Reunion Gone Wrong

As Darren's family arrived at the airport, they could hardly contain their excitement.

They had been eagerly anticipating his return especially his mom– Grace Hernandez who regarded him as her 3kg bouncing baby boy.

They successfully arrived the moment his plane landed.

As the young man emerged from the reception area, their eyes were immediately drawn to him.

He was dressed in a pristine, white button-down shirt that was tucked into a pair of perfectly fitted jeans.

His hair was neatly styled, accentuating his sharp jawline and chiseled cheekbones.

Despite not having the typical features of a conventionally handsome person, his striking appearance was impossible to ignore.

However, his fair complexion gave him an almost otherworldly quality, and his deep, piercing sea-blue eyes seemed to hold a world of mystery and intrigue.

It was clear to everyone present that Darren was truly one of a kind and a standout in any crowd.

As Darren stepped off onto the platform, his heart swelled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

He scanned the bustling crowd, searching for familiar faces among the throngs of commuters.

And there they were, waiting patiently at the end of the platform – his family.

Darren's father, tall and sturdy, stood with open arms, ready to envelop his son in a tight bear hug.

As they embraced, Darren felt a surge of warmth flood through him, basking in the strength and support he had sorely missed during his time away from home.

As he spoke, his voice was gentle and calming, adding to his already magnetic presence.

"You're all here?" His eyes scanning the group gathered before him.

And then, there was Timber, his little cousin sister, bouncing up and down with unrestrained excitement.

With a squeal of delight, she rushed towards Darren, throwing her arms around his waist and holding on tight.

Darren couldn't help but chuckle as he saw her clinging to his luggage, which she had insisted on carrying for him.

"I'm happy to see you too, little one," Darren said affectionately, ruffling her hair playfully.

As the family walked together, arms linked, they caught up on all the time they had missed.

The feeling of reuniting after such a long time was indescribable, and Darren realised that it was really a privilege having them.

However, amidst the joyous reunion, Darren couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease.

Anxiously waiting at the park later that day, his eyes scanned the surroundings in evident anticipation, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kiara.

She had been the one person he couldn't wait to see upon his return, and the thought of finally reuniting with her filled him so much joy.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting, Darren turned to his father, a furrow forming between his brows.

"Dad, did any of you get in touch with Kiara?" he inquired, his voice tinged with concern.

Before his father could respond, Darren's mother interjected, her expression thoughtful.

"Ummm, I think she left the city some months ago," she revealed hesitantly.

Darren's mom never loved to hear her son speak of Kiara , as she felt she didn't meet the standard of the Hernandez family, although she knew Kiara had been in town but she wanted to hide the fact that Kiara was available to her son , to avoid them from meeting.

Darren's heart sank at the news, disbelief and disappointment washing over him in waves.

"She left? She never told me she left," he murmured, his mind racing with unanswered questions.

Darren's mother gently suggested they head home, knowing her son had already endured a long and emotionally taxing day.

As they walked back together, Darren couldn't shake off the sense of loss weighing heavily on his heart as a result of Kiara's absence.

—

Upon receiving the sudden and distressing news of her niece, Kiara's accident, her aunt's heart was seized with an intense surge of concern causing her to feel anxiety and fear for Kiara's safety.

She has always felt a deep sense of connection and responsibility towards her niece, who was the only child left to her after her parents passed away fifteen years ago.

The news triggered a flood of emotion and thoughts in her mind as she struggled to come to grips with what had just happened.

Her mind raced with questions about the extent of Kiara's injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and whether Kiara was receiving the best possible care and treatment.

Her first concern was the timing of the accident – when exactly had it occurred? Was Kiara alone at the time, or was she with someone else?

The uncertainty gnawed at her, fueling her sense of urgency as she desperately sought clarity amidst the chaos.

And then there were the details – how had the accident happened, and where had it taken place? Every possible scenario played out in her mind, each more terrifying than the last.

But amidst her worries and fears, there was a glimmer of relief – she was informed that Kiara had been taken to Los Angeles Medical General Hospital, California, following the accident.

Without hesitation, Aunt Meyer sprang into action, her maternal instincts driving her Ignoring the gnawing sense of apprehension that threatened to consume her, she made her way there.