A MORNING STROLL

David and his grandmother sat vigil beside his dad in the hospital room, the stillness broken only by the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring the unconscious Mr. Kingsley.

"How have you been, dear?" Grandma's voice was tinged with warmth and sadness as she turned to David with a slight smile on her face.

David responded with a nod and a faint, reassuring smile, his gaze still fixed on his dad who lay motionless on the hospital bed. "He's going to be okay."

"Yes, I know," she said softly, a tear trickled down her cheek, as she watched her son lying helpless in the hospital bed. She wondered who could have caused such harm on her son and silently hoped it wasn't a bitter feud between her two sons.

"How's your health?" David asked with concern "You know, you didn't have to come."

"I'm alright," She replied. "The doctor suggested I get out more often, so here I am."

"Are you sure?" he asked

"I should be more concerned about you" she said evading the question "I heard you went after your cousin, Damian. What were you thinking?" She scolded him.

David's gaze met hers, his eyes revealing the heaviness of his heart. "How did you find out?" he asked with a feeble smile.

"It's all over the news," Grandma replied, gesturing with her hand. "Someone captured a video of the police escorting you both to the van outside Damian's apartment."

"Oh, I see," David muttered

"Oh, you see?" Grandma pressed further

"He deserved it," David defended

"Son," Grandma called gently.

David turned his weary eyes to meet hers.

"Before you leap," she advised gently, "look carefully to see where you will land."

David nodded thoughtfully, exhaustion evident in his posture as he rested his head on the hospital bed beside his father. He was clearly drained, both physically and emotionally.

Grandma comfortingly patted his tousled hair and smiled warmly, "I don't want you getting into trouble, my dear. I love you so much, and I can't bear the thought of you landing in a situation you can't handle."

David's eyelids grew heavy, and slowly he soon fell asleep.

* * *

The clock ticked past noon the following day, and David hadn't had the chance to freshen up for more than a full day.

"I need to freshen up," he remarked, rising from his seat as he prepared to go back home.

"Get me a toothbrush and some fruits on your way back," his grandmother requested.

"Anything else?" David inquired.

"No dear, or anything else you believe I'll need." She replied

"Alright," David said softly as he gently closed the door behind him.

He planned to phone Mr. Martins, who had informed him of the incident the day before, in order to gather more information about the situation. Also, he aimed to head directly to the site where his dad had been shot to investigate for any potential clues, including cameras, suspects, or any other evidence he could uncover.

As he approached the hospital's reception, Joan sat waiting. When she saw him, she rose and moved toward him, though he paid her no mind, continuing on his path. She trailed him quietly.

"You should head home," he advised her when they reached the hospital's entrance.

"I'm fine, and I need to ensure you don't do anything reckless."

David gave her a quizzical look. "Joan!" he called softly. He parted his lips as if to speak, then hesitated, carefully selecting his words. "I need some time alone right now." He said and started to turn away, heading toward his car, but Joan clutched his hand, halting him.

"What if something bad happens to you or you get hurt?" she exclaimed

David paused, gazing at her, wondering if she knew something he didn't "Why would anything bad happen to me?" he questioned.

"I don't know, there are bad individuals out there who may hold a grudge against you, probably because of your role as vice chairman of your company or something," she replied, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Don't worry about me" He gently released her grip and stepped back. Turning away to depart, he unexpectedly spotted Jane standing at a short distance from them, watching the scene before her with a sad look on her face.

Shock washed over him upon seeing her. His countenance shifted from composure to fear. His heart raced, as though she were in grave danger and he couldn't save her."

JANE

I made an attempt to resume my usual routine, yet it proved futile. My only concern was on his well-being, knowing he was in pain made me feel as though I was suffocating. Despite all of Lisa's advice, her reminders that he had friends by his side and that I should prioritize my impending final examinations, my thoughts were consumed by worry.

Speaking of my preparations for my final exams, after a grueling 18 hours at home spent in contemplation on what next to do, I decided to go back to him and put those preparations on hold without weighing the consequences. I thought of checking up on him and staying with him in the hospital for few hours before coming back home, and it sounded like the best idea.

"Where are you off to?" My mother inquired, interrupting my exit as I passed by the kitchen.

"Just out for a morning stroll," I fabricated

"You sure need it" she remarked with a smile. "Be sure to return early, we have visitors coming over today," she called after me.

"Okay mum!" I replied, hastily making my exit. Lisa was still fast asleep as it was just 6am in the morning.

Dressed in my red sweat shirt and joggers, I made my way to the park and hopped onto a direct bus bound for Sydney. I had memorized the name of the hospital where Mr. Kingsley had been admitted, and I promptly hailed a cab to convey me there on getting to Sydney, after the roughly three hours journey.

As I swung open the cab's door and rushed towards the hospital entrance, my eagerness to see him once more and offer a comforting embrace before leaving drove me forward. I knew that I owed him a debt of gratitude and that this was the least I could do. However, my stride came to a halt when I spotted Joan clasping David's hand just outside the hospital.

The sensation I experienced was similar to a forceful blow to my chest, and I found myself physically reeling. I had no idea why I felt that way, but I repeatedly implored myself to remain calm. 'Stay strong,' I inwardly chanted, 'you are here to provide solace, not seek it. This shouldn't make you forget why you came'.

David turned, pausing as his gaze met mine. He looked so pale and I felt the impending threat of tears as seeing him that way broke my heart. Despite his feeble appearance, he remained strikingly handsome, his brown eyes registering shock as his lips parted slightly. Behind him, Joan observed us in silence.

He walked slowly towards. "Why are you here?" he inquired, breaking the silence.