Chapter 18

We stayed at the mansion for a week. It reminded me of the good time I had with my parents before the war.

"Can't we stay for another week, please?" I begged Josh while putting my hands around his neck.

"I am sorry, Sabrina but we had to be home by this weekend because of the wedding preparation." explained Josh.

"...but we can come back here after the wedding," continued Josh.

"Thank you!" I replied happily while giving him a kiss on his cheek.

I spent the last few days walking along the green paddy field and reading in the library which Chen restored to its original condition with all the books. It was a wonder he can remember all the titles of the books in the library.

Chen, Josh and I also went shopping at the nearby town.

Then the day came for us to leave. We would be catching the night train.

After done packing, I went to say goodbye to my parents at their grave.

The same man who picked us up from the train station was sending us back there again.

Before getting into the car, I took one last look at the mansion.

The road towards the town was dark. The street lights were not working. Rain started to pour outside.

The weather in Malaya was hard to predict. It could be warm and sunny at one second and it could rain like cats and dogs in another.

I cuddled up to Josh who was sitting beside me. He put a hand around my shoulder. He felt warm and I love the smell of his after shave.

I closed my eyes for a second. When I opened my eyes, I saw two bright lights coming through the front windscreen.

Everything happened so fast. The car that we were in swerved to the left, Josh threw his body over me. Then there was a loud crashed and my world went into darkness.....

When I opened my eyes, everything around me was white.

"You are awake" I heard a familiar voice.

I turned my head to the side and saw Aunt Helen. My whole body ached but my head hurt the most when I tried to move.

"Don't move," said Aunt Helen.

"Where am I? What happened? Where are Josh and Chen?" I asked Aunt Helen confusingly.

"You are in the hospital. All of you were in a car accident. Josh and Chen are in the next ward," replied Aunt Helen.

"I want to see them," I said while trying to get up.

"I will bring you to see them in the morning. It is late now. You should rest. Master Lim is with them," said Aunt Helen.

"How long have we been here? How are Josh and Chen? How about the driver?" I flooded Aunt Helen with more questions.

"All of you were admitted into the hospital three days ago. You were unconscious for three days due to your head trauma."

"The driver did not make it. He succumbed to his wound on the spot while for Chen he suffered minor scratches and he had a broken arm."

"As for Josh....he is still unconscious. He suffered from internal bleeding. He already went through two operations in two days to stop his internal bleeding."

"Doctor said his chances of survival is not very high," explained Aunt Helen with tears in her eyes.

"I want to see Josh now," I insisted in tears.

I tried to sit up but my head was too painful. Then my world went into darkness again.

I did not know how long I lost conscious again. The next time I woke up was to the sound of Henry calling my name. I opened my eyes slowly and saw Henry standing beside me.

"Sabrina, how are you feeling? Do you think you can get up?" asked Henry looking concern and anxious at the same time.

"I will try," I replied as I started to push myself up.

It was better this time. It was not as painful as last time.

"Josh wants to see you. His condition is not good. He is very weak and he is asking for you. Father, mother and Chen are with him now," explain Henry with a sad voice.

My heart dropped into a deep abyss.

Henry carried me onto the wheel chair as I was too weak to walk. Then he wheeled me into the next ward.

Everyone turned to look at me. Their eyes were red and swollen.

When I got closer to the bed I saw Josh lying on it.

His whole head was heavily bandaged and his face was swollen. He must be in a lot of pain.

Henry wheeled me next to his bed.

"Josh, I am here." I said in a soft voice trying to hold back my tears.

Josh opened his eyes and smiled at me. He lifted up his hand and I quickly grabbed hold of it.

His mouth started to move and I put my head nearer to listen to him.

His voice was weak.

"I am sorry Sabrina. I do not think I can take care of you this lifetime. I am sorry for not keeping my promise. I promise you I will find you in my next lifetime," said Josh with a smile on his face before he closed his eyes for the last time.

His hand went lifeless in mine.

"No! No! Josh!! Don't leave me, Josh...No!!!" I was crying so hard that my world went into darkness again.