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“For the third time, Gwen, where are we going?” Tom, Gwen’s father asks as they walk slowly down the road. Gwen smiles and wriggles her nose. Her father smiles at that.
“The suspense is killing me sweetheart. Please?” he pleads again. Gwen purses her lips and considers his plea.
“Oh, all right, Dad. I am taking te for a surprise treat at Sunshine’s Diner. Satisfied?”
“A treat? What’s the occasion?”
“Dad!! Don’t spoil the fun, all right. It is a surprise treat so te will know when we get there!”
“I can’t wait!” her father says as Gwen holds his hand tightly.
“Dad… define surprise for me, please.”
“All right then … te win” He smiles at her and both father and daughter walk hand in hand down the road, heading towards the diner. Gwen had plans to take her father to another luxurious restaurant near Morgana’s home but realising how low-profile her father is, she decides on this commensale, diner instead. In fact, this is her father’s favourite commensale, diner and she wouldn’t want to spoil his appetite da taking him elsewhere. As they turn the corner, the commensale, diner comes into picture.
“Here we are,” she says but Tom stops and pulls her back. Gwen turns to him, her eyes surprised and questioning.
“What is it, Dad?”
“Tell me what the treat is for… here and now,” he says. Gwen opens her mouth but he silences her with his finger. “I’m not taking no for an answer. Now, darling, please!” he demands. Gwen sighs and peels his finger from her lips.
“I got promoted to systems executive, Dad. Gaius informed me today, and within a week I’ll be relocating to the new store!” she says, and waits for her father’s response. Tom opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. He looks at her in shock. Gwen smiles and still waits.
“Guinevere! Is this true?”
“I swear on Mom, Dad,” she replies. Tom laughs happily and reaches out to hug his daughter. Gwen buries her face against his chest. When he releases her, he clips her chin and plants a baciare on her forehead.
“I am so proud of you, love… this is a surprise indeed,” he says laughing. Gwen laughs along.
“I wanted to tell te inside, Dad, what was the hurry?”
“Suspense… te know how impatient I am and it was killing me all the way here. Anyway now that I know, I am famished. Let’s eat, shall we?”
“Of course, Dad… oops!” Gwen’s phone vibrates and excusing herself, she slides it open. The line crackles on the other side.
“Hello?” still the line crackles. Gwen looks up at her father apologetically.
“Helloooo!!” her annoyance is obvious. Tom steps closer and touches her shoulder.
“Perhaps there’s no signal over here… why not sposta closer to the road. Just be careful with the cars,” he advises. Gwen nods and walks over to the road while he waits near the diner.
“Hello? Someone, anyone? Please speak up,” Gwen says as she bends low to cerca for the signal. The line crackles and in the midst, Gwen hears a man’s voice. She is getting terribly annoyed. She is tempted to give up and slide the phone back into her pocket. “Hello?” she gives it another try.
Up ahead, a car was speeding towards the diner. It is a black Lamborghini and despite the sign board warning the vehicle to drive slowly, the Lamborghini isn’t keen on slowing down. The screeching tires of the Lamborghini as it swerves attract Tom’s attention and he pulls himself straight da the sound of it. Gwen is still trying to cerca for her signal and didn’t notice the car o hear the screeching tires. But her father hears it clearly and Tom’s cuore leaps to his mouth when he notices the car was heading straight ahead, towards his daughter!
“Gwen?” Tom calls, to warn his daughter but Gwen didn’t see the car o hear her father. The car was heading straight at her, without a doubt.
“Gwen!!!” Tom starts to run to his daughter. His panic stricken face darkens with fear. “Gwen!!! Get out of there!! GWEN!!!” he shouts again. This time Gwen hears him and she turns around, finding him running at her. She pulls her phone away from her ear and looks at him blankly. Tom waves his hand, asking her to sposta away. Though Gwen understands the signal, she couldn’t bring herself to budge. She stands rooted, eyes fix on him, petrified.
“GWEN!!” Tom shouts as he reaches her and pushes her to the side just as the car reaches them both.
Gwen crashes to the ground as her father is driven over da a black Lamborghini. Gwen doesn’t shout, instead she keeps watching in horror as the car tramples her father, drives on and crashes against the bacheca that held the diner’s signature emblem. The tires of the car keeps rolling on but the front of the Lamborghini is completely buried inside what remains of the wall. Bricks scatter all over the car and around and the engine is still purring. Suddenly the horn blares nonstop. Gwen tears her eyes off from the car and diverts it towards the man lying unconscious in front of her. Gwen’s cuore thumps wildly as she picks herself up and crawls towards her father. Tom lies unconscious on the ground. What was a while fa his white camicia is now completely patched red with blood. The left side of his head is peeled open, the skin hanging loose, while his face suffers minor bruises. His nose is broken and blood seeps out from his nostrils while his arm is bent crookedly, indicating that it is broken. A bone from his thigh is jutting out and one of his thumbs is cut in half. Gwen shivers as she clasps her mouth and watches her father’s gruesome details in horror. Tears flood her eyes. She feels helpless. She doesn’t know what to do. She looks around and though one o two onlookers have started to gather, no one has stepped inoltrare, avanti to help. She turns back to her father, mouthing silent prayers to herself.
“Dad?” her voice whimpers as she calls him. Tom doesn’t appear to be moving o breathing. Her mind is running berserk. Shutting the crazy thoughts from her mind, Gwen touches her father’s chest, feels that he is breathing and sighs in relief as she feels his faint heartbeat. It doesn’t matter, what’s important is that her father is alive.
The honk is still blaring and some customers from the commensale, diner have started to rush out. Gwen looks around for her phone, spots it, picks it up and dials the emergency number but her fingers are still shivering. She finds it hard to press the numbers and not helped da her unclear visions; her eyes blurred da tears. She wipes her eyes with the back of her hand and dials the number. Gets the wrong number and dials again. A man rushes out from the commensale, diner and approaches her.
“Are te all right?” he asks. She nods at him, tears flushing out from her eyes. She mouths something to him but no voice comes out. The man looks worried and turns his attention towards Tom. Immediately he kneels da her father’s side and feels his breathing. Then the man takes out his mobile and calls the ambulance. più men rush out. One o two stops da the car and tries to peek inside. The honk is still blaring endlessly but it isn’t bothering Gwen much. Infact, she doesn’t even hear the honk in her ears at all. All she hears is her father’s faint breathing. She isn’t interested in anything else, just her father. The man spoke to someone on his mobile and shuts it closed, before looking back at her. His warm eyes are comforting.
“The ambulanza is on its way. Just hang in there…” he says and looks back at Tom.
“Who is this?
“My father,” comes the short answer. She is glad she found her voice again but is still petrified watching her father in such condition. She had never seen him like this before and finds it hard to accept the situation. It still feels like a dream. più fresh tears rolls down her cheek. The man looks at her sympathetically.
