They helped each other up and left, no doubt scrambling to gather money to save Susan’s life.
The crowd slowly dispersed, their murmurs fading into silence.
And then, darkness crept over me. My vision blurred and I felt my consciousness slip away.
***
When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed.
Bertha Hoover, one of the nurses I was friendly with, sat by my side, her face etched with concern.
"Dr. Eddie, you’re finally awake!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly. "You’ve been out for an entire day and night. You really scared us."
I sat up slowly, my mind clouded with confusion. Had I really been unconscious for so long?
Shaking off my disorientation, I cleared my throat, though my voice came out hoarse.
"Susan," I asked, "how is she?"
Bertha hesitated, glancing at me carefully. Finally, she said, "Robert worked tirelessly for ten hours... In the end, both the mother and child are safe."
Her words hit me like a tidal wave. My heart sank, heavy with a mix of emotions I couldn’t untangle.
Relief? Disappointment? I didn’t know anymore.
Throwing off the covers, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and got up.
Without another word, I walked out of the hospital room.
Behind me, Bertha ’s anxious voice called out.
"Dr. Eddie, where are you going?"
"A lot happened yesterday! The internet is exploding with rumors about you being ungrateful and letting your wife die!"
"Don't... don't go to Susan’s ward; they're being—"
Her words trailed off as I ignored her, heading straight to the door of Susan’s hospital room.
I pushed it open without hesitation. The ward was bustling with people.
Susan sat propped up in bed, her face pale but framed by a gentle smile.
Anthony and Margareth stood nearby, their faces glowing with gratitude as they handed a silk banner to Robert.
The dean stood proudly beside them, his hand resting on Robert ’s shoulder, his tone full of admiration.
"Robert was fearless in the face of danger and performed exceptionally well. He managed to save the patient despite the odds."
"I think he’s the perfect candidate to take over when the head of your department retires."
The loud sound of the door slamming against the wall interrupted the dean’s words.
Every head in the room turned toward me.
Susan was the first to speak, though her smile faltered slightly.
"You’re awake? Come see our daughter."
I ignored her and strode further into the room.