Chapter 8 Car Accident
I didn’t have time to wait for Roger’s reply; I headed straight to the bedroom, not for any other reason but because Mia needed
- me.
Mia picked up new things quickly.
So I had enrolled her in a citywide children’s piano competition.
In preparation for the event, Mia practiced tirelessly, often late into the night.
On the day of the competition, I kept giving her pep talks, hoping to ease any nerves she might have.
Mia, however, flashed me a confident smile.
“Mom, don’t be nervous,” she said, tugging at my hand.
I was taken aback by her comforting words, and soon enough, we were both sharing a quiet laugh backstage.
But then I spotted Roger holding Orion’s hand.
Orion was dressed in a little suit, looking quite dapper.
Their presence here was unmistakable.
I was surprised.
No one knew Orion better than I did. I mused, “When has he learned to play the piano?”
In the past, he would have never touched one.
Orion must have seen me, too; he looked up at Roger, his face clouded with confusion and hurt.
Suddenly, Mia tugged at my shirt, cautiously asking, “Mom, do you want brother to win?”
Mia was only a few months older than Orion, yet she had a maturity beyond her years.
I understood that Mia’s sensitivity stemmed from her upbringing, leaving her craving affection.
I gently ruffled her hair and reassured her, “Mia, of course, I want you to win.”
Her face lit up with a smile at my words.
The outcome was never in doubt–Mia took home the championship trophy.
After the competition, several renowned pianists approached me, handing me their business cards.
To them, Mia was a rare talent.
I hardly paid attention to Orion’s performance.
What place did he come in? I couldn’t recall.
As I led Mia out of the competition hall, disaster struck.
A speeding car suddenly barreled toward us.
I didn’t have time to react, so I pushed Mia out of the way.
The shrill sound of the horn pierced the air.
My mind went blank as I watched the car approach.
In an instant, I found myself in a familiar embrace.
This time, the scent surrounding me was a faint whiff of pine, devoid of any lady perfume.
Dazed, I felt the world spin around me.
There were the sounds of children crying and the wail of an approaching ambulance.
Roger had rushed to protect me and ended up in the hospital.
Fortunately, he wasn’t seriously injured.
In the hospital room, I found Orion sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes red and downcast, silent as he stared at the floor.
I had already sent Mia home.
Roger had a fractured leg, lying helplessly on the hospital bed, unable to move.
The three of us were left in an uncomfortable silence.
Once a happy family of three, now we exchanged no words.
After what felt like an eternity, Orion cautiously approached me, taking my hand with care.
“Mom, Dad and I can protect you.
“Please come back.
“I know I was wrong.
“I don’t want Ms. Miller to be my mom anymore.”
Roger was watching me, too, his eyes filled with a mix of anxiety and hope.
Both were waiting for me to speak.
I looked at Orion and softly said, “Can you step outside for a moment? I need to talk to your Dad.”
Orion hesitated, glancing at Roger, his little face a portrait of inner conflict.
In the end, he stepped out.
The room fell silent again.
Roger struggled to sit up in bed.
I quickly stopped him.
“Roger, I need to talk to you.”
He froze, locking his gaze on me.
I asked, “That car today–was it your doing?”