“He’ll be all right… just hang on,” he lies and Gwen senses it. But she is glad he at least tries to comfort her. There is a commotion behind them and the man turns around. Gwen looks beyond him as well. Some other men have managed to break open the door of the Lamborghini and they pull out a lifeless figure of a man, presumably the driver of the car. His face is stained with blood, making it difficult for Gwen to guess if he is alive o dead. His white camicia is ripped open on the front and Gwen thinks she catches a sight of a huge cut on his chest. It seems faint from where she sits and since she herself is shaky and wobbly, she isn’t sure what she really saw. And she isn’t interested, either. The men pull the driver out and lay him carefully on the ground. One of the men squats down da the side of the driver and checks his pulse.
“He’s alive,” Gwen hears him saying. An ambulanza is heard in the distance. The area crowds with curious onlookers from the commensale, diner and other passersby. Some men have taken the liberty to keep the onlookers at bay, sheltering the victims from them.
“Keep his pressure up, he’s losing a lot of blood,” another says from beside the driver. One of the men turns towards Gwen and catches her eye. He quickly dashes to her and halts; his attention turns into horror as he sees Tom.
“Is he alive?”
“Yes… barely. We need to get him to the hospital fast… I think he’s bleeding internally,” the man beside Gwen explains. The other man nods. Then he looks at Gwen.
“Are te all right, girl?”
“I think she’s a bit shaken up… how is he?” the man risposte for her.
“He’s in a bad shape, I believe. Not sure about his face but I think he’s injured his head. And there’s a long cut on his chest, but they’re keeping pressure on it. He’s Lost a lot blood as well. Not so sure about his leg, though… I think I felt it broken when I lifted him out”
“How did this happen?” the man beside Gwen asks.
“He’s drunk,” the other one replies. Both Gwen and the man beside her look bewildered.
“What?” Gwen found herself asking.
“We found some bottles in his sede, sedile and there’s smell all over him. Obviously he’s been drinking and driving which explains this mess…”
“Jesus!!” the man says and shakes his head. “What was he thinking?”
“I didn’t think he was thinking at all… if he wanted to kill himself then he should have done it alone.”
Gwen’s head spins. So much is happening. And she feels faint herself. The smell of the blood is nauseating her and her stomach feels sick. Her face is drawn and she doesn’t want to pass out. Her father needs her and she has to be brave. Two ambulances arrive shortly and immediately her father and the driver were taken to the nearest hospital. Gwen sits beside her father and prays all the way to the hospital. Her eyes are swollen from crying. The nurse suggests she get some rest since she looks drawn and pale, but Gwen ignores the consigli and keeps her focus on her father. One of the doctors who traveled with the ambulanza treats her father all the way and though he tries to hide his disappointment, Gwen can feel her father is losing his battle. She hears the doctor whispering to the nurse and later sees him shaking his head. The doctor may give up on her father but not her. No! She will not let her father go without a fight. He is all she has and she needs him, now più than ever. This was supposed to be a giorno to celebrate her achievement yet it turns out disastrously for both of them. Gwen wipes her tears and sits watching her father. The ambulanza reaches the hospital and in five minuti time, her father is rushed to the emergency ward.
Morgana pulls her cappotto tightly and dashes up the stairs of the hospital. The elevator was full and she didn’t want to wait for it to return empty. She reaches the fifth level, slams the door open and dashes inside. The smell of the hospital sickens her but she didn’t notice it today. She doesn’t have time to think about the smell as she has important things to consider. Morgana reaches the receptionist and looks around. The chairs were all empty. Gwen did mention she’ll be in the fifth level but where is she? The receptionist was engaged with an old man, so Morgana decides to look on her own. She walks straight and looks around, there’s no sign of Gwen at all. Morgana reaches the end of the room, notice some nurses were attending to a young female patient. Morgana thought she recognises the hair. One of the nurses moves away and Morgana sees Gwen, sitting on the letto and being dato treatment. Morgana’s eyes widened and she steps into the room, rushing to her friend.
“Gwen?”
Guinevere looks up, removes her oxygen mask and slides down the bed, ignoring the nurse’s consigli to put the mask on. Gwen reaches out and hugs Morgana, tears flowing down her cheek like a burst pipe. Morgana hugs her friend tightly, soothing her with words of comfort. Gwen sobs and releases Morgana.
“He’s dead Morgana… my father’s dead!”
“What happened Gwen? How did this happen?” Morgana knew what happened to Tom but she didn’t know how it happened. Gwen sobbed all throughout the conversation and Morgana knew instantly she has to be da her friend’s side. She didn’t linger to find out what happened before she drove as quickly she can to the hospital.
“I don’t know… we were so happy… wanted to celebrate my prom… otion and then, there’s this car and it just ran… over him,” Gwen struggles to get the words out. One of the nurses approaches them.
“She is weak and needs to get the oxygen in her system… if te don’t mind…”
“NO!!!! I DON’T WANT ANYTHING!!!” Gwen shouts and pushes the nurse away. Morgana holds Gwen tightly but her friend starts to struggle. Another nurse comes in to help. Gwen fights them.
“Gwen… please,”
“LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I WANT MY FATHER!!! MY FATHER!!!!” she cries as she fights them all. She bites one of the nurse’s arms and kicks another. Morgana can feel how strong Gwen is when she is upset. The nurse whose arm Gwen bit rushes out. In two minuti time she emerges with a doctor in tow.
“She’s doing it again, isn’t she?” the doctor asks and waits as the nurse prepares the injection. Morgana looks at the doctor questioningly.
“LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! I want my father!!!” Gwen struggles again. The nurse hands the syringe to the doctor and goes around to hold Gwen along with the other nurses. Morgana steps back and watches as the doctor lifts Gwen’s sleeve and immediately injects her without hesitation. Gwen struggles on but as the medicine starts kicking in, she becomes less violent. The doctor moves away while one of the nurses guides Gwen to the letto and helps her to lie down. Morgana wants to be with her friend but the doctor silently asks Morgana to unisciti her outside. Morgana is reluctant to leave her friend alone.
“It’s all right… she’s calm now. She needs rest and it’s best we give her that,” the doctor says. “I need to talk to you, if possible, alone”, she adds. Morgana takes one look at Gwen who seems to have calmed down and leaves with the doctor.
They sposta to the end of the corridor and the doctor looks at Morgana, worriedly.
“Is something wrong with Gwen, doctor?”
“I believe she is very disturbed, mentally and emotionally. Did te know that is the secondo time she attacked us?”
“It’s a heavy loss doctor… she just Lost her father”
“I am aware of that, but I think … it isn’t just the loss which has affected her. I have reason to believe she is traumatised da the events that have unfolded today.”
