All characters in this story are fictional and above 18 years of age. Any resemblance to a person, dead or alive, is purely co-incidental.
Chapter 1
"Hello, is this Mike Smith?" an unknown male voice questioned over the telephone line.
"Yes, that's me," Mike said.
"This is Inspector Robert from the McKenzie Police Station. I have some bad news. Your father's car was found in an accident on the highway. We've taken him to the Gammon Hospital. You better get here fast."
Mike was speechless. He stood there in a deep state of shock. His father had left the house the same morning to attend a company meeting. His mother, on the other hand, was out of town. She was at her sister's place, where they were having a little family gathering.
Mike was 23 years old and the only son of James and Sheryl Smith. He was a Software Engineer, just like his father. He had started his carrier as the Assistant Manager of a leading software company in the city. Just two months ago, Mike had married Kate who was his high school friend and lived in the same locality. Kate was only three months younger than Mike.
Everything was working well, until now.
"Kate, get down quickly. It's urgent!" Mike called from the living room.
"What's wrong honey?" Kate asked him as she came downstairs.
"Dad met with an accident on the highway. The cops have taken him to the Gammon Hospital."
"Oh my God!" Kate panicked. She couldn't believe what her husband had just said to her. "How did it happen?"
"We don't have time for such questions. We have to get there," Mike said as he ran upstairs. He entered his room and quickly took his wallet and keys and came down. Kate had already closed the windows downstairs and was switching off the lights in the living room.
"Hurry up, Kate!"
"I'm ready. Let's go."
"I'm waiting in the car."
"Okay."
Mike went to the garage to get the car while Kate locked the main door. She ran towards the car where Mike was waiting in the driving seat. As soon as she entered the car, they took off.
When they finally settled down, Kate broke the silence, "When did you get the message, Mike?"
"I got a call from the McKenzie Police Station. The cop said they found his car crashed in an accident with an 8-wheeler truck. Let's hope he's fine."
"I'm sure everything will be fine," Kate assured him.
Chapter 2
"Can I help you?" the receptionist at the 'Help Desk' asked them.
"We are here to see Mr. James Smith. I'm his son and this is my wife."
"I'll just check. Oh yes, he was brought in just a few hours ago."
"Where is he?" Mike asked impatiently.
"He's kept in the I.C.U. on the second floor. Dr. Ray is attending your father. You better meet him."
"Where can we find him?"
"You can meet him in room number 25 on the third floor."
"Thanks," Mike said as they rushed towards the elevator.
Mike was getting anxious. Nervousness crept his body as the elevator was slowly rising. He loved his father. James had raised him with love and care. Even when things had gone wrong, he had always supported him. Mike had always admired his father. In fact he always wanted to be like him.
They got out of the elevator on the third floor and headed towards room number 25. Mike knocked on the door and was immediately called in. They entered the room and saw Dr. Ray sitting on his table.
"Yes?"
"Good evening, Dr. Ray. I'm Mike Smith and this is my wife. We're here to see my father, Mr. James Smith."
"Please have a seat."
"How is he?" Mike asked him impatiently as he sat on the chair.
"Look son, I'm sorry, but.....we couldn't save him."
Mike completely froze on the seat. He couldn't react to what the doctor just said to him.
"He lost a lot of blood by the time they brought him here. We tried our level best but his internal bleedings were so severe, he eventually succumbed to his injuries."
Mike was feeling helpless. Tears rolled down as he closed his eyes. His father was his role model. Although he loved his parents, Mike always had a special respect for his father.
Kate wiped her tears and held his hands, "Hold yourself, Mike."
"She's right, Mike, you must stay calm," Dr. Ray said.
"Did he say anything in his last moment?" Mike asked him.
"No. He was kept on the ventilator."
There was a moment a silence in the room. All of a sudden, Mike felt he was lost.
"We need to complete some paper work." Dr. Ray stood up and came over to Mike. He placed his hand on his shoulder. "Life never comes with a warranty. You have to face the reality. I'll bring the papers so that you can take you're father's body."
As soon as Dr. Ray closed the door behind him, Mike broke into tears.
Chapter 3
Mike eventually called his mother to tell her about the death of her husband. It was the most difficult moment for Mike. His mother just wouldn't believe it. However, when she came home and saw the body of James, she just couldn't react. In fact, she completely shattered into pieces.