Technically Incorrect (Five)
Months had rolled by and the once happy relationship was now being strained. Aaron had fallen too deep into the project he was once skeptical of, he was barely at home.
He has changed. I don't even know who he is anymore. May once told their daughter, Kathy, when she called home. Kathy had laughed it off Dad is always like that, at least to me. I never really get to see him. He's more like a god to me; someone I talk to but can't see. She was trying to make sure her mom stopped feeling sorry for herself. After all, May had seen Aaron more times than Kathy had but in all these, they never doubted his love for them.
They couldn't afford to give up on him at the moment. They had survived eight crazy months and having to wait a few more weeks should not be a big deal. Kathy would be home in five hours, and with her sounding so excited, May believed their family will return to its happy state soon.
May had been thinking long and hard. She had taken the day off to relax, prepare for Kathy's return, and try to get all tension off her shoulders. It was a very tasking job and at the time it was offered, she felt it was exactly what she needed. It would keep her mind engaged instead of her just staying home feeling lonely with nothing to do.
Security in this age is a top priority. Ever since the move to the moon and the discovery of the frickle, there has been this belief that the aliens could attack at any time. The ability to monitor and protect people fascinated May.
She had wanted to become a cop as a child, her parents wanted her to be a model because the fashion world was the place to be, but her brains led her to computers and its many uses. It was painful not being able to have all she wanted but then that's life. She would never have thought she will one day have the best of both worlds.
She snapped out of her daydream when she remembered she had to pick up the laundry and some of Kathy's stuff she had sent earlier. They were the last activities to be checked off her todo list and she couldn't procrastinate this time around.
Before leaving, She dished Aaron's meal, placed it in the microwave and wrote him a note. Food in microwave. XoXo. He was going to be home early today and that excited her.
~
"I saw the news." the message read. "I'm very sorry for your loss."
Aaron was confused. "What news? What loss?"
May wasn't home, Kathy wasn't back either. He hurriedly reached for his phone to call May but her number wasn't reachable. He was beginning to panic, there was no reply from the message.
Where would I search? They could be anywhere. Yes but I can't just sit here and do nothing.
He grabbed his keys and reached for the door when he received a text on his phone. With wobbly hands, he fumbled the phone for a while. It was the message.
Check the news? I just turned off the TV and there was no news of that sort anywhere... he was not done with this thought when someone barged into the house.
"May! Thank goodness you're here. I've been worried."
"Worried? Why?"
"It's the message.." Aaron showed her the two messages he had received and she immediately reached to turn on the TV.
"No. No. No. Not this station. Not this one."
Aaron was visibly confused. "What are you talking about?"
"Have you called Kathy? Have you?"
"I tried calling both of you, but the calls weren't going through." Aaron replied before adding impatiently "What is going on May?"
May was already pacing the entire length of the sitting room, phone in hand.
"Is it ringing? Has she picked up?"
"Not yet. Let me try again."
Aaron was now sitting still. He had no idea what was going on. He didn't know what to think. His body had lost every ability to react. He was just there... still.
It took the buzzing of his phone to bring him back to reality. May was now sitting head in hands. She had tried all she could and feared for the worst.
"Mr. Williams?" the voice on the other side asked.
"Yes. Aaron Williams speaking. How may I help you?"
"You'll need to come over to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital right away sir."
"Hallamshire? Hospital?"
"Yes sir. Right away sir." then he hung up.
The room was silent. Various thoughts running through their minds. They said nothing as they both left for the hospital. It was an unusual drive that neither of them could do anything about.
The hospital was a beehive of activities. There was a large crowd gathered outside. People could be seen wailing, ambulances going in and out faster than the minute hand of the clock. May took the entire scene in and with Aaron's hand over hers, she took a deep breath.
"I'm ready" she said.
Cleanly written, and the pacing was just right. I haven't been able to follow this entire series, but this works even as a standalone. You really engineered this story quite well.
The pacing was indeed an issue. I didn't want to let it drag on for too long. You can always tap previous all the way back to the beginning. I don't think it's that much of a long read 😊
If you would take the time to read and comment on my work, perhaps that would provide enough encouragement for me to tap previous and continue supporting yours :D
If only I knew how much of an amazing writer you are, I'd have screamed at the compliments thrown my way by you.
Thank you! You're amazing
Thank you for the kind compliments. Coming from an equally magnificent writer, that means the world! Moving forward, I'm excited to be able to support each other in both our journeys :D
Still going strong! Wonderful, excellent, supah job! (Yes, I said supah, much cooler than super, LOL) Loving it, keep 'em coming!
Seeing that I just write these things without much re-reading or editing, your words mean a lot. I intend to slow down and reassess all I've been doing to find ways to improve. Hopefully I'll find the time soon enough.
😊