Riele was running so she could get to the hospital in time. She had no idea why she didn't board a taxi instead of running.
She was happy and a great joy filled her heart as she thought about the text she received from the doctor.
Her thought was disturbed by the continuous beeping of a car. She was getting irritated because she felt the beeping was directed toward but she was on the sidewalk and not the road, so why the beeping? She asked herself and then she turned only to find a Rolls-Royce Phantom driving in her direction and the moment she stopped, the car stopped and the driver rolled down the window and she saw it was her boss.
She was shocked that all she could do was stare at him in bewilderment. Why was he here? Questions that couldn't be answered just by asking herself were raging in her mind.
She was appalled when she saw him get out of his vehicle and approached her. She was immobile till he stood in front of her.
Riele was dumbstruck. "Mr. Kim, what are you doing here?"
"I followed you," he answered brusquely.
"Why?" she paused and wondered how he knew where she was. "How did you find me? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be having a meeting now? Why…why are you here?" she asked in delirium.
Kim had thought about it and he wondered why he followed her. Why did he leave the important meeting he had and run to catch up with her?
"I don't know…" he scratched his head as he looked away and stared at the sky. "... I don't know what you are doing to me, Riele? What are you doing to me?" he looked at her and it was then he knew he was dumb for coming after her without any reason.
"Me?" she touched her chest as she pondered over his words.
He took a deep breath and moved closer to her while she took a step back. She wasn't going to make him get into her head. She has had enough of his on-and-off concern and care for her. "I was worried when I saw you this morning, I thought something bad had happened to you and…"
She stared at him in amazement and without letting him finish his words, she took a stance and said to him, "I don't need you to care for me, about me or be involved in my life. Even if I am in danger and you know about it and maybe you have what it takes to help me, don't!" She didn't care he was her boss or that she would probably get fired, she walked away from him.
This was what he wanted; to have her stay away from him but now that he is getting that, why isn't he happy about it?
He felt the urge to go after her but then his pride made him stop. He got into his vehicle and drove back to work.
~~~
Her eyes are opened and they seem to be moving but she was looking like she couldn't hear anything or speak.
Doctor Maurice moved closer to her to check her eyes, her pulse and to make sure that she was breathing at the right rate. "Squeeze your hand," he told her but Esmeralda didn't move a muscle. He pinched her but she didn't flinch.
"What is the diagnosis, doc?" the nurse asked.
"She is developing a locked-in syndrome. She is completely conscious but paralyzed and unable to communicate except through eye blinks. Is her daughter around?"
"No, Doctor. But I think she'd be here soon."
"When she arrives, please send her to my office and make sure to keep watch over her." He was referring to Riele's mom.
"Yes, Doctor."
Doctor Maurice left for his office while the nurse attended to Esmeralda.
Riele came into the hospital and was attended to by the nurse that was attending to her mother.
"Took you a long time to get here. Did you miss your way?"
"Not so, Nurse Jane. I had pressing matters to attend to. How is my mom doing?"
"I believe Doctor Maurice would be in a better position to answer that. He'd like to see you in his office. I am sure you still remember where that is."
Riele smiled, "Yes, I do." She thanked the nurse before heading toward the doctor's office.
She got there and knocked on the door. The doctor could see her through the transparent door. He then ushered her to come in.
"Good day, Doctor Maurice." she greeted politely.
"Riele, it is so good to see you again," he shook hands with her. "Please have a seat." Riele sat down and the doctor began to give his report. "Your mom is doing well but she is developing a locked-in syndrome."
"What is a locked-in syndrome?"
"It is a stage where she is completely conscious but paralyzed and unable to communicate except through eye blinks but we feel that your presence might be able to do a little wonder."
"How do you mean?"
"Family members are often quicker than doctors to recognize whether a patient exhibits consciousness. They may perceive subtle changes in facial expression or notice slight movements that escape the doctor's attention.
"You know your mother too well and I believe that you'd be able to give us more of what we might have missed. You can try talking to her and let's see if she will respond not just with eye blinks but through facial expressions and body movements."
"Okay, Doctor but what is the chance of survival for my mother?"
"A 50-50 chance. But hey, just because your mom cannot talk or do other things we expect her to do does not mean that she isn't recovering. All you need to do now is pray for her to get better. She is a strong fighter and I believe she has what it takes to survive."
"Thank you so much, Doctor Maurice, for your kind words."
"It is a pleasure. Meet with Nurse Jane and she will take you to your mom."
"I appreciate all you do for me and my family."
"I am glad I could help."
They shook hands and she left his office.