Chapter 44


    “Run, Lulu!” Mom’s voice grew weaker as the tightened around her.


    “No, Mom. I don’t want to go alone. Can you pleasee 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 d 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 usughed. Mom gently patted my head while yfully reprimanding me. Dad turned


    around and hugged both of us, chuckling happily.


    As weughed, 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 andughing 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 ambnce via one of the shop owner’s


    phones. He then waited by my side for the ambnce to arrive, apanied 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.”


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    “How did you know I was at the hospital, Dad?”