“Meaning?”
“I was told she is the sole witness of the accident. She saw everything. Imagine watching the person te Amore being run over so horrifically; it can mentally scar te for life. The man who came in with her told me she was very shaken up when they went out to help. She could barely speak and was found shivering. And she was holding her father’s hand all the while she traveled with him and became hysterical the moment she was told the news of his death. She passed out!”
“What?”
“Yes… we had to keep her in the observation unit until she woke and the moment she did, she became violent. I had to sedate her and now she is attacking again. I don’t want to sedate her again… but I believe she is traumatised. The accident and her father’s death have affected her badly. If this goes on, she will be in trauma for the rest of her life. And the police haven’t questioned her yet! If they do, god knows what else will happen to her.”
“I can’t believe all this… I mean, she was happy this morning. And her father…” Morgana shakes her head, her own eyes tearing up. The doctor sighs.
“You should’ve seen the condition her father was in when he arrived. I can understand your friend’s grief,” the doctor adds.
“Was he in a bad condition?”
“He’s all broken up. He suffered internal injuries and his cuore was completely damaged, one of his own rib Bones punctured it. He Lost a kidney, his leg was crushed and his arms both broken. And he also suffered heavy head injuries. His internal bleeding cost him his life. He was already losing his battle when they brought him here and despite having the best surgeons around, he could not be saved.”
“She loves her father più than her own life, doctor and… this is a devastating blow to her.”
“And that’s why I want to see you. I can understand her grief and pain. A loss is a loss regardless who they are. But as a doctor I can just offer my sympathy but as her friend, te can help ensure she isn’t traumatised da these events.”
“What do te want me to do, doctor?”
“You have to ensure she isn’t reminded of these events; make sure she forgets the accidents and her father’s death. Take her out, on holiday o someplace where she can ease her mind off this traumatizing event. Make sure she is happy, don’t allow her to work herself up… let her be busy and don’t ever let her be on her own. She has to be around someone at all times. Don’t remind her about this at all; not in daily conversation o jokes. Don’t speak about it around her at all; if possible, ever. I know it has scarred her for life, but nothing is incurable with proper care and love. And that is exactly what she needs. Does she have anyone else? Mother, sister…”
“She has a brother, that’s all.”
“Good, then ask him to spend time with her. She needs family comfort her now più than ever. Her father has been an influence in her life and now her brother has to do that part. Is this understood?”
“Yes doctor,” Morgana says.
“Good… I think te can collect her father’s body tomorrow. We need to conduct a post mortem, since this will be a police investigation. te can take your friend home now,”
“Thank te doctor. Thank te for everything,” Morgana says and the doctor leaves after nodding at Morgana. Wiping the tears off, Morgana sighs deeply. She has to be brave, at least for Gwen’s sake. She doesn’t want to see Tom, she can’t and she won’t. That man’s presence has always been a happy one and she has plenty of happy memories of him. Watching him on the slab doesn’t appeal to her. She isn’t ready. She might be Ribelle - The Brave for Gwen but she isn’t ready herself. She pulls out her mobile and dials Elyan’s number.
Uther feels he’s been slapped on his face da the hand of God himself. As the doctor informs him about Arthur’s condition, he has to hold on to the sides of the chair to keep himself in balance.
“Are te saying that… my son will never see again?”
“I believe it’s what the segnala suggests.”
“But surely te don’t believe that, do you?” Uther argues, slamming his hand on the table.
“Mr. Pendragon, what I believe is not important. Your son damaged his orbital socket, severely wounding the veins attached to the cornea. Despite being the strongest part of a human body, the socket is sensitive to damage caused da accidents. Your son must have pounded his head on a hard surface, several times that could have snapped the veins and caused his blindness. But this blindness can be seen as either temporary o permanent. It depends on how fast he recovers and responds to the medication we give him. If te insist on a quick recovery then I’d say you’re in for a huge disappointment. But then again, I can’t say anything until he wakes up and only then the full extent of his injuries can be determined.”
“Look, doctor, if indeed he becomes blind, are there any other ways, alternatives, to get his eye sight back? I don’t mind if I need to spend my entire fortune for him, just let me know the price.”
“There is only one option, I’m afraid… operation. But for that, your son must be fully recovered. His injuries must be healed completely, and only then.”
“I don’t mind donating to the hospital’s charity home… I hear you’ve just launched another center downtown. How much te need?” Uther asks and reaches for his cheque book but the doctor slams his hand down on the tavolo loudly, halting Uther.
“Mr. Pendragon!! If te think te can come in here and wave your power and influence at me, let me remind how wrong te are! This is a hospital and everyone here is treated equally, regardless who they are. The same goes for your son. And it is us who will decide the best for him so if te would like our help, abide da our terms. Do te understand? The operation requires months of proper rest and if your son can give himself that, we can perform the operation. But I can’t assure te that he’ll get his eyesight back. This is just an option but like I said, we need to conduct tests from time to time to ensure that. So keep your cheque book, Mr. Pendragon. As te can see, we are still in good shape,” the doctor teases. Uther’s face turns red.
“Money is never an issue here. Never insult us da trying to abuse your power again, Mr. Pendragon!” the doctor adds.
“I’m sorry; I just wanted my son to get the best treatment.”
“I give te my word, Mr. Pendragon, that your son will get the best treatment here and we will ensure he gets better. As for the operation, I’m sorry but it has to wait. The veins have to be healed before any operation is done. Therefore, patience is a virtue”
“I’m afraid you’re right… how will I face him like this?” Uther covers his face with his hand and shake his head. The doctor sighs as he too could feel the grief of a father, himself a father of a two anno old.
“You have to, Mr. Pendragon. You’re his father and he needs your support più now than ever. But a word of advice: He is better off not reminded of the accident for now… if he does he will be stressing his mind and it can affect the veins and the nerves of the socket,” the doctor adds softly.
“I’ll see to that, doctor” Uther lifts his face up again.
“Good… and what of the police report?”
“I’ve spoken to the police chief and he says he will look into the matter, promising me he will keep it low profile.”
“I don’t want this hospital to be dragged into an unnecessary court tussle later. But either way, it’s a hit and run accident, is it not?”
“It is, but my son isn’t going to the jail because he accidentally killed a man!! He’s a young man with a bright future ahead of him. Besides he’s Lost his eye sight already!! I’m not going to see him suffer in the cell, bullied and beaten da other convicts. No, Arthur is not a criminal. It was an accident and it will stay as it is. I will see to it. I will compensate the family of the man who died… but my son isn’t going anywhere!!”
“Did te know Arthur was drunk when he hit the man?”
