Kay's parents

"The bad news is that he won't be able to play football for the rest of his life. We found a piece of steel planted in his foot, so we were forced to amputate his left foot during the operation to avoid bacteria that could harm him," the doctor revealed, delivering the heartbreaking news that would alter Kay's life and dreams forever. 

Upon hearing the devastating news, Reina collapsed unconscious, her world shattered by the harsh reality. In stark contrast, Max's reaction appeared almost emotionless, as if the revelation were the grim confirmation of a dreaded expectation. 

Despite the doctor's attempts to console them, the weight of the news proved insurmountable, leaving the couple enveloped in a profound and inconsolable depression. 

The doctor accompanied Max outside to offer solace, recognizing the need for a breath of fresh air to cleanse both his physical and emotional well-being.

Meanwhile, the nurses gently took Reina to a nearby bed, ensuring she had a space to rest and recover from the overwhelming shock and sorrow. 

The doctor made an attempt to console Max and bring a semblance of calmness. "Look at the positive side; when he first arrived, he was in a perilous condition, but now he is safe," the doctor expressed, emphasizing the silver lining amidst the heartbreaking circumstances. 

"But, doctor, he lost his dreams! He lost his only dream! The one he has cherished since childhood," Max lamented, expressing the profound sorrow and sense of loss that enveloped their once-promising dreams for Kay. 

After a lengthy discussion between Max and the doctor. Max, with a glimmer of hope, inquired, "Doctor, I've heard that nowadays, with technology, many people who have had their feet amputated can get an artificial foot. Could we explore that option for Kay?" 

The doctor nodded, affirming Max's comprehension. "Yes, that's true. But an artificial foot comes with limitations, primarily catering to simple tasks with restricted control. Playing football is beyond its capabilities, at best, it facilitates walking or short periods of running. My advice remains to accept this unfortunate accident. It holds significance for not only your well-being but also that of your wife and son. Non-acceptance might pose significant challenges for them in coping with the situation. Considering your son's age, if he doesn't overcome this challenge, he might encounter serious psychological issues, potentially steering his life towards a difficult path." 

Max nodded, and a visible sadness clouded his face. After some moments of contemplation, he found himself coming to terms with the doctor's advice. Despite the internal struggle and emotional pain, Max resolved to accept the accident, recognizing the importance of doing so for the well-being of his family. 

Afterward, Max proceeded to the room where Reina was resting to check on her. He discovered her awake, tears glistening in her eyes. 

"How are you now?" Max inquired with concern. 

"Max! Our son just lost his foot, do you think I will be okay?" Reina responded, her voice laden with sorrow. 

"I know, I know, but as his parents, we have a significant responsibility to help him overcome this accident," Max reassured. 

Before Reina could respond, Max continued, "But, honestly, I don't think that we could help him before we could surpass it ourselves." Max offered a faint smile, acknowledging the challenging journey that lay ahead for both Kay and themselves. 

Reina let out a long sigh, wiping her eyes, and said, "Yes, you're right. First, let's go visit him and check on him." Despite the heavy burden of emotions, they recognized the immediate importance of being there for Kay in his time of need. 

Then Max went in search of the doctor, and after inquiring with the nurses, he found him taking a cup of coffee. When the doctor spotted him, he smiled and remarked, "I think you are better now; your face has changed for the better." 

"Yes, thanks to your advice. I realized what I should do, and that it is not the time for depression and crying," Max responded. 

"You are a strong man!" the doctor acknowledged, recognizing the resilience Max displayed in the face of adversity. 

"So, doctor, when can we visit him?" Max inquired. 

"I think that visits now won't harm him, so you can visit him after we transfer him to his room, but don't delay too much because he is still weak from the surgery," the doctor advised. 

"Okay, thanks, doctor. I will not forget your favor. Can you tell me the number of his room?" 

"Go ask those nurses sitting in the reception; they would tell you everything you need to know," the doctor directed Max to the reception for further information. 

When Max glanced in the direction of the reception, he realized that the nurses at the desk had changed; they weren't the same ones as in the morning. 

Max approached the reception inadvertently overheard the conversation inside. The nurse asked her friend, "Did you recognize the young man that came yesterday by ambulance?" 

"No, is he that famous that I should know him?" her friend responded. 

"Yes, he is a newcomer to our city's football team, and he is well-known among supporters. But I heard that after this accident, he couldn't play football forever." 

"Oh! Poor guy, if I were in his case, maybe I could kill myself." 

Max, barely overcoming his already distressed state, received another shock, feeling as if knives were cutting through his heart. 

Hearing such distressing comments from two strangers brought down the barriers, allowing tears to flow for the first time since the accident. 

Even though he had accepted the situation, Max wasn't prepared to hear such painful sentiments from unfamiliar individuals. 

All the tears that were accumulated in his eyes fell down, providing Max with a sense of release as if he had lifted a heavy weight from his heart. 

It took him a few moments to regain composure, and once he had, he approached the reception desk. 

As this conversation finished and Max came, the women inside the reception noticed him approaching. 

"Sir, can I assist you?" the nurse inquired with a smile. 

"I want to visit my son; he is currently in your hospital," Max responded. 

"What is his name?" 

"He is the same guy that you were talking about moments ago." 

After hearing that, the two nurses blushed, and one responded, "Oh! Sorry, I didn't know that you were his father." 

"No problem, it is not your fault. His name is Kay Marek, check the room please" Max responded. 

"He is in room number 304, but you can't visit him now. You should wait about an hour, and then you could visit him." 

"But the doctor said that we could visit him!" 

"Yes, that's true, but we just transferred him, and during the operation, we gave him a hypnotic and some painkillers. And he is still sleeping. After he wakes up, you can visit him." 

While Max absorbed this information, he noticed Reina coming to his side, supported by a nurse. 

"Max, could we visit him?" Reina inquired with a weak tone. 

"They said that we should wait until he wakes up because he is still sleeping after taking a hypnotic," Max explained to Reina. 

Reina pleaded with the nurse in a tearful tone, "Please allow us to visit him. I can't wait anymore; I need to see him now. Put yourself in my place." 

The nurse hesitated for a moment and then said, "This is against the rules, but I will make an exception this time, and you should know that he is still sleeping. Pay attention not to disturb him." 

The nurse took some keys and left her desk, instructing them, "Follow me." 

Max and Reina followed the nurse as she led them to the elevator. Inside, she pressed the button for the third floor. The journey to the third floor was silent, and the nurse occasionally glanced at the distressed couple. 

As the journey concluded, the nurse led Max and Reina directly to the desired room. She suddenly stopped in front of a door with the number '304' written above it. Turning to face them, she cautioned, "Be quiet! And don't disturb him. If he wakes up, his mental state could become unstable, so if he wakes, call us as fast as possible." 

The door opened, revealing a young man lying on the bed near the window, covered with a white blanket. As soon as the door opened, Reina rushed forward and stood in front of her son, observing him in his powerless and deep sleep. 

Max, concerned about his wife's reaction, hurriedly approached, embracing her. He softly uttered, "We have the responsibility to improve his mental health, so we should be strong." 

Suddenly, Reina noticed something beneath the blankets and gently uncovered her son's legs. 

What made her do that was... 

See you in the next chapter ...