299: A TIME TO HELP LUKE’S POV “It’s Randy and Ethan,” I explained, laughter bubbling up within me. “They’ve decided to tur the mansion into their own wrestling arena this morning.” Ariel burst into laughter, shaking her head in disbelief. “Those two never cease to amaze, do they?” “Not in the slightest,” I replied, still chuckling. “But hey, at least it keeps things interesting.” We shared a knowing smile. “I might barely know them, but I really like them. They’re fun to be with, according to Janice. And do you know they defended me when your great–aunt was trying to create a scene?” I raised my brows. “They did that?” “Yes. And I’m really grateful. Their words didn’t change anything, but I kind of like their courage.” “I know, they’re really nice.” Ariel nodded in agreement. “So, care to tell me how you met them?” “Well, I was just driving and I saw them along the road. They were homeless so I decided to help them out.” “Aww. How sweet of you. “Yes, but I had to find out that they had a father, but he didn’t really take care of them. And the little children didn’t want to go back to him, so I took them in. And surprisingly, the man hasn’t come looking for his children ever since.” “Then he didn’t really care about them.” “Exactly.” I snapped my fingers. Driving along the road, Ariel and I spotted a car crashed at the side of the road. Without hesitation, I stopped the car immediately. “Ariel, we should go check it out,” I stated urgently, my heart racing as I opened my door and quickly stepped out of the car. 291A HATONIP Ariel nodded, her expression serious as she followed suit. We hurried over to the damaged Car, where we found a young man stuck inside, unconscious, with blood tricklic vo from a gash on his head. “We have to help him,” Ariel told me and her voice was filled with concern. I nodded, trying to open the car door, but it was jammed shut. “It’s too hard, I can’t get it open.” “We need to call 911 or an ambulance,” Ariel suggested, reaching for her phone. But I couldn’t wait. The sight of the injured man spurred me into action. Ignoring Ariel’s protests, I began to slam my shoulder against the door, trying desperately to pry it open. “Luke, stop! You’re going to hurt yourself!” She shrieked, but I was too focused to listen. Finally, after several forceful attempts, the door gave way with a loud creak. I wasted no time in dragging the young man out of the car, checking to see if he was still breathing. “He’s alive,” I said, relief flooding through me as I looked up at Ariel. she quickly dialed for an ambulance, instructing them to hurry to our location. But I knew we couldn’t wait. “We can’t wait for them, Ariel. He might not make it,” I uttered, urgency in my voice as I lifted the man into my arms. “There’s a hospital not too far from here. We have to get him there as fast as we can.” Ariel nodded, her eyes wide with worry as she quickly got back into the car. I carefully placed the injured man in the backseat before joining Ariel in the driver’s seat. With determination, I started the car and began to drive towards the hospital, praying that we would make it in time to save the young man’s life. I may not know him, but I didn’t want anything bad happening to him. I didn’t want him to die, and I guess this might cancel some of my plans for today. We arrived at the hospital, and I quickly carried the unconscious man out of the car, with Ariel following closely behind me. We hurried inside, and the nurses immediately sprang into action, helping me carry the man to the emergency room. The doctors swiftly took over, wheeling the man into a room as they assured me they would do everything they could to save him. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders knowing he was in good hands. 2Y A TIME TO HELP 3/4 “Are you related to the patient, sir?” one of the doctors asked me, looking up from his clipboard. I shook my head. “No, I don’t even know him. I saw his car crashed along the road and decided to help.” The doctor nodded understandingly, a look of admiration in his eyes. “Well, it’s people like you that make the world a better place. Thank you for bringing him in.” He patted my shoulder before disappearing into the room with the medical team. I watched them go, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within me. It was a relief to know the man was receiving care, but I couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at me until I knew he was out of danger. Ariel came up beside me, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “You did a good thing, Luke. You saved his life.” I managed a weak smile, grateful for her support. “Let’s hope he pulls through.” “Do you want to wait for the..” Ariel gestured toward the hospital room, giving me a knowing look. “I don’t think I can wait. I’ve got a lot of schedules today,” I replied. “Okay then “Okay then, you should go home and get ready for work. I’ll stay here till the doctors give me a feedback on the patient.” “Are you being for real right now?” “Yes, of course. You’re going to be really busy today. And trust me, you do not want to miss out on anything.” “I know, but I can’t just leave you here.” “Why not?” Ariel asked, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t know. I just don’t like it. She smiled and placed her Hand on both of my shoulders. “You don’t have to worry about me, Luke. Everything will be fine.” “I know, but…” “But what?” She smiled at me, her hands still installed on my shoulders. “What about our daughter, Janice? Aren’t you going to give her a bath, help her get ready 200 A TIME TO HELP for the day, you know, all sort of things?” “Luke, she’s six years old. She can handle herself, and by the way, she has helpers at home, so there’s no need for you to worry.” I sighed, knowing she was right. “Okay, fine. But call me immediately if anything happens, alright?” “Of course, I will,” Ariel reassured me, giving my shoulders a gentle squeeze before letting go. “Now you go out there and get those projects done.” “I still don’t have a great feeling about this,” I spoke, underneath my breath. “Oh really?” “Yes, Ariel. I don’t know. One part of my mind keeps on telling me to stay here with you, and the other is about my project. And trust me, I don’t want to leave you all by yourself.” She fixed her hand on my cheek. “I’m fine, Luke. Go, there’s nothing to worry about. I promise to give you a call later on.” “I’m the one who’s going to call you.” I sighed after that. “Take care, honey.” I kissed her on the cheek. “Take care too.” She smiled back at me. With a final glance at the hospital room where the doctors were attending to the injured man, I turned and made my way out of the hospital. And getting closer to my car, I saw a text from my mom, telling me to come home. And
