By admin Hubby 3
I never imagined they’d record what happened at the funeral home.
Within hours, the video had gone viral across the entire city.
Sleazy media outlets were spinning it, claiming my father was trying to use self defense as a cover up for cold blooded murder.
Others suggested Dad must have had some inappropriate relationship with the so called victim–why else would his daughter publicly confess?
Mom collapsed when she saw the coverage.
Even when we tried to shut it out, turned off the TV, stayed off our phones, we couldn’t escape the avalanche of hatred and accusations.
When Mom came to, her face was etched with worry.
If your father sees this… it’ll destroy him.”
couldn’t find words. How could I defend what I’d done?
ut the next day, Dad found out anyway.
e tried to kill himself in prison.
When we got the call, Mom and I raced to the hospital like our lives depended on it.
ut when we arrived, Dad’s ambulance was stuck outside in the parking lot. They wouldn’t even let him through the doors.
watched blood seeping through the bandages around his neck, panic clawing at my chest.
Why aren’t you taking him inside?”
he paramedic looked at me helplessly.
Mr. Blackwell’s girlfriend’s cat was in an accident. It’s in surgery right now. Mr. Blackwell gave orders–no critical patients get admitted until the cat is
abilized.”
felt like I was living in some twisted nightmare. It was so absurd, so backwards.
This is a hospital, not a veterinary clinic! How can you let them get away with this?”
obody answered me.
ven the prison guard escorting Dad just sighed.
You’re family. Maybe try transferring him somewhere else?”
he medic pressing down on Dad’s wound shook his head. “Nearest hospital is ten minutes away. He won’t make it.”
My breath caught in my throat. I turned toward the hospital entrance.
I’ll go beg Cassian. I’ll make him let my dad in.”
But as soon as I moved, Dad’s hand grabbed mine,
His grip was surprisingly strong, and the heart monitor started beeping erratically.
I rushed back to his side, trying to calm him down. “Dad, don’t get upset. I’m gonna save you, okay? Just hold on.”
Dad slowly opened his eyes, his hand trembling as he touched my cheek.
His mouth was moving behind the oxygen mask, like he was trying to tell me something important.
The medic gently removed the mask from his face.
“He’s not gonna make it. If you need to say something, say it now.”
My ears started ringing.
The medical team stepped out of the ambulance, giving us privacy.
Mom’s face was ashen, but she leaned in close, fighting back tears.
“Nathan, what is it? I’m listening.”
Dad’s voice sounded far away–weak and unreal, but every word came through crystal clear.
Don’t be sad… and don’t beg him for anything. I’m at peace with this.”
Nerina, don’t appeal the case. I just want you and your mother to be safe. Nothing matters more than that.”
Margot, make that phone call. Take Nerina and leave. Get out of New York.”
Yes, yes, I understand.”
Mom held Dad’s hand, sobbing.
Then I can… I can rest easy now…”
EEEEEEP.
he monitor let out a long, piercing wail.
ad’s hand slipped from mine, going limp.
nstinctively, I caught it and held on tight, as if gripping his hand could somehow keep him with us.
he silence in that ambulance was deafening. Grief crashed over Mom and me like a tidal wave, drowning us completely.
don’t know how long we sat there.
inally, Mom took a shaky breath.
he squeezed my hand, her voice trembling but determined.
Nerina, let’s take your father home.”
17:01