Chapter 37
Everything happened so suddenly.
Even Alaina, who thought she’d prepared herself for the worst, never expected her brother would actually collapse.
He’d always been in good health, but now, seeing him unconscious on the floor, Alaina’s tears spilled over in an instant. Her eyes rimmed red, she choked out, “Gordon? Gordon, are you alright? Gordon, please, wake up p>
No matter how desperately Alaina called his name, Gordon lay there, motionless.
Turning to Skyler, she sobbed, “Skyler, tell me do you think I poisoned your uncle by accident p>
If she’d known this would happen, she never would have cooked for Gordon tonight.
“Of course not, Mom. Don’t say that!” Skyler tried to keep his voice steady, though his hands shook. “You keep an eye on Uncle Gordon. I’m calling an ambulance p>
He fumbled with his phone, but managed to call emergency services, trying hard to keep his composure.
Within ten minutes, paramedics arrived.
At the hospital, after a flurry of questions and forms, Gordon was rushed into surgery.
Skyler and Alaina stood in the corridor, helpless and anxious.
Alaina paced back and forth, whispering prayers, pleading with God to spare her brother. Then she turned to Skyler, desperate, “Skyler, you need to get in touch with that girl right now! If she could diagnose your uncle’s condition and even predict he’d collapse before nine tonight, then maybe she’s the only one who can save him p>
“Mom, what if Uncle Gordon didn’t faint because of that condition? Let’s wait for the doctors before jumping to conclusions.” Skyler’s voice was uncertain; he didn’t dare put his faith in Caitlin’s words.
He wanted to believe Gordon’s collapse was just a coincidence.
After all, Caitlin looked no older than seventeen or eighteen.
And Dr. Hackett was a renowned specialist-anyone with common sense would know who to trust.
Finally, the doors to the operating room swung open.
A doctor, still masked, stepped out into the hallway.
Alaina and Skyler rushed forward. “Doctor, how is my brother? Is he alright?” Alaina pleaded.
The doctor removed his mask, his expression grave. “His condition is very complicated. He’s suffering from severe pulmonary exhaustion, and because he didn’t receive timely treatment, his lungs have sustained significant damage. Frankly, you should be prepared for the worst p>
Prepared for the worst?
Alaina felt the world collapse around her.
How could this be?
Skyler staggered backward, his knees weak.
It really was exactly what Caitlin had warned them about.
Now what?
Skyler’s face had gone completely pale.
Alaina clutched the doctor’s hand, sobbing, “Please, you have to save him! He’s my only brother p>
The doctor shook his head, sighing. “At this point, all we can do is hope for a miracle p>
Alaina broke down, nearly fainting with grief. After the doctor left, she rounded on Skyler, her voice trembling with rage. “This is your fault! All your fault! I told you to reach out to that girl, to invite her here, but you ignored me! If anything happens to your uncle tonight, I’ll never forgive you as long as I live p>
Skyler panicked. “Mom, I—I’ve already got people trying to track down her number p>
No one knew how bitterly he regretted tossing away Caitlin’s note.
He regretted trampling all over her offer of help.
If he could turn back time, he would have treated Caitlin like royalty.
“What? You didn’t even keep her contact information?” Alaina yelled, her anger boiling over as she slapped Skyler hard across the face. “You idiot! How many times have I told you? Always leave yourself a backup plan! Look at the mess you’ve made p>
Skyler was consumed by guilt, unable to admit he’d not only lost Caitlin’s number, but probably offended her beyond repair.
He could only hope Caitlin would be merciful.
When Justice Cumming finally arrived outside the operating room, he found his wife furiously berating their son. Rushing over, he tried to pull her away. “Alaina, calm down! What’s going on? Have they said anything about Gordon p>
“A soft father spoils a useless son! He’s this way because you always let him off easy!” Alaina, still seething, slapped her husband as well.
Justice didn’t dare protest. He glanced at Skyler, lowering his voice, “Skyler, what on earth happened here p>
Skyler’s face was stricken. “Dad, this is all my fault p>
Realizing the severity of the situation, Justice tried to soothe his wife. “Alaina, hitting us won’t solve anything. Let’s calm down and figure out what to do next p>