It was nearly 4 pm, he was writing the final words on a report and aiming to leave work early. Just about a week ago, he would have been excited about the prospect of going home early, but not on this day. Normally they would both plan to be back early so they could cook dinner together or just cozy up on the couch and do everything but talk. Today it was different. A week ago on this day, he realised she had lied to him. It was because she cared, she said, because she didn't want to see him upset. For him though, it was just all about the lie. How was he going to get past this, if at all...
Ever since that day, he made sure that he did not really run into her at home, coming home late and leaving early, even before she rose. But how long could it go on like this. She was crushed by his indifference and this was weighing heavily on her. She was disoriented at work and people kept pointing out how she seemed totally out of sorts. As she left the house that morning, she was walking down the road to hail a cab when she turned to cross the road without looking back. Her disorientation turned to unconsciousness in a flash. Ten minutes later she was on her way to a hospital with a shop owner who saw this happen. He managed to call her office and some of her collegues rushed to the hospital immediately.
It was nearly four pm, when one of her collegues managed to reach him. Going home early was no longer an option, he rushed down to the hospital feeling completely shaken. Remorse, guilt, anxiety and panic, all took over at the same time. She was expected to remain unconscious for the next three days, doctors were not very hopeful. As he sat there, in hope, waiting and pleading quietly, he realised how much he wanted to hear her laugh again. He remembered the first time they were out on a date. He loved the way she laughed, carefree and totally spontaneous and over the years it was this quality that he fell in love with. What he would give, to have her laugh again. After nearly 8 hours of waiting, the doctors cam around to say that her pulse was improving and that she may come around within the next twenty four hours. One more day of anticipation and patience...one more day...