“WHAT!!!!” This is new information for Uther. He knew Arthur drinks when he is with his Friends but drink and drive, no! Arthur will never do that! He is a man who respects the law and even reminded their chauffer once when he caught him stealing a quick drink. No, Arthur will never drive while being drunk.
“It can’t be!!” Uther finds himself denying the fact.
“Yes. Your son consumed alcohol when he was driving. There were bottles lying in the car and the police took them all in. te still think your son is innocent?”
“He is!! He will never hurt a fly and I won’t believe he killed a man. As for the alcohol consumption… your segnala is already out?”
“If you’d want me to change… I’m sorry,” the doctor says.
“I wouldn’t do that knowing how… truthful te are to your oath and so on, but I hope you’d be reasonable in your clarification, considering my son’s situation and condition.”
“What about the family of the man who died? How reasonable shall I be with them?”
“I told te before; te shall not worry about them. I will compensate them for their loss and I wouldn’t mind spending any amount just to see this case resolved,” Uther replies.
“Will that bring back their father?”
“Look, doctor. There’s no need to be smart on me, all right! I don’t need your help at all in this. With the power in my fingertips, I can get anything I want printed on that segnala and thrown back to te and that family. But being sensible, I will not do that. I am being very reasonable here and all I want is my son off the hook. I don’t care how o da what means, I just want Arthur safe. Is that understood?” Uther says harshly.
“Crystal clear.” The doctor hates the situation he is in.
“Good… te shall not worry about the accident, I will get it sorted. Just try to put yourself in my shoes before te invia the report. As for the other family… I will keep my word,” Uther says and gets up. The doctor leans back against his chair and watches, his face grim.
“When can I see Arthur?”
“He’s still unconscious. I will let te know when he wakes up”
“Good. I’ll be around. te have my number, call me when he does!” Uther finishes and leaves the room. The doctor shakes his head and curses under his breath.
Merlin sprints down the corridor and almost knocks an attendant down. He apologises quickly and sprints again. He finds Uther pacing the spazio near the observation unit and slows down. He walks quickly to Uther and clears his throat. Uther stops and turns around, his wrinkled forehead easing as he sees Merlin. He loosens his hand and nears Merlin.
“What happened Mr. Uther?” Merlin asks, peeking inside the observation unit.
“Arthur was in a car accident last night. He was drunk and crashed his Lamborghini into some wall. They brought him here for treatment and he is still unconscious.”
“Oh my God!” Merlin clasps his mouth and stares at Uther.
“He just had a surgery and the doctor says…” Uther finds it hard to say the word. Merlin notices Uther’s struggle with his words and nears the old man and places his hand on Uther’s shoulder. Uther sighs.
“The doctor tells me he is blind! Arthur is blind!” Uther finally says. Merlin removes his hand in shock.
“What!!!” he almost shouts. He can’t believe what he hears. Arthur, blind? How is it possible?
“How?”
“He suffered heavy head injuries in the accident and it wrecked his cornea… the doctor says his veins in his orbital socket are severely wounded and that cost him his sight.”
“And they did nothing about it? How do they know that… has he woken up?”
“No, but their reports suggest he might be blind when he wakes up. But we’ll have to wait for him to wake up to be certain.”
“Then nothing is Lost yet, sir, I mean… they can be wrong, the reports can be wrong. We need to wait for Arthur to wake up and I’m sure the doctors will be guilty of making such a hasty decision.”
“I wish I had your faith and hope, Merlin. We need to wait, I’m afraid.”
“If indeed we are wrong, isn’t there any way to cure Arthur?”
“Operation is an option, but it can only be done after the orbital socket is completely healed. And that will take months. Till then Arthur will remain…” Uther couldn’t go on.
“I’m sorry Mr. Uther… I… I’m sure Arthur will regain what he lost. All he needs is some good rest and after the operation I’m sure he’ll be as good as his old self. We need to believe this is possible, he needs our strength and we can’t lose hope now. But I really hope the reports are wrong.”
“I hope you’re right, Merlin”
“You need to be strong, Mr. Uther, now più than ever.”
“But the doctor isn’t sure if it might help… it’s just an option.”
“You need to have hope, Mr. Uther… we need to believe it can happen.”
“I can hope, Merlin, but…” Uther struggles again.
“But what, sir?”
“He killed a man, Merlin”
“Wha…” the word stopped in Merlin’s mouth. He’s head is throbbing now. If Arthur’s blindness stunned him, this just gave him a cuore attack. How did this happen? What was Arthur thinking? As far as Merlin knew, the last time he spoke to Arthur, his friend was still sane and been quite happy. He didn’t spot any uneasiness in Arthur’s voice. It was before Arthur went to his interview. Something must have happened and caused all this. Arthur isn’t one to commit such a sin, no! And he wouldn’t kill himself no matter how low his life has been. Something stinks somewhere and Merlin couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He needs to talk to Arthur first. He does not believe any of this; even it comes out from Uther’s own mouth.
“He… what?”
“He killed a man… his car knocked a man down and he’s dead now. I’m not sure if Arthur knows what he did, but the fact remains… the man is dead”
“Is it being investigated?”
“It will be… perhaps they’ll wait until Arthur recovers. And then he’ll be interrogated and if found guilty, he’ll be arrested.”
“But surely you’re not allowing this, are you?”
“What do te have me do Merlin!!” Uther catches Merlin’s collar, his eyes furious.
“What do te want me to do? I will do all I can to get him off the hook but if I can’t… if I fail? I dare not think what will happen…” Uther releases Merlin and walks towards the door of the observation unit and leans against it. Merlin watches him sadly.
“Why did he do this? Why? What was he even thinking?” Uther mumbles to himself.
“Maybe only Arthur can explain what happened, Mr. Uther. There has to be an explanation to all this, I find it hard to believe it myself, too.”
“I don’t think the police will be mild on this matter…”
“Perhaps te can speak with the family of the deceased… make them reconsider about lodging their segnala on Arthur?” Merlin suggested. Uther turns around.
“Will that work?”
“If they know about Arthur’s condition and can be made to realise he is suffering enough, perhaps they might consider… of course compensation will have to come into picture as well.”
“I will take care of that… but I think you’re right, Merlin”
“It might be the only way…”
“Hmmm. I’ll talk to the doctor. Get him to talk to the family. Good thinking, Merlin. te just gave me hope…”
“I feel guilty about all this myself, Mr. Uther. If only I hadn’t gone to Ealdor to visit my mother, then perhaps this wouldn’t have happened”
“I think you’re right, Merlin. Arthur listens to you, and if only te were around… But what’s done is done; now promise me you’ll never leave his side.”
“I give te my word, Mr. Uther”
“Good… I’ll leave to talk to the doctor. When Arthur wakes, call me,” Uther says and leaves. Merlin sighs and walks to the door of the observation unit and watches Arthur through the window.
