Part 3: Chapter 71: Taking the blame

9 September 2019, Military Hospital, San Diego.

Four grueling days passed as they waited for Mark to open his eyes.

"Where am I?"

"You are in the hospital, Son," Curt informed him.

"Why, what happened?"

"There was an accident."

"Are you okay, Dad?"

"Yeah, I am good, just a broken foot." He tapped against his cast."

"Mum?"

"She didn't make it." A silent tear vanished into the cushion.

"Mum's funeral was on Friday," Jillian said.

"What day is it?"

"Monday, the 9th," Curt replied.

"I am so sorry, Dad."

"It is not your fault, Son. No one blames you."

"That's right, Son," Markus said as he hovered over his grandson.

"You need to get well, Honey," Jeanette said.

"Gramps," then more tears rolled into the bedding.

"It's okay, Boy. You will go home in no time," Markus assured him.

"Get well soon. We will see you tomorrow."

"Thanks, Grams."

"You need to go too, Pumpkin."

"Yeah." Mark's eyes dimmed.

"We all will go so that you can rest. We will talk again."