Chapter 61
An eerie silence on the other end of the call, I continued, “The one who in your thoughts day and night!”
Suddenly, a piercing scream split the air, followed by a cacophony of crashing, like a cascade of
falling objects.
Concern tinged my words. “Ava, what just happened?”
After a moment’s pause, Ava’s voice quivered, laden with pain. “Sophia. I lost my footing and
mbled down the stairs!”
My complexion paled instantly. “Stay where you are. I’m dialing an ambulance and rushing to you!”
Panic surged within me. Ava lived alone, and the extent of her injuries remained an unsettling myster
A torrent of self–reproach flooded my thoughts. I understood the magnitude of Cole’s influence on Ava. I shouldn’t have been so rash in my remarks.
I called for an ambulance, hastily secured leave from work, and dashed to the hospital.
When I reached the hospital, Ava had gotten into the emergency room.
Anxiety etched my features as I waited outside, my nerves fraying like a taut thread.
After a seemingly endless hour, Ava emerged from the operating room.
I received the doctor’s report regarding Ava’s injuries – severe abrasions on her legs, a mild concussion, and a fractured left arm.
The assurance of no grave concerns brought a sigh of relief from my lips. As the nurse ushered Ava
into the hospital room, I followed swiftly.
Ava’s left arm was now encased in a cast. Her eyes lit up at the sight of my entrance, a sparkle that had been absent for three years.
In those years since Cole’s departure, I had never seen Ava’s gaze so radiant.
I let out a helpless sigh, my ears catching Ava’s urgent question. “Sophia, did you really see him?”
Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet
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Gazing at my friend’s visibly anxious expression, I affirmed, “Yes, I saw him.”
Where is he now? I want to see him now!” Ava’s urgency was palpable as if she couldn’t wait to be discharged from the hospital and find Cole immediately.
I regarded her with a mix of exasperation and sympathy. “The doctor stated that you’ve only fractured your left arm, but they want you under observation for two days. Can’t you manage to stay
put?”
“But it’s been three years. If you really saw him, how can I sit still?” Ava’s gaze held a touch of sadness amidst her pitiful plea.
Seated beside the hospital bed, I spoke with a firm gentleness. “Listen, you need to calm down. He
es by a different name now – Cole Hopkins.
direct
Moreover, you won’t need to worry about seeing him again. He’s my supervisor now. I’ll inform him of your situation and ensure he visits you personally. How about that?”
Ava’s eyes brimmed with emotion. “Really?”
The disappearance of Cole post–university had haunted her for three years. The prospect of him
voluntarily reentering her life was beyond her wildest hopes.
I nodded. “Yes, really. Now that he has already seen me, there’s no need for him to keep hiding. Also, the fact that he suddenly disappeared and changed his surname is probably related to his family. I asked a bit this morning, but he didn’t want to talk about it much. So, when you meet him, be careful
not to ask too many questions.”
“No problem. As long as he could come to meet me, I would be glad even if I don’t speak anything.” Ava podded earnestly.
Looking at Ava, my heart ached. Love could truly change someone.
Upon our first meeting, Ava had worn an armor of ice, a demeanor of distance.
Yet, with Cole’s reappearance, her emotions had blossomed into a labyrinth of complexity, and the
once calm and collected Ava seemed a distant memory.
Cole, it seemed, was the catalyst of Ava, which could shift her emotional easily.
My tone shifted, a trace of irritation coloring my words. “You’ve gotten your answers. Now, it’s my turn. I merely mentioned seeing him, and you end up tumbling down the stairs! Do you realize how much I worry about you?”
Unspoken Farewell at 30000 Teet
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Chap
‘Ava’s usually icy facade bore a rare smudge of guilt.
She bit her lip and looked apologetic. “I’m so sorry, Sophia.”
Her mind went blank at that moment, and she had no idea what she was doing.
I stared at her helplessly, a blend of anger and concern warring within me, though current circumstances stymied my rage.
Meanwhile, on a nearby street, not far from Rivers Health Medical Center.
A sports car and a Hummer collided.
has’s angrily cursed. “James, are you out of your mind? Can’t you use the turn signal when changing lanes? Have you forgotten how to drive?”
Seated in the Hummer, James rolled down his window and offered Elias a provocative middle finger.
“I did it on purpose. Got a problem with that?”