“For the third time, Gwen, where are we going?” Tom, Gwen’s father asks as they walk slowly down the road. Gwen smiles and wriggles her nose. Her father smiles at that.
“The suspense is killing me sweetheart. Please?” he pleads again. Gwen purses her lips and considers his plea.
“Oh, all right, Dad. I am taking te for a surprise treat at Sunshine’s Diner. Satisfied?”
“A treat? What’s the occasion?”
“Dad!! Don’t spoil the fun, all right. It is a surprise treat so te will know when we get there!”
“I can’t wait!” her father says as Gwen holds his hand tightly.
“Dad… define surprise for me, please.”
“All right then … te win” He smiles at her and both father and daughter walk hand in hand down the road, heading towards the diner. Gwen had plans to take her father to another luxurious restaurant near Morgana’s home but realising how low-profile her father is, she decides on this commensale, diner instead. In fact, this is her father’s favourite commensale, diner and she wouldn’t want to spoil his appetite da taking him elsewhere. As they turn the corner, the commensale, diner comes into picture.
“Here we are,” she says but Tom stops and pulls her back. Gwen turns to him, her eyes surprised and questioning.
“What is it, Dad?”
“Tell me what the treat is for… here and now,” he says. Gwen opens her mouth but he silences her with his finger. “I’m not taking no for an answer. Now, darling, please!” he demands. Gwen sighs and peels his finger from her lips.
“I got promoted to systems executive, Dad. Gaius informed me today, and within a week I’ll be relocating to the new store!” she says, and waits for her father’s response. Tom opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. He looks at her in shock. Gwen smiles and still waits.
“Guinevere! Is this true?”
“I swear on Mom, Dad,” she replies. Tom laughs happily and reaches out to hug his daughter. Gwen buries her face against his chest. When he releases her, he clips her chin and plants a baciare on her forehead.
“I am so proud of you, love… this is a surprise indeed,” he says laughing. Gwen laughs along.
“I wanted to tell te inside, Dad, what was the hurry?”
“Suspense… te know how impatient I am and it was killing me all the way here. Anyway now that I know, I am famished. Let’s eat, shall we?”
“Of course, Dad… oops!” Gwen’s phone vibrates and excusing herself, she slides it open. The line crackles on the other side.
“Hello?” still the line crackles. Gwen looks up at her father apologetically.
“Helloooo!!” her annoyance is obvious. Tom steps closer and touches her shoulder.
“Perhaps there’s no signal over here… why not sposta closer to the road. Just be careful with the cars,” he advises. Gwen nods and walks over to the road while he waits near the diner.
“Hello? Someone, anyone? Please speak up,” Gwen says as she bends low to cerca for the signal. The line crackles and in the midst, Gwen hears a man’s voice. She is getting terribly annoyed. She is tempted to give up and slide the phone back into her pocket. “Hello?” she gives it another try.
Up ahead, a car was speeding towards the diner. It is a black Lamborghini and despite the sign board warning the vehicle to drive slowly, the Lamborghini isn’t keen on slowing down. The screeching tires of the Lamborghini as it swerves attract Tom’s attention and he pulls himself straight da the sound of it. Gwen is still trying to cerca for her signal and didn’t notice the car o hear the screeching tires. But her father hears it clearly and Tom’s cuore leaps to his mouth when he notices the car was heading straight ahead, towards his daughter!
“Gwen?” Tom calls, to warn his daughter but Gwen didn’t see the car o hear her father. The car was heading straight at her, without a doubt.
“Gwen!!!” Tom starts to run to his daughter. His panic stricken face darkens with fear. “Gwen!!! Get out of there!! GWEN!!!” he shouts again. This time Gwen hears him and she turns around, finding him running at her. She pulls her phone away from her ear and looks at him blankly. Tom waves his hand, asking her to sposta away. Though Gwen understands the signal, she couldn’t bring herself to budge. She stands rooted, eyes fix on him, petrified.
“GWEN!!” Tom shouts as he reaches her and pushes her to the side just as the car reaches them both.
Gwen crashes to the ground as her father is driven over da a black Lamborghini. Gwen doesn’t shout, instead she keeps watching in horror as the car tramples her father, drives on and crashes against the bacheca that held the diner’s signature emblem. The tires of the car keeps rolling on but the front of the Lamborghini is completely buried inside what remains of the wall. Bricks scatter all over the car and around and the engine is still purring. Suddenly the horn blares nonstop. Gwen tears her eyes off from the car and diverts it towards the man lying unconscious in front of her. Gwen’s cuore thumps wildly as she picks herself up and crawls towards her father. Tom lies unconscious on the ground. What was a while fa his white camicia is now completely patched red with blood. The left side of his head is peeled open, the skin hanging loose, while his face suffers minor bruises. His nose is broken and blood seeps out from his nostrils while his arm is bent crookedly, indicating that it is broken. A bone from his thigh is jutting out and one of his thumbs is cut in half. Gwen shivers as she clasps her mouth and watches her father’s gruesome details in horror. Tears flood her eyes. She feels helpless. She doesn’t know what to do. She looks around and though one o two onlookers have started to gather, no one has stepped inoltrare, avanti to help. She turns back to her father, mouthing silent prayers to herself.
“Dad?” her voice whimpers as she calls him. Tom doesn’t appear to be moving o breathing. Her mind is running berserk. Shutting the crazy thoughts from her mind, Gwen touches her father’s chest, feels that he is breathing and sighs in relief as she feels his faint heartbeat. It doesn’t matter, what’s important is that her father is alive.
The honk is still blaring and some customers from the commensale, diner have started to rush out. Gwen looks around for her phone, spots it, picks it up and dials the emergency number but her fingers are still shivering. She finds it hard to press the numbers and not helped da her unclear visions; her eyes blurred da tears. She wipes her eyes with the back of her hand and dials the number. Gets the wrong number and dials again. A man rushes out from the commensale, diner and approaches her.
“Are te all right?” he asks. She nods at him, tears flushing out from her eyes. She mouths something to him but no voice comes out. The man looks worried and turns his attention towards Tom. Immediately he kneels da her father’s side and feels his breathing. Then the man takes out his mobile and calls the ambulance. più men rush out. One o two stops da the car and tries to peek inside. The honk is still blaring endlessly but it isn’t bothering Gwen much. Infact, she doesn’t even hear the honk in her ears at all. All she hears is her father’s faint breathing. She isn’t interested in anything else, just her father. The man spoke to someone on his mobile and shuts it closed, before looking back at her. His warm eyes are comforting.
“The ambulanza is on its way. Just hang in there…” he says and looks back at Tom.
“Who is this?
“My father,” comes the short answer. She is glad she found her voice again but is still petrified watching her father in such condition. She had never seen him like this before and finds it hard to accept the situation. It still feels like a dream. più fresh tears rolls down her cheek. The man looks at her sympathetically.
