LOVE YOU, UNCLE

Upon hearing the news that Ghea had been in an accident, Randy felt his heart almost stop beating. Confronted with the reality that his wife’s life might be in danger, he suddenly found himself short of breath. He couldn’t speak now. Just silent for a moment, until the police finished delivering the news through the phone call he received.

“Ran, what’s wrong with you?” Darwin wondered when he saw Randy’s face, which was once relaxed and playful, now turning pale. His cousin seemed to stand up quickly, getting ready to leave.

“Ghea had an accident, Win. She’s in the hospital now.”

Darwin was startled at that moment too. Both equally shocked to hear the news Randy had just conveyed. Without much thought, he offered to accompany Randy, who might be in distress or unable to think clearly.

Driving his vehicle at an above-average speed, Darwin and Randy arrived at the hospital in just 10 minutes. Walking briskly, they went straight to the emergency unit. There, several police officers were already waiting.

“Excuse me, Sir,” Randy greeted the officers. “I’m Randy, Ghea Walters’ husband who, according to information, had an accident.”

The two police officers standing in front of the emergency room immediately shook hands with Randy. One of them then slowly began to explain the chronology of what had actually happened to Ghea.

“Firstly, we express our condolences for the tragedy that befell your wife. So, the car Mrs. Ghea was in had an accident and hit the road barrier before the main flyover. According to the CCTV we checked, the black Range Rover your wife was driving lost balance after being hit by one of the sedan cars that we are currently investigating.”

“Do you mean, the accident that happened to my wife is like a hit-and-run?”

The police officer nodded immediately.

So far, we can conclude that. Because, if you look at the surveillance camera footage, your wife’s car was hit hard from behind until it hit the road barrier and overturned. After that, the sedan car immediately sped away as if fleeing from the scene. Now, we are investigating whether there is intent or if it’s purely negligence.”

Randy took a deep breath. His hands clenched tightly. Suppressing anger over what had happened to his wife. He swore in his heart that if this was intentional, he would pursue the perpetrator to hell.

“In my car, there are also surveillance cameras installed on the front and rear sides. Please check, Sir. It might help in the investigation process,” Randy suggested, immediately addressed by the officer in front of him.

“We have indeed taken the surveillance camera memory from the car as evidence, Sir. We will also do our best to trace and find out the owner of the car that hit and ran your wife’s car, Mr. Randy.”

Randy took a deep breath repeatedly, hoping that the police would soon find some answers.

“Please inform me if there are any latest developments, Sir. If the police need any assistance, I am ready to contribute in any way to ensure that this matter is resolved promptly and in accordance with the law.”

The police officers departed. From the IGD room, one of the medical staff who had just finished handling Ghea finally came out. Randy, impatient, immediately approached, hoping for news about his wife inside.

“How’s my wife?” Randy asked without any pleasantries. In his panic, he forgot to mention Ghea’s name to the medical staff in front of him.

“Your wife? Are you Mr. Ghea’s husband who had an accident?”

Randy nodded repeatedly, anxiously waiting for an explanation from the medical team that could deliver either good or bad news.

“Your driver suffered a broken leg. Fortunately, there was no bleeding.”

“What about my wife, Sus?” Randy asked half-frustrated. Instead of getting straight to the point, why was this nurse in front of him describing the condition of his driver first?

Meanwhile, the nurse, realizing that Randy might be distressed, tried to reassure him while providing an explanation.

“Mrs. Ghea is currently undergoing intensive examination, Sir. Let’s hope together that nothing harmful happens. For now, please wait a bit. The doctor in charge will come out soon to provide an explanation.”

The nurse then left, leaving Randy increasingly anxious, waiting for the next news about his wife inside.

“Be patient, Ran,” Darwin said, trying to comfort him. He knew very well that his cousin’s mind was likely in chaos right now. “Let’s just pray for the best. I’m sure Ghea is fine in there.”

Randy didn’t respond. As the nurse returned to the room, Randy’s body seemed to slump down. He couldn’t hold back the small tears any longer. He was extremely worried about his wife’s condition inside.

Eventually, not long after, the doctor he was waiting for came out of the room. Assisted by Darwin, Randy rose again to approach.

“Doctor, how’s my wife?”

The male doctor took off his mask for a moment. He looked at Randy, then slowly explained Ghea’s current condition inside.

“So far, your wife is fine. She only suffered bruises and scratches in several parts of her body. And fortunately, this accident did not in any way disturb the condition of your wife’s pregnancy.”

Upon hearing the last sentence, Randy’s eyes widened. He was sure he hadn’t misheard the doctor just now.

“W-what did you just say, Doc? My wife’s pregnancy? What do you mean? What does that mean?”

The doctor frowned. Now, he seemed confused.

“Are you not aware that your wife is currently pregnant?”

This time, Randy was truly shocked. Between sadness, joy, surprise, happiness, everything mixed up into one after hearing what the doctor said to him.

“So, my wife is currently pregnant?”

“Her pregnancy has even reached nine weeks when checked just now.”

“For God’s sake, I really didn’t know, Doc. A few weeks ago, my wife underwent an examination. But there were no signs of pregnancy at all,” Randy admitted honestly. He vividly remembered accompanying Ghea to visit the obstetrician, and the doctor who examined never mentioned anything about pregnancy. Despite Ghea undergoing a uterine examination using an ultrasound machine at that time.

“That’s how it is. It’s very normal. Sometimes, pregnancy can only be detected when the gestational age has reached six to seven weeks. But for your wife, I can confidently confirm that she is indeed pregnant. That’s why I’m thankful that the accident that happened did not in any way disturb the condition of your wife’s pregnancy.”

Can Randy now breathe a sigh of relief? The doctor’s detailed explanation somewhat eased his previously anxious heart, gradually bringing a mix of calmness and happiness.

“So, when can I meet and ensure the condition of my wife myself, doc?”

The doctor then smiled, understanding Randy’s eager request.

“Very soon. When the red sign above the emergency door turns green, feel free to enter and meet your wife.”

***

“Uncle…”

Seeing her husband entering the emergency unit room, Ghea, who had just finished intensive treatment, immediately called and waved for Randy to approach her, now sitting on the patient bed.

“Ghea,” Randy replied while rushing into a hug. Holding her tightly, he unconsciously shed tears. He couldn’t express how he felt right now.

“Uncle is crying?” Ghea teased as their embrace loosened. “I’m fine, bro. I’m not injured or anything.”

Randy nodded. Bringing his hands, he cupped Ghea’s cheeks.

“I was scared, Ghe. For God’s sake, I was afraid that something might happen to you.”

“But, Uncle, see for yourself, I’m fine, right? I was shocked too, actually. After talking to Uncle on the phone, suddenly there was a strong impact. Next thing I knew, the car I was in overturned and hit the road barrier. Initially, I thought I was going to die. But, turns out, God still really loves me.”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Listening to Ghea’s story, Randy once again embraced her. He couldn’t imagine what would happen if something bad happened to Ghea, especially if it took away his wife’s life. Randy would go crazy.

“Enough, bro. I’m okay,” Ghea whispered in Randy’s hug. “Besides, Uncle must have heard the doctor’s explanation too, right?”

Randy loosened the hug, then nodded.

“The doctor has explained everything. And you know what, the doctor also gave good news for both of us.”

“Good news?”

Ghea frowned. Curious about what good news the doctor had told her husband.

“What did the doctor say?”

Randy stared closely at Ghea’s face. Smiling faintly, he whispered to his wife about the good news he had heard.

“The doctor said you’re pregnant, Ghe. You’re carrying our child.”