4#04

4

Amanda paused before responding. It took her a full 180 seconds to get back to me.

[What's your opinion?]

A wry grin played at the edges of my mouth. How ironic that this supposed love we shared only required three minutes for her to cast me aside.

[I understand.]

After sending that brief reply, quietness settled between us. We both remained silent.

I found myself revisiting our previous exchanges, perusing the tender words we once shared. How transient those expressions were—only carrying weight when affection still flourished.

I was uncertain how much time had passed before I fell into a fitful slumber, only to be startled awake by the piercing sound of my phone ringing.

"Yvo, hurry home. Grandma's condition is critical."

The news hit me like a bolt from the blue. I was stunned, struggling to comprehend what I'd just heard.

Grandma had been my caretaker after my parents split up. She was my sole family member, the individual who cherished me most. I'd always envisioned providing her with a better life once I achieved success.

But now she was departing, and I hadn't even had the opportunity.

It took me considerable time to collect myself. I was still hospitalized, my pneumonia unresolved, and I wasn't permitted to leave.

In desperation, I called Amanda. Surely she could assist me in getting home.

She didn't answer my first two attempts, but on the third try, she finally picked up.

"You're quite audacious to call me again," she remarked, her voice laced with derision.

I disregarded the hurt her words caused. "Amanda, can you drive me back to my hometown? My grandma... she's not going to survive."

There was a moment of silence on her end. "I can't. I need the car today. You'll have to find a taxi."

"Please," I implored, "my leg isn't healed, and it's already 3 a.m.—there are no cabs available at this hour. Just this once, I'm begging you."

As I awaited her answer, Jayden's voice came through the phone. "Amanda, are you ready? We need to leave if we want to catch the sunrise at the beach."

Her voice followed, calm and decisive. "I can't help you, Yvo. I already promised Jayden I'd accompany him. I can't go back on my word."

Her response crumbled the last of my hopes. I had anticipated excuses, but not this.

"Amanda," I pleaded, my voice quivering, "I'm imploring you, just this once. Allow me to see Grandma one final time."

"But I can't break my promise to someone else either," she replied without hesitation.

Her words were conclusive. I realized then that she would never abandon her plans with Jayden—not even for my sake.

My hands trembled as I ended the call.

Grandma had always been fond of Amanda. During their first meeting, Grandma had gifted her the only piece of jewelry she owned—a symbol of her approval and affection.

Amanda had vowed then, in Grandma's presence, that she would look after me.

But now, everything had shifted. Those promises were as insubstantial as vapor, dissipating in the harsh light of reality.

I staggered to my feet and rushed towards the exit, ignoring the acute pain in my leg.

The hospital was situated on a remote hillside far from the city center. At this hour, there wasn't a single vehicle in sight—not even a person.

I persevered, clenching my teeth against the pain and the chill in the air.

Three cars drove past me, but none stopped.

It took three grueling hours before I managed to flag down a taxi.

By the time I reached Grandma's residence, it was too late. She had passed away.

My hand shook as I pushed the door open. The creaking of the hinges was the sole sound in the stifling silence.

I collapsed to my knees with a thud. Tears began to flow freely down my face.

The guilt was overwhelming. I had let her down.

I was unaware of how long I remained kneeling there. When I finally stood up, darkness had already fallen.

I walked back in a stupor, each step more laborious than the last. My phone vibrated in my pocket. It was Amanda.

I answered listlessly.

"Where are you?" she inquired, her tone carrying a hint of urgency. "I just returned. I can drive you home now."