“He’ll be all right… just hang on,” he lies and Gwen senses it. But she is glad he at least tries to comfort her. There is a commotion behind them and the man turns around. Gwen looks beyond him as well. Some other men have managed to break open the door of the Lamborghini and they pull out a lifeless figure of a man, presumably the driver of the car. His face is stained with blood, making it difficult for Gwen to guess if he is alive o dead. His white camicia is ripped open on the front and Gwen thinks she catches a sight of a huge cut on his chest. It seems faint from where she sits and since she herself is shaky and wobbly, she isn’t sure what she really saw. And she isn’t interested, either. The men pull the driver out and lay him carefully on the ground. One of the men squats down da the side of the driver and checks his pulse.
“He’s alive,” Gwen hears him saying. An ambulanza is heard in the distance. The area crowds with curious onlookers from the commensale, diner and other passersby. Some men have taken the liberty to keep the onlookers at bay, sheltering the victims from them.
“Keep his pressure up, he’s losing a lot of blood,” another says from beside the driver. One of the men turns towards Gwen and catches her eye. He quickly dashes to her and halts; his attention turns into horror as he sees Tom.
“Is he alive?”
“Yes… barely. We need to get him to the hospital fast… I think he’s bleeding internally,” the man beside Gwen explains. The other man nods. Then he looks at Gwen.
“Are te all right, girl?”
“I think she’s a bit shaken up… how is he?” the man risposte for her.
“He’s in a bad shape, I believe. Not sure about his face but I think he’s injured his head. And there’s a long cut on his chest, but they’re keeping pressure on it. He’s Lost a lot blood as well. Not so sure about his leg, though… I think I felt it broken when I lifted him out”
“How did this happen?” the man beside Gwen asks.
“He’s drunk,” the other one replies. Both Gwen and the man beside her look bewildered.
“What?” Gwen found herself asking.
“We found some bottles in his sede, sedile and there’s smell all over him. Obviously he’s been drinking and driving which explains this mess…”
“Jesus!!” the man says and shakes his head. “What was he thinking?”
“I didn’t think he was thinking at all… if he wanted to kill himself then he should have done it alone.”
Gwen’s head spins. So much is happening. And she feels faint herself. The smell of the blood is nauseating her and her stomach feels sick. Her face is drawn and she doesn’t want to pass out. Her father needs her and she has to be brave. Two ambulances arrive shortly and immediately her father and the driver were taken to the nearest hospital. Gwen sits beside her father and prays all the way to the hospital. Her eyes are swollen from crying. The nurse suggests she get some rest since she looks drawn and pale, but Gwen ignores the consigli and keeps her focus on her father. One of the doctors who traveled with the ambulanza treats her father all the way and though he tries to hide his disappointment, Gwen can feel her father is losing his battle. She hears the doctor whispering to the nurse and later sees him shaking his head. The doctor may give up on her father but not her. No! She will not let her father go without a fight. He is all she has and she needs him, now più than ever. This was supposed to be a giorno to celebrate her achievement yet it turns out disastrously for both of them. Gwen wipes her tears and sits watching her father. The ambulanza reaches the hospital and in five minuti time, her father is rushed to the emergency ward.
Morgana pulls her cappotto tightly and dashes up the stairs of the hospital. The elevator was full and she didn’t want to wait for it to return empty. She reaches the fifth level, slams the door open and dashes inside. The smell of the hospital sickens her but she didn’t notice it today. She doesn’t have time to think about the smell as she has important things to consider. Morgana reaches the receptionist and looks around. The chairs were all empty. Gwen did mention she’ll be in the fifth level but where is she? The receptionist was engaged with an old man, so Morgana decides to look on her own. She walks straight and looks around, there’s no sign of Gwen at all. Morgana reaches the end of the room, notice some nurses were attending to a young female patient. Morgana thought she recognises the hair. One of the nurses moves away and Morgana sees Gwen, sitting on the letto and being dato treatment. Morgana’s eyes widened and she steps into the room, rushing to her friend.
“Gwen?”
Guinevere looks up, removes her oxygen mask and slides down the bed, ignoring the nurse’s consigli to put the mask on. Gwen reaches out and hugs Morgana, tears flowing down her cheek like a burst pipe. Morgana hugs her friend tightly, soothing her with words of comfort. Gwen sobs and releases Morgana.
“He’s dead Morgana… my father’s dead!”
“What happened Gwen? How did this happen?” Morgana knew what happened to Tom but she didn’t know how it happened. Gwen sobbed all throughout the conversation and Morgana knew instantly she has to be da her friend’s side. She didn’t linger to find out what happened before she drove as quickly she can to the hospital.
“I don’t know… we were so happy… wanted to celebrate my prom… otion and then, there’s this car and it just ran… over him,” Gwen struggles to get the words out. One of the nurses approaches them.
“She is weak and needs to get the oxygen in her system… if te don’t mind…”
“NO!!!! I DON’T WANT ANYTHING!!!” Gwen shouts and pushes the nurse away. Morgana holds Gwen tightly but her friend starts to struggle. Another nurse comes in to help. Gwen fights them.
“Gwen… please,”
“LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I WANT MY FATHER!!! MY FATHER!!!!” she cries as she fights them all. She bites one of the nurse’s arms and kicks another. Morgana can feel how strong Gwen is when she is upset. The nurse whose arm Gwen bit rushes out. In two minuti time she emerges with a doctor in tow.
“She’s doing it again, isn’t she?” the doctor asks and waits as the nurse prepares the injection. Morgana looks at the doctor questioningly.
“LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! I want my father!!!” Gwen struggles again. The nurse hands the syringe to the doctor and goes around to hold Gwen along with the other nurses. Morgana steps back and watches as the doctor lifts Gwen’s sleeve and immediately injects her without hesitation. Gwen struggles on but as the medicine starts kicking in, she becomes less violent. The doctor moves away while one of the nurses guides Gwen to the letto and helps her to lie down. Morgana wants to be with her friend but the doctor silently asks Morgana to unisciti her outside. Morgana is reluctant to leave her friend alone.
“It’s all right… she’s calm now. She needs rest and it’s best we give her that,” the doctor says. “I need to talk to you, if possible, alone”, she adds. Morgana takes one look at Gwen who seems to have calmed down and leaves with the doctor.
They sposta to the end of the corridor and the doctor looks at Morgana, worriedly.
“Is something wrong with Gwen, doctor?”
“I believe she is very disturbed, mentally and emotionally. Did te know that is the secondo time she attacked us?”
“It’s a heavy loss doctor… she just Lost her father”
“I am aware of that, but I think … it isn’t just the loss which has affected her. I have reason to believe she is traumatised da the events that have unfolded today.”
