Sadness

Sarlun Island may be far from the mainland. But the island is famous as a tourist area because beautiful beaches surround the island. In addition, temperatures in some parts of the island are warm all year round, even in winter.

This island is a favorite place for people from the main island. They come for a vacation and enjoy the quiet away from the city's noise. 

But even though the island is famous as a tourist area, the city is quiet at night. Nightlife stops precisely at 9 pm, and there are no public transport and taxis after that hour.

Allynna had no choice but to run towards the hospital. Along the way, she did not meet anyone. Even shops and restaurants were closed. It was as if she was running in an empty city.

After passing through several intersections, she could finally see the hospital building from afar. She increased her speed even though her legs felt hurt and her breathing was short. She could feel sweat dripping down her forehead. 

Running on the hot summer night drains her energy faster. But she ignored all the pain and fatigue; Her mind was too busy concerning her parents' condition. 

The cold air from the air conditioner embraced her as she entered the hospital. She walked quickly to the front desk. Only one female nurse was sitting behind the counter.

"H-Hi, I'm Allynna Frost… My parents had an accident. Can you tell me where they are now?" Allynna asked in a trembling and stammering voice. This was the first time she had known this fear—the fear of losing both parents in one go.

'Stop it, Ally! They will be fine! No one can snatch your parents from you, not even the angel of death—' Allynna scolds herself in her mind for having this kind of thought. Thinking like this could be a curse for her.

"Miss Frost, your parents are in the surgery room. You can't enter the room, but you can wait in front of the room." The nurse explained to her. 

Allynna was familiar with this hospital because her mother was one of the general practitioners in this hospital. She visited her several times.

Without wasting time, she headed straight to the surgery room.

Standing alone a few meters from the surgery room made Allynna's body freeze. For a moment, she just stood there staring at the red light above the door with a mixed feeling, afraid and nervous. 

Countless terrifying thoughts danced through her mind when she saw her parents' names appear on the noticeboard by the door. As if something was squeezing her heart, suddenly, she felt her heart hurt. Her breathing, which had been regular, became short again, and her body started shaking.

Slowly, Allynna dragged her feet to sit on the bench. But before she gets there, all her muscles supporting her body seem to betray her. She is holding the wall, trying to balance her body so as not to fall. She was lowering her head forward while trying to inhale as much air as possible.

After breathing normally and supporting her body, Allynna sat on a hospital bench. She buried her head in the middle of her knees, trying to think more clearly.

How could her parents have an accident?

How critical was their condition that they both had to undergo surgery?

What would happen to her if her parents couldn't be helped?

Thinking about it made her entire body freeze.

It seemed she didn't dare to think about what would happen next. She just wanted her mom and dad to get well and return to her. 

Her parents are known to be strong on the island. So Allynna brushes out all the pessimistic thoughts and believes they will survive this ordeal. No one can take them away from her. They are all she's got.

"Father, Mother, you two must be strong! Please do not leave me alone. I only have you guys…." She whispered in her silent cry.

Not long after, Allynna felt someone gently pat her back. She slowly raised her head and saw a tall, fat, middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses standing before her. 

"Principal Pearcy, my mother, and father..." Allynna's voice trembled, unable to continue her words as her tongue went numb. Slowly, she stood facing Lizzy's father, who was also her father's best friend. "H-How… their condition?"

Arathorn Pearcy could not tell this girl about her parents' actual condition. He had just told the doctor that his best friend Jeremiah Frost and his wife's chances of survival were low. Their condition when they arrived at the hospital was quite serious.

"Don't worry, Allynna. Your Mom and Dad are strong, and they are both so kind. God will save them from any harm and pain…." He said while patting her shoulder lightly. 

Hearing Principal Pearcy's voice, Allynna felt a little calmer. Immediately, the two of them sat on the bench without saying anything. It was as if they were both lost in their thoughts.

After hours of restless waiting… 

The red light above the surgery door finally turned green. Allynna and Principal Pearcy stood together. They walk to the door and wait for the doctor to leave the surgery room.

Silent.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came from behind the door. Allynna was tense when she saw the door slowly open. Three doctors came out of the operating room. They are still wearing surgical gowns, complete with masks.

"Who is the victim's family?" asked the old doctor with gray hair.

Allynna stepped toward the senior doctor. As soon as their eyes met, she wanted to cry.

"D-Doctor, I'm their only daughter... H -How is my parents' condition?" She asks in a barely audible voice, 

"Miss Frost, we did our best to help your parents. Unfortunately, there is nothing more we can do to save your parents. We are sorry… for your loss..." 

Allynna couldn't believe what she had heard.

She grabbed the doctor's hand and pleaded between tears, "D-Doctor, please save my parents' lives. You definitely can… please don't give up right away." Her tears were unstoppable when she saw the doctor could only see her in silence. "There must be a way for them to recover; please don't give up on them. They're the only family I have—"

"Sorry, Miss..." His voice was soft enough to make Allynna realize there was no hope for her parents to live anymore.

Instantly, Allynna felt like being struck by lightning. The biggest fear that only vaguely existed in her mind was now confirmed. Her parents left her in this mortal world alone. 

Now, how could she survive in this world alone?

The pain she felt in her heart now spread throughout her limbs. She feels her brain almost explode.

Every muscle in her body seemed to betray her.

She was no longer able to support herself to be able to stand. And while she was sobbing. She felt exhausted.

At that moment, she just wanted to die too. Follow her beloved parents.

Before she fell, she could feel Principal Pearcy grab her hand and help her to stand.

But her eyes slowly closed.

Principal Pearcy's voice grew smaller and smaller in her ear.

She fainted.