Chapter 44
“Run, Lulu!” Mom’s voice grew weaker as the net tightened around her.
“No, Mom. I don’t want to go alone. Can you please come with me?”
Mom shook her head as she grew more distant. I got up to chase after her, terrified.
“Wait for me, Mom!”
I opened my eyes all of a sudden.
Bright sunlight shot right into my eyes. I quickly covered them.
A warm yet dry hand touched my shoulder immediately. A voice called out, “Don’t move. You’re still healing. Dear, Lulu’s woken up.”
I returned to my senses. The sharp smell of sanitizer filled my nostrils. There was an IV drip bag right
above my head.
I was still alive!
I remembered now. That kind old man saved me.
I survived yet another catastrophe!
“How are you feeling, darling? Do you feel sick anywhere?” Mom’s delicate yet loving face appeared in my vision. How long had she been crying? Her eyes were frighteningly swollen.
“Mom, I called softly, caressing her cheek.
Mom pressed my hand to her face as tears of joy burst forth. “Sweet child. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Her voice grew quieter and quieter until it only became painful sobs. Tears coated my hands. “I thought I would never hear your voice again. I’m so happy you’re still here to call me ‘Mom“!”
“Don’t cry. Mom. I’m okay.” I consoled her. I then turned around to look for my father.
“Dad’s here, Lulu. Don’t be scared.” Dad was by the other side of the bed.
When I saw his face, I wanted to cry.
Was this still my handsome and elegant father? His hair was a mess, his face swollen, and stubble all
over his chin. Only those eyes radiated the familiar light of love.
“Why don’t you keep Mom in check, Dad? She’s going to drown me again.” I teased.
The three of us laughed. Mom gently patted my head while playfully reprimanding me. Dad turned around and hugged both of us, chuckling happily.
As we laughed, all of us burst into tears again. This time, it was tears of joy.
Mom said that I was so cold and lifeless when they got to me. Even my breathing was shallow. They had
been so scared.
Dad said they thought I might never open my eyes again. They cried so much it felt like they had no tears
left to cry.
I looked at Mom’s and Dad’s frail faces and knew I had really worried them now.
Sorry, Mom and Dad. I messed up this time. It wouldn’t happen again.
After crying and laughing again, I asked Mom where the kind old man who saved me was and whether!
could still find him.
I had passed out the moment I exited that drain.
It was the old man who went to the shops nearby and called an ambulance via one of the shop owner’s phones. He then waited by my side for the ambulance to arrive, accompanied me to the hospital, and even paid for my ER fees with what little cash he had.
“Thank goodness for the old man, or else my daughter Mom’s eyes teared up again before she could
finish speaking.
Dad patted her shoulder to console her, telling her that I was watching and that she shouldn’t make me
start crying, too.
“When I’m all better, I want to thank the old man myself, Mom,” I said.
I would’ve died if it weren’t for him. He saved my life.
“Okay. When you’re all healed, we’ll all go and thank the old man.”
“How did you know I was at the hospital, Dad?”