Chapter 4
Since Maria's (Max's mother) death, John had developed a habit of visiting hospitals to help people. One day, he arrived at a hospital—unaware it was the very one Maria was in. One of the doctors welcomed him warmly, but soon, a scream echoed through the corridor.
John:
– What's going on? Why is she screaming like that?
Doctor:
– That poor girl... she lost her whole family today.
John:
– Oh my God... that's awful. I need to see her—now.
The doctor told John everything that happened to Maria. Shocked and deeply moved, John hurried to her room.
As he entered, he felt an unexplainable warmth, something familiar—but he shook it off and stepped closer to her. He gently brushed her hair.
Maria (screaming):
– I want my mom... my dad... my brother!
Nurse (snapping):
– Come with me and I'll show them to you!
John (furious):
– How dare you speak to her like that!
Nurse:
– She needs to face the truth.
John:
– Not like this!
The nurse stormed out in anger.
John (softly):
– Sweetheart...
Maria (sobbing):
– Please help me... I have no one here...
John:
– Would you come with me?
Maria:
– Where?
John:
– To see your family?
Maria:
– I... I don't want to.
John:
– That's okay. I won't force you.
Maria:
– Can I... hug you?
John:
– Of course.
She wrapped her arms around him, feeling something she thought she'd lost forever—safety, comfort. His touch reminded her of her father, how he used to hold her the exact same way, how fear disappeared in his embrace.
Moments later, Maria asked John to take her to see her family. But the moment she saw them, she screamed, and John rushed in—but by then, their faces had already been covered.
Maria (in a broken voice):
– Where will I live? Where do I go? I came with them, and now they're... gone.
John:
– You don't have to worry. Come live near me and my son.
Maria:
– But... Uncle...
John:
– I told you, you can call me Dad.
Maria:
– But I don't even know you...
John:
– You'll live in the house next to mine. It's mine too. There's a phone inside, connected to my home. You can call me anytime. Everything you need will be there.
Maria (a little calmer):
– Okay... let's go.
In the car, John received a call.
Max:
– Dad, where are you?
John:
– I was at the hospital. I'll be home soon. How was class?
Max:
– All done. Heading out with Matthew.
John:
– Alright, son. Take care.
Max:
– You too.
They hung up.
Maria:
– You seem really close to your son.
John:
– He's all I have in this world.
Maria:
– Oh... I'm sorry.
John:
– It's alright. By the way, you haven't told me your name.
Maria:
– Maria... my name is Maria.
John froze. That name—it brought back a wave of memories. His wife. But before he drifted too far, Maria spoke again.
Maria:
– Where'd you go?
John:
– Nowhere... We've arrived.
Maria stepped out and was stunned by the house. It was beautiful, comforting.
John (smiling):
– Maria, would you tell me more about yourself?
Maria:
– Maybe... later?
John:
– Alright. If you ever want to talk, I'll listen. Also—I'd love for you to come to my son's birthday party tonight. It'll be at my house.
Maria:
– I'll think about it.
But in her mind, Maria was already planning to escape... even if she felt safe here, something inside her was afraid to trust again.
John:
– I'll ask Mirna to bring you a dress.
Maria (with a soft smile):
– I'll be waiting.
-
To be continued
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