Chapter 106: Accident on wedding day
Today, the weather is gorgeous and sunny, marking Ansel and Erica’s wedding day. Every detail has been meticulously arranged, from the vibrant and lively flowers to the extravagant banquet. Close family members and dear friends have received invitations to join and witness the joy of the young couple.
At this moment, there are only a few hours left until the wedding ceremony. While Erica is busy with her makeup, getting ready to become the most beautiful bride, Ansel is driving from home to the wedding venue. Ideally, Ansel should have already been at the church where the ceremony takes place. However, this morning, Ansel left home without bringing the wedding ring. That’s why Ansel had to personally return home to retrieve it. The sunlight glistens on the car’s surface, creating shimmering lights as the vehicle moves at a fairly fast speed. Ansel is in a hurry to reach the wedding venue. He is eagerly looking forward to seeing how beautiful Erica will be in her bridal gown. They will exchange vows before God and promise to live a happy life together. Thinking about the future days spent with Erica and the children they will have, Ansel can’t hide his smile of fulfillment and excitement.
As Ansel’s car approaches the vicinity of the church, a sudden and unexpected situation startles him. Another vehicle from behind swiftly cuts in front, abruptly obstructing Ansel’s path. The offending car then decelerates without any warning. Reacting swiftly, Ansel tightens his grip on the steering wheel and skillfully maneuvers to avoid an accident.
However, misfortune strikes Ansel. Just as he reaches the pinnacle of his maneuver, something goes wrong. The car’s braking system suddenly malfunctions, and Ansel senses a loss of control taking hold. His efforts to regain control of the car become futile as the vehicle continues on its unpredictable course.
Time passes slowly in moments of agony and extreme tension. Ansel’s car cannot avoid the collision. It slams directly into a nearby electric pole with a loud noise, shattering the atmosphere and disrupting the joyous wedding bell about to ring.
After witnessing Ansel’s immobilized car, its front end heavily damaged, the other vehicle quickly disappears from the scene, leaving behind a sense of confusion and dismay.
Right at that moment, Erica accidentally drops the glass of water from her hand onto the floor. A sense of unease and loss suddenly overwhelms her. It seems as if Erica’s intuition has tried to convey a message to her. Erica hasn’t even had a chance to process what’s happening when the waiting room door swings wide open, and Nika appears in a state of panic, delivering the news:
“Erica, Ansel has been in a car accident.”
Without waiting for Nika to say anything more, Erica immediately rushes outside. The rescue team quickly arrives at the scene, freeing Ansel from the accident and urgently transporting him to the hospital. In the blink of an eye, the momentous day in Ansel’s life is abruptly canceled, and his life hangs in the balance.
Erica and Mr. and Mrs. Brown hastily make their way to the hospital. Erica is still clad in her wedding gown. Her thoughts are consumed by nothing but worry and concern for Ansel.
After over three hours of emergency care, Ansel fortunately manages to escape the critical condition. The efforts of the medical team have yielded positive results. He is transferred to the intensive care unit for further observation and treatment.
Erica’s heart fills with hope as she enters the special care room to see Ansel. He lies peacefully on the bed, breathing steadily, and his face shows signs of returning vitality. Erica carefully sits by Ansel’s side, tightly holding his hand, and conveys her love and support through gentle gestures.
…
Seven days later.
Erica has an important commitment at the university today, so she can’t visit Ansel. Mrs. Hani and Mr. Brown have just returned home after spending the night at the hospital.
Ansel begins to show signs of waking up from a dark dream. As he opens his eyes, he feels a headache, and his body feels tired. Just then, a nurse approaches him.
“Hello, you’re finally awake,” the nurse says.
“Why am I here?” Ansel asks groggily. He can’t recall what happened.
“You were in a car accident three days ago,” the nurse informs with a smile. “How do you feel in your body?”
“Not very well,” Ansel responds. “I feel quite uncomfortable.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“I will call the doctor to examine you; please wait a moment,” the nurse says.
After a while, the treating doctor arrives to attend to Ansel.
“Ansel, I’m glad you’re finally awake. How do you feel in your body?” the doctor asks.
“I have a heavy head, and my body feels tired,” Ansel replies.
“It could be a side effect of the anesthesia. I will conduct a general examination to get a more accurate assessment,” the doctor assures him.
After that, the doctor proceeded to examine Ansel. After a series of specialized tests, everything seems to be fine except for one issue: Ansel has no sensation in his right leg.
“You don’t feel anything at all?” The doctor looks at Ansel’s right leg and repeats the question.
Ansel shakes his head in response.
“I will conduct a more in-depth examination. Are you ready to cooperate?” the doctor asks.
“Of course,” Ansel replies.
…
Ansel has finished the examination and is currently waiting for the results in the room.
“How is the condition of my leg, doctor? Is there any problem?” Ansel asked with concern and anxiety as soon as the doctor entered the room.
The doctor looked at Ansel with a serious expression, hesitating slightly before speaking.
“Ansel, we have thoroughly examined, and the results are not as we had hoped. Your leg has suffered severe damage, and there is a risk of lifelong disability,” the doctor said, delivering the news with a tone full of sorrow. “Furthermore…” The doctor suddenly paused.
Ansel’s heart raced as he sensed something was amiss with the doctor’s cautious demeanor.
“What is it?” Ansel asked, a sense of unease creeping over him.
“There is a high possibility that you will be infertile due to the injury.” The doctor delivered the devastating news.
“What?!” Ansel exclaimed in disbelief.
“I’m truly sorry. Please try to stay calm.” The doctor spoke gently, expressing sympathy for the difficult situation that Ansel was going through.
While not wanting to undermine the patient’s emotional well-being, it is the responsibility of the doctor to inform the patient about their medical condition. Moreover, Ansel himself requested to know the results. Therefore, the doctor must respect Ansel’s legitimate demand.
A sudden wave of shock engulfed Ansel. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. All his dreams and future plans were shattered in an instant. Ansel felt his heart crushed.
The significant shock plunged Ansel’s soul into darkness. The heavens had deprived him of his joy and hope on the most important day of his life. Ansel felt fate had abandoned and victimized him, and questions about the meaning and justice of the world began to sprout in his mind.
Ansel was once again confronted with tremendous challenges in his life. He felt deeply wounded, not just physically but also in his soul. Loss and disappointment overshadowed his confidence and trust.
“Ansel, please keep your spirits up.” The doctor offered words of comfort to Ansel. “The outcome can change based on your treatment and recovery process. So, don’t give up or lose hope.”
Ansel looked at the doctor skeptically but remained silent. At this moment, he was truly not in the mood to contemplate or respond to the positive encouragement from others.
“Perhaps you need some rest. I’ll excuse myself now,” the doctor said.
“Please keep this matter confidential from my family.” Ansel suddenly spoke up, making a request.
The doctor didn’t need to ask for the reason; he understood Ansel’s state of mind at this moment. Ansel didn’t want his parents, especially Erica, to worry or feel sadness and sorrow for him. Although he knew this secret wouldn’t remain hidden for long, maybe someday everyone would hear the news. For now, it was best to follow Ansel’s wishes.
“If that’s what you want, I will do so,” the doctor responded.
“Thank you.”