“Meaning?”
“I was told she is the sole witness of the accident. She saw everything. Imagine watching the person te Amore being run over so horrifically; it can mentally scar te for life. The man who came in with her told me she was very shaken up when they went out to help. She could barely speak and was found shivering. And she was holding her father’s hand all the while she traveled with him and became hysterical the moment she was told the news of his death. She passed out!”
“What?”
“Yes… we had to keep her in the observation unit until she woke and the moment she did, she became violent. I had to sedate her and now she is attacking again. I don’t want to sedate her again… but I believe she is traumatised. The accident and her father’s death have affected her badly. If this goes on, she will be in trauma for the rest of her life. And the police haven’t questioned her yet! If they do, god knows what else will happen to her.”
“I can’t believe all this… I mean, she was happy this morning. And her father…” Morgana shakes her head, her own eyes tearing up. The doctor sighs.
“You should’ve seen the condition her father was in when he arrived. I can understand your friend’s grief,” the doctor adds.
“Was he in a bad condition?”
“He’s all broken up. He suffered internal injuries and his cuore was completely damaged, one of his own rib Bones punctured it. He Lost a kidney, his leg was crushed and his arms both broken. And he also suffered heavy head injuries. His internal bleeding cost him his life. He was already losing his battle when they brought him here and despite having the best surgeons around, he could not be saved.”
“She loves her father più than her own life, doctor and… this is a devastating blow to her.”
“And that’s why I want to see you. I can understand her grief and pain. A loss is a loss regardless who they are. But as a doctor I can just offer my sympathy but as her friend, te can help ensure she isn’t traumatised da these events.”
“What do te want me to do, doctor?”
“You have to ensure she isn’t reminded of these events; make sure she forgets the accidents and her father’s death. Take her out, on holiday o someplace where she can ease her mind off this traumatizing event. Make sure she is happy, don’t allow her to work herself up… let her be busy and don’t ever let her be on her own. She has to be around someone at all times. Don’t remind her about this at all; not in daily conversation o jokes. Don’t speak about it around her at all; if possible, ever. I know it has scarred her for life, but nothing is incurable with proper care and love. And that is exactly what she needs. Does she have anyone else? Mother, sister…”
“She has a brother, that’s all.”
“Good, then ask him to spend time with her. She needs family comfort her now più than ever. Her father has been an influence in her life and now her brother has to do that part. Is this understood?”
“Yes doctor,” Morgana says.
“Good… I think te can collect her father’s body tomorrow. We need to conduct a post mortem, since this will be a police investigation. te can take your friend home now,”
“Thank te doctor. Thank te for everything,” Morgana says and the doctor leaves after nodding at Morgana. Wiping the tears off, Morgana sighs deeply. She has to be brave, at least for Gwen’s sake. She doesn’t want to see Tom, she can’t and she won’t. That man’s presence has always been a happy one and she has plenty of happy memories of him. Watching him on the slab doesn’t appeal to her. She isn’t ready. She might be Ribelle - The Brave for Gwen but she isn’t ready herself. She pulls out her mobile and dials Elyan’s number.
Uther feels he’s been slapped on his face da the hand of God himself. As the doctor informs him about Arthur’s condition, he has to hold on to the sides of the chair to keep himself in balance.
“Are te saying that… my son will never see again?”
“I believe it’s what the segnala suggests.”
“But surely te don’t believe that, do you?” Uther argues, slamming his hand on the table.
“Mr. Pendragon, what I believe is not important. Your son damaged his orbital socket, severely wounding the veins attached to the cornea. Despite being the strongest part of a human body, the socket is sensitive to damage caused da accidents. Your son must have pounded his head on a hard surface, several times that could have snapped the veins and caused his blindness. But this blindness can be seen as either temporary o permanent. It depends on how fast he recovers and responds to the medication we give him. If te insist on a quick recovery then I’d say you’re in for a huge disappointment. But then again, I can’t say anything until he wakes up and only then the full extent of his injuries can be determined.”
“Look, doctor, if indeed he becomes blind, are there any other ways, alternatives, to get his eye sight back? I don’t mind if I need to spend my entire fortune for him, just let me know the price.”
“There is only one option, I’m afraid… operation. But for that, your son must be fully recovered. His injuries must be healed completely, and only then.”
“I don’t mind donating to the hospital’s charity home… I hear you’ve just launched another center downtown. How much te need?” Uther asks and reaches for his cheque book but the doctor slams his hand down on the tavolo loudly, halting Uther.
“Mr. Pendragon!! If te think te can come in here and wave your power and influence at me, let me remind how wrong te are! This is a hospital and everyone here is treated equally, regardless who they are. The same goes for your son. And it is us who will decide the best for him so if te would like our help, abide da our terms. Do te understand? The operation requires months of proper rest and if your son can give himself that, we can perform the operation. But I can’t assure te that he’ll get his eyesight back. This is just an option but like I said, we need to conduct tests from time to time to ensure that. So keep your cheque book, Mr. Pendragon. As te can see, we are still in good shape,” the doctor teases. Uther’s face turns red.
“Money is never an issue here. Never insult us da trying to abuse your power again, Mr. Pendragon!” the doctor adds.
“I’m sorry; I just wanted my son to get the best treatment.”
“I give te my word, Mr. Pendragon, that your son will get the best treatment here and we will ensure he gets better. As for the operation, I’m sorry but it has to wait. The veins have to be healed before any operation is done. Therefore, patience is a virtue”
“I’m afraid you’re right… how will I face him like this?” Uther covers his face with his hand and shake his head. The doctor sighs as he too could feel the grief of a father, himself a father of a two anno old.
“You have to, Mr. Pendragon. You’re his father and he needs your support più now than ever. But a word of advice: He is better off not reminded of the accident for now… if he does he will be stressing his mind and it can affect the veins and the nerves of the socket,” the doctor adds softly.
“I’ll see to that, doctor” Uther lifts his face up again.
“Good… and what of the police report?”
“I’ve spoken to the police chief and he says he will look into the matter, promising me he will keep it low profile.”
“I don’t want this hospital to be dragged into an unnecessary court tussle later. But either way, it’s a hit and run accident, is it not?”
“It is, but my son isn’t going to the jail because he accidentally killed a man!! He’s a young man with a bright future ahead of him. Besides he’s Lost his eye sight already!! I’m not going to see him suffer in the cell, bullied and beaten da other convicts. No, Arthur is not a criminal. It was an accident and it will stay as it is. I will see to it. I will compensate the family of the man who died… but my son isn’t going anywhere!!”
“Did te know Arthur was drunk when he hit the man?”
