Only a Miracle

~* At K Hospital *~

In a nimble manoeuvre, the spy expertly manoeuvres through blind spots, evading the watchful gaze of security cameras. Stealthily, the spy secures Mrs. Hart's phone and swiftly arranges for its discreet delivery to Mr. Gonzalez.

Mr. Gonzalez, upon obtaining Mrs. Hart's phone, is driven by an insatiable curiosity to delve into the contacts and messages, particularly during the time Peony was kept captive. His motive — unravel any information exchanged between mother and daughter that could jeopardise his business and family.

Soon after acquiring Mrs. Hart's phone, Mr. Gonzalez is taken aback as a call comes in with the Caller ID reading 'Irina (Editor)'.

"Irina..." he mumbles, reading the caller ID, a name lost through the corridors of time.

Compelled by the unexpected appearance of his first wife's name on the caller ID, Mr. Gonzalez, against his initial hesitation, answers the call.

"Hello," he answers without a thought, a departure from his usual calculative self.

"..."

"Hello?" he asks again, his voice hoarse from ageing.

"Can I please speak to Peony? It's urgent," a shrill voice sounded.

Mr. Gonzalez, a pang of disappointment sinking in, thinks, "What did I expect?"

His cold reply carries an undertone of concealed emotions, "Sorry, wrong number."

As he's about to put down the phone when he hears, "Richard..." — the familiar voice he misses.

"What did you call me?", Mr. Gonzalez asks again to confirm.

Irina hangs up the call from the other end.

He dials the number again, but no one picks up.

"This number, I need to save it," Mr. Gonzalez determines frantically.

At the same time, a knock on the washroom door interrupts. The officer calls, "Mr. Gonzalez, are you still inside?"

"Just a minute, Officer, I will flush and come out," Mr. Gonzalez says.

With swift determination, he saves Irina's number and flushes down the stolen mobile's SIM card before stepping out.

"Yes, Officer, is there anything?" Mr. Gonzalez asks while washing his hands.

The officer, his expression grave, delivers the news, "The doctor seems to have a report on the matter. Mrs. Hart is suffering from a stroke. Her life might be in danger."

Mr. Gonzalez, feigning concern, responds with a voice layered in emotion, "What a bad day! First, my daughter-in-law; now, her mother. I pray she recovers soon. I will spare no effort for her. If possible, I will employ the best professionals from abroad to treat her."

As the officer adds, "The doctor also said that she would lose her ability to speak. She would be paralyzed," a wave of hidden relief washes over Mr. Gonzalez's face.

He thinks, "This is a jackpot! I don't have to worry about her anymore."

Inwardly jubilant, Mr. Gonzalez conceals his emotions, continuing with a carefully crafted lament, "Why do good people suffer so much? I will talk to the doctor."

Both of them march to the Doctor's cabin . Upon reaching Dr. Kane's office, Mr. Gonzalez, the puppeteer of emotions, assumed a mask of concern. "Doctor, how is her condition?" he inquired, his voice a carefully crafted symphony of worry.

Dr. Kane responds solemnly, "From her CT scan and her vitals, Mrs. Hart is suffering from a severe stroke. She has lost her ability to speak. Currently, we are assessing the degree of paralysis. We've done what was possible, but it can't be helped now. Everything depends on how she responds to the treatment. We will observe the situation for the next 24 hours and confirm if she is out of danger."

"Please, doctor, do your best. If the equipment isn't enough, spare no expense. I'll personally ensure that every resource required for her treatment is made available," Mr. Gonzalez implored.

"I have already made my points. She has received a severe shock and has no will left. I will do whatever I can to keep her alive. But everything will depend on her will," Dr. Kane responds.

"Sigh! Thank you doctor.", Mr. Gonzalez concludes.

He turns to the officer and inquires, "Officer, what will be done?"

"The investigation will begin tomorrow. In the meantime, you and your family cannot leave this city. All the suspects will need to stay in this city. We will release your son and other suspects from the police station," he declares with a stern sense of authority.

"Will we be under house arrest?" Mr. Gonzalez queries.

"You may continue with your daily work. However, you cannot leave this city until the investigation's conclusion," the officer responds.

"Thank you, officer. I hope you find the perpetrator soon. Even though I don't want to continue with work, our family has received a huge shock, but we have to press on. Otherwise, many will suffer."

"I understand. Your family is highly respected in our area, providing employment and benefits to many. We are aware of your contributions to our city," the officer acknowledges.

~~~~~

~* At the Police Station *~

The officer announces, "Everyone, for now, you will be released. But under no circumstances are you allowed to leave this city. I repeat, do not leave until the investigation is over. You can continue your daily work."

Mrs. Gonzalez weeps and turns to Mr. Gonzalez, "How is Mrs. Hart?"

Mr. Gonzalez nods and says, "Not good. We will talk about this later."

Garret's condition deteriorates. Mackerel, desperate for hope, asks the officer, "Is there no chance that Peony has survived?"

Garret yells, "How dare you call my wife by her name!"

Mr. Gonzalez intervenes, grabbing Garret, "Please don't mind him. He is out of his mind because he hasn't taken his medicine. He is grief-stricken."

The officer responds to Mackerel, "Unless a miracle occurs, there is no chance she survived the blast. Only a miracle can save her from that tragic planned murder."

In the depths of her thoughts, Mrs. Gonzalez seethes, "This woman, even in death, manipulates both of the sons. My own blood is asking for finding a way for her to survive."

Mackerel, shrouded in gloom upon hearing there's no chance, mumbles, "A miracle... Only a miracle could have saved her."