Rose's fingers danced across her phone screen, urgency guiding each tap as she called on her escort, the pale looking pilot to prepare for a flight back to the States. The projects in China, significant as they were, now faded into insignificance compared to being by Blake's side.
As she arrived in no time at her private hanger, she wasted no time heading to the hospital. The entire time it felt like the car couldn't move fast enough. Her fingers continued to tap on the door side as she stared at the traffic.
Eventually she arrived at the hospital and wasted no time time rushing in.
As the hospital doors swished open, revealing the antiseptic-laden corridors, Rose quickened her pace.
She quickly signed in at the reception area and immediately was told the room Blake was admitted.
The hurry in her steps mirrored the rapid beats of her heart as she rushed towards the room.
She managed to navigate her path there in no time and just when she got to the door, she saw someone there.