“WHAT!!!!” This is new information for Uther. He knew Arthur drinks when he is with his Friends but drink and drive, no! Arthur will never do that! He is a man who respects the law and even reminded their chauffer once when he caught him stealing a quick drink. No, Arthur will never drive while being drunk.
“It can’t be!!” Uther finds himself denying the fact.
“Yes. Your son consumed alcohol when he was driving. There were bottles lying in the car and the police took them all in. te still think your son is innocent?”
“He is!! He will never hurt a fly and I won’t believe he killed a man. As for the alcohol consumption… your segnala is already out?”
“If you’d want me to change… I’m sorry,” the doctor says.
“I wouldn’t do that knowing how… truthful te are to your oath and so on, but I hope you’d be reasonable in your clarification, considering my son’s situation and condition.”
“What about the family of the man who died? How reasonable shall I be with them?”
“I told te before; te shall not worry about them. I will compensate them for their loss and I wouldn’t mind spending any amount just to see this case resolved,” Uther replies.
“Will that bring back their father?”
“Look, doctor. There’s no need to be smart on me, all right! I don’t need your help at all in this. With the power in my fingertips, I can get anything I want printed on that segnala and thrown back to te and that family. But being sensible, I will not do that. I am being very reasonable here and all I want is my son off the hook. I don’t care how o da what means, I just want Arthur safe. Is that understood?” Uther says harshly.
“Crystal clear.” The doctor hates the situation he is in.
“Good… te shall not worry about the accident, I will get it sorted. Just try to put yourself in my shoes before te invia the report. As for the other family… I will keep my word,” Uther says and gets up. The doctor leans back against his chair and watches, his face grim.
“When can I see Arthur?”
“He’s still unconscious. I will let te know when he wakes up”
“Good. I’ll be around. te have my number, call me when he does!” Uther finishes and leaves the room. The doctor shakes his head and curses under his breath.
Merlin sprints down the corridor and almost knocks an attendant down. He apologises quickly and sprints again. He finds Uther pacing the spazio near the observation unit and slows down. He walks quickly to Uther and clears his throat. Uther stops and turns around, his wrinkled forehead easing as he sees Merlin. He loosens his hand and nears Merlin.
“What happened Mr. Uther?” Merlin asks, peeking inside the observation unit.
“Arthur was in a car accident last night. He was drunk and crashed his Lamborghini into some wall. They brought him here for treatment and he is still unconscious.”
“Oh my God!” Merlin clasps his mouth and stares at Uther.
“He just had a surgery and the doctor says…” Uther finds it hard to say the word. Merlin notices Uther’s struggle with his words and nears the old man and places his hand on Uther’s shoulder. Uther sighs.
“The doctor tells me he is blind! Arthur is blind!” Uther finally says. Merlin removes his hand in shock.
“What!!!” he almost shouts. He can’t believe what he hears. Arthur, blind? How is it possible?
“How?”
“He suffered heavy head injuries in the accident and it wrecked his cornea… the doctor says his veins in his orbital socket are severely wounded and that cost him his sight.”
“And they did nothing about it? How do they know that… has he woken up?”
“No, but their reports suggest he might be blind when he wakes up. But we’ll have to wait for him to wake up to be certain.”
“Then nothing is Lost yet, sir, I mean… they can be wrong, the reports can be wrong. We need to wait for Arthur to wake up and I’m sure the doctors will be guilty of making such a hasty decision.”
“I wish I had your faith and hope, Merlin. We need to wait, I’m afraid.”
“If indeed we are wrong, isn’t there any way to cure Arthur?”
“Operation is an option, but it can only be done after the orbital socket is completely healed. And that will take months. Till then Arthur will remain…” Uther couldn’t go on.
“I’m sorry Mr. Uther… I… I’m sure Arthur will regain what he lost. All he needs is some good rest and after the operation I’m sure he’ll be as good as his old self. We need to believe this is possible, he needs our strength and we can’t lose hope now. But I really hope the reports are wrong.”
“I hope you’re right, Merlin”
“You need to be strong, Mr. Uther, now più than ever.”
“But the doctor isn’t sure if it might help… it’s just an option.”
“You need to have hope, Mr. Uther… we need to believe it can happen.”
“I can hope, Merlin, but…” Uther struggles again.
“But what, sir?”
“He killed a man, Merlin”
“Wha…” the word stopped in Merlin’s mouth. He’s head is throbbing now. If Arthur’s blindness stunned him, this just gave him a cuore attack. How did this happen? What was Arthur thinking? As far as Merlin knew, the last time he spoke to Arthur, his friend was still sane and been quite happy. He didn’t spot any uneasiness in Arthur’s voice. It was before Arthur went to his interview. Something must have happened and caused all this. Arthur isn’t one to commit such a sin, no! And he wouldn’t kill himself no matter how low his life has been. Something stinks somewhere and Merlin couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He needs to talk to Arthur first. He does not believe any of this; even it comes out from Uther’s own mouth.
“He… what?”
“He killed a man… his car knocked a man down and he’s dead now. I’m not sure if Arthur knows what he did, but the fact remains… the man is dead”
“Is it being investigated?”
“It will be… perhaps they’ll wait until Arthur recovers. And then he’ll be interrogated and if found guilty, he’ll be arrested.”
“But surely you’re not allowing this, are you?”
“What do te have me do Merlin!!” Uther catches Merlin’s collar, his eyes furious.
“What do te want me to do? I will do all I can to get him off the hook but if I can’t… if I fail? I dare not think what will happen…” Uther releases Merlin and walks towards the door of the observation unit and leans against it. Merlin watches him sadly.
“Why did he do this? Why? What was he even thinking?” Uther mumbles to himself.
“Maybe only Arthur can explain what happened, Mr. Uther. There has to be an explanation to all this, I find it hard to believe it myself, too.”
“I don’t think the police will be mild on this matter…”
“Perhaps te can speak with the family of the deceased… make them reconsider about lodging their segnala on Arthur?” Merlin suggested. Uther turns around.
“Will that work?”
“If they know about Arthur’s condition and can be made to realise he is suffering enough, perhaps they might consider… of course compensation will have to come into picture as well.”
“I will take care of that… but I think you’re right, Merlin”
“It might be the only way…”
“Hmmm. I’ll talk to the doctor. Get him to talk to the family. Good thinking, Merlin. te just gave me hope…”
“I feel guilty about all this myself, Mr. Uther. If only I hadn’t gone to Ealdor to visit my mother, then perhaps this wouldn’t have happened”
“I think you’re right, Merlin. Arthur listens to you, and if only te were around… But what’s done is done; now promise me you’ll never leave his side.”
“I give te my word, Mr. Uther”
“Good… I’ll leave to talk to the doctor. When Arthur wakes, call me,” Uther says and leaves. Merlin sighs and walks to the door of the observation unit and watches Arthur through the window.
