarmed when he noticed the sharp rise and fall of her chest.
"Kali, let's not panic."
"I ca-can-can't do it again. I w-on't be able to take it."
He wanted to promise her everything would be fine, but he couldn't bring himself to say the words. Instead, he held her by the shoulders and urged her to look at his face.
"You are not alone. I am here with you. You need to breathe and calm down."
"I can't lose her. I can't lo-lose another person I love. I can't."
He hugged her as he did before, making sure his arms created enough pressure on her sides. She trembled, muttering doubts against his neck, her tears wetting his skin.
"She is all I have."
"I know."
"This can't be happening."
"I am right here. I am here with you."
He felt her nails bite into his back and arm but simply swayed her in his arms. He felt the choppiness of each breath as she tried to breathe, and he held her even tighter. It was lucky that she had an episode some days back because he knew what to do, thanks to that.
It took a while for her to settle, so they remained standing in the waiting area. When she was calmer, Samuel took her by the shoulders and led her to the rows of seats in the room. He helped her sit, stripping out of his coat before he joined her on the bench.
"Try and relax. Lie down and close your eyes."
She tearfully shook her head, her breathing still shaking and unstable. "No. No. I have to be alert."
"I know. I'll help with that." He encouraged her to rest her head on his lap. "Just close your eyes and fill your head with happy thoughts. Anxiety wouldn't help your sister, and it wouldn't help you."
"I am sorry. I am su-such a m-m-mess."
"Please don't apologize." He stroked her hair away from her face, keeping his voice sturdy but soft. "Close your eyes and think about something else. Do that for me, please. Okay?
Kali nodded, closing her eyes, a long sigh escaping from her lips. Samuel continued to comb his fingers through her hair, feeling her body relax, the tension seeping from her muscles. In time, she was asleep. Samuel picked his coat from the seat and draped it over her to keep her warm while she slept. Once he was sure she was deep in sleep, he leaned his head back on the wall and closed his eyes.
"Samuel." His eyes flew open. He turned towards the entrance and saw Ember rushing towards him. "I came as soon as I could. How did this happen? What happened?"
He lifted his index finger to his lips, and she nodded in understanding. "Can I have your jacket, please?"
Ember took her jacket off and handed it to him. He proceeded to roll it up and tucked it underneath Kali's head as he slid out from under her. She stirred but ultimately fell asleep again.
"What happened?"
"Apparently, she went into a convenience store and was shot by some robbers. They are still having surgery, and Kali..." He bit his tongue, not wanting to mention that she had another episode. "Kali is just exhausted from everything. I don't want to wake her until the doctor comes with news. I pray he comes out with good news, or I wouldn't know how to wake her. She loves her sister very much."
"Don't say that. Don't say that." Ember looked to Kali. "Have you both eaten? Would you like me to get you something from the cafeteria?"
"No, we ate before we got here."
"And a change of clothes? Do you want me to rush by the house and get you something?"
"Maybe for Kali, but that can be done later." He motioned towards the benches behind him. "Take a seat."
He adjusted the coat on Kali to make sure she was well covered before sitting by Ember. They spoke in low tones so Kali didn't wake up. He filled her in on everything the doctor mentioned to them about the shooting and the surgery.
"It's hard to believe. I saw her yesterday. We all had fun only for this to happen today."
"Kali can barely process it herself. I could barely get her to calm down."
"I forgot to say. Mom and Dad are on their way."
Samuel baulked. "Why?"
"To check in on you guys. See how she is doing?"
"Mom?" He asked sceptically.
"She didn't give explanations. Dad said he wanted to come and give his support, and Mom decided to come along. They had somewhere to be, so they'll be in soon. Hopefully, the surgery would be done by then."
"We can only hope."
"Ember?" They both turned to Kali. Samuel immediately stood to go to her, helping her sit up straight. "When did you get here?"
"Not long. How are you?"
"Fine. Fine. I fell asleep. How long?"
"Not long." Samuel stopped her before she could spiral into panic. "The doctor still isn't out yet. I wanted you to rest."
"I need to..." she rushed to her feet and swayed. Samuel caught her in his arms, lowering her back into the chair.
"Ember, get some water."
"No, no." She protested weakly. "I am fine."
Ember returned with a bottle of water. Kali took a healthy swig, thanking Ember as she screwed the cap on. Ember took both her hands as she sat back down, massaging Kali's wrists in an attempt to alleviate some of her anxiety.
"Breathe, and think on good things."
"I am. I am."
Samuel turned to kiss the side of Kali's head when his eyes fell on his parents. They arrived as Ember said they would. His father came over to express his sympathy, promising Kali he was there for her. Kali received his support gracefully, thanking him for his thoughtfulness and care. When his mother stepped forward and offered her the same, Kali's jaw ticked, and she nodded, unable to utter a word.
"Kali," Samuel gently whispered after his parents turned to take their seats. "Stay calm."
"I am. I am. Just got a bit nauseous."
"We heard what happened to her?" His mother spoke after a beat of silence. "Such a terrible incident to such a young woman. Where was she shot?"
Everyone anxiously looked at Kali, but her eyes were turned to the right of the reception room, and she kept them there, not turning to look at his mother. Her silence only served to stoke the flames of tension that licked around the room, but she didn't seem phased by its stifling presence. Ember, on the other hand, was unsettled, delicately massaging Kali's fingers as she turned to her mother to answer on Kali's behalf.
"In a convenience store. They think she wanted to buy something to drink."
"A convenience store? What was she doing out so early."
"Jogging." Ember supplied again, her eyes weary as they darted between Kali and their mother.
"That's shocking. How sad. Why get an apartment in such an unpredictable area? You shouldn't have let her move into such a place. You've lived there for a while; you should have known how dangerous it could get."
"What are you trying to say?" Kali defensively grumbled, and his father quietly placed his hand on his mother's arm in warning.
"Mom, don't start." Samuel voiced, still holding on to an increasingly irritated Kali.
"Mom is not starting anything. She is only asking because she is worried.." Ember reassured, looking back accusingly at their mother. "She wants things to be good for June, like everyone else in this room. Right, Mom?"
"Why not? She is a part of our family. If there is anything you need, we are here for you."
Kali listened, unmoved. Her eyes never shifted to his mother while she spoke. "Thank you."
"The doctor is coming," Ember whispered, and everyone shot to their feet.
"The surgery was a success. There were no complications, and the patient has been transferred to the ICU. We would be monitoring her carefully and keeping an eye on her condition for the time being."
"She going to be fine?"
"We can't say for now. The surgery went well. She is young and in good shape, which is good in cases like these."
Kali nodded, reaching up to her shoulder and taking his hand as he pulled her closer. She didn't cry this time, but her eyes were filled with unshed tears of joy. Ember patted her on the back and gave him an energetic thumbs up. They were all relieved that the worst was over. For Kali and for June. There was still a long day ahead of them, and no doubt waiting for June to wake up would be hell for Kali, but things were considerably better knowing she came out of the surgery without complications.
Samuel kept holding a grateful Kali against his chest, swaying and murmuring more words of encouragement to her. None of them noticed the interest their closeness aroused in Ysabel. They continued to celebrate as she observed them, her suspicions perking and spinning webs in her mind.