Troy
She can’t leave me – not now, not after everything we’ve been through to get here. Please, no.
I lifted my wife into my arms and tried not to look too closely at the blood she was covered in — probably a mix of hers and my daughter’s. My own shirt was stained with crimson, though I couldn’t feel the injury. Adrenaline pumped through my veins. How could I let it get this far? How could I be so stupid?
Moni’s head lulled to the side, her eyes shut. But I knew she was breathing, she had to be. There was no other option. Beneath my feet, Lauren moaned. I should’ve hit her harder. Ruby’s cries bumped me back into the moment – get them to the hospital! But what to do with Lauren?
My mother-in-law sprung from the bushes. “I’ll take care of her.”
I was too guilt-stricken to question why she was hiding, when her daughter’s skull was being cracked open. Moni. I looked down at her in my arms. If I ignored the blood, she seemed at peace. I swallowed a sob as Sarah shoved me towards the car.
“Go,” she said.
No time for tears. Just drive. I slid Moni into the passenger’s seat – Ruby occupied most of the back one – and buckled her in. When this is over, and my family is safe, then I could think about this horrible night. But for now, I must wipe it from my thoughts.
I kept my eyes on the road as I drove to the hospital. It took everything I could to concentrate on the journey, the streets, the pedestrians. My eyes drifted to the rear-view mirror. Don’t look at them. Keep driving. What seemed like an eternity later, I swung into the hospital’s parking lot. I staggered out and flapped my arms. “Someone help me!” I checked on Ruby. Was she crying when we pulled in? I couldn’t remember. She was silent now.
A male nurse jogged over. “What happened?” He leaned through the passenger window and touched two fingers to Moni’s neck.
“Ah—I—she—” My chest felt as if it was collapsing. I tried to catch my breath.
“Sir?”
Two others had appeared, one by Ruby.
A lady hovered by me. “Can you tell me what happened?”
My throat was dry. I tried to swallow.
“My wife, she was kicked in the ribs and hit in the head. She’s pregnant—” The baby. I sunk to the gutter. My family …
The lady placed her hand on my shoulder. It didn’t soothe me.
“And my daughter, she was whipped.” Tears broke free of my eyes. I swiped at them, furious and broken.
“Can I call anyone for you?”
I shook my head.
“Okay, let’s get you checked out, hey?” She hooked an arm under mine.
I let her pull me up.
“My name’s Kiera, by the way,” she said.
I watched as Moni and Ruby were wheeled away. “Can’t I go with them?”
She shook her head. “Sorry.”
I let her tow me into the hospital and down a corridor, a dead weight, not caring an ounce about myself.
“Sit,” she said.
I dragged myself onto the edge of a bed, the final dregs of my energy and hope draining. “When can I see them?” My heart ached not knowing.
“Let’s get you cleaned up, first.” She flicked me a hesitant smile. “How long have you been married?” Her swift fingers unhooked the buttons on my shirt.
“Two weeks,” I said. I winced as she peeled the cotton away from the welts.
“Yeah?” Her brow crinkled. “How old is your daughter, though?”
“Eight. But she’s mine from another relationship.”
“Oh.” Kiera concentrated on cleaning my wound.
“I’ve known Moni since we were toddlers.” I rubbed at my eyes. “This can’t be real.”
“’Fraid it is, Honey.”
I clamped my eyes shut and tried to think of better times.
When we were sixteen, Moni and I would sneak out after midnight and go to the park. I’d shout her a second dinner and we’d just huddle on a park bench, talking about everything and anything. Things were easy then, less complicated. She was happy. And so was I. We’d spent the last ten years trying to make it work. Nothing did. Either she was in a relationship or I was. And then I stumbled into my local pizzeria, like I do every Friday, and there she was. More beautiful than ever, down on her luck ...
My soul mate. How can I live without her?
“Nearly done.”
Kiera’s voice snapped me back to reality. “Then I can see them?”
She stared at me for a beat then sighed. “I’ll see what I can find out for you.”
Mum stroked my shoulder. “They’ll be okay, Troy. Moni and Ruby are strong.”
“I know.” Still, until I’m allowed to see them, I can’t help wondering.
My brother, Patrick, offered me various vending machine foods. I declined. My stomach was churning with dread and fear. And the pain wasn’t helping. I stabbed the morphine button and waited for bliss to kick in.
Kiera returned, her face open, hopeful. “You may see your daughter now.”
“What about Moni?” said Sarah.
“Still in X-Ray.”
I stood, my legs trembling from shock and lack-of-energy.
Kiera jogged over to help. “Would you like a wheelchair?”
“No, I can walk.”
She turned to Pat, Sarah and Mum. “Someone should go with him, make sure he doesn’t collapse in the corridor.”
“I’ll go with ya, Bro.” Pat clapped my shoulder and followed me to the children’s ward.
I stared at her, willing my daughter to open her eyes. C’ mon Rubes. Wake up. I brushed hair from her forehead.
Her eyelashes fluttered open. “Daddy?”
“I’m right here, Sweetheart.”
“Where’s Moni?”
“We’re waiting for her to wake up.”
She nodded, a scowl forming on her lips. “And Mummy?”
I sighed and slipped my fingers around her hand. “She’s getting the help she needs.”
“Oh.” Her eyes fluttered close for a moment then flashed open.
“Go back to sleep, Rubes. Everything’s okay.” I squeezed her hand.
She nodded again and slid into slumber.
As I watched her sleep, my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a message from Mum: She’s awake.
I felt a wave of joy crash over me. I haven’t lost my girls! I kissed my daughter’s forehead then marched into the waiting room. “Can you watch her?” I said to Pat. “Mon’s awake.”
“Sure thing. You okay to walk by yourself?”
I nodded, renewed verve sparking through me. I grinned. “Everything’s okay.”
Pat took my place by Ruby and I headed to see my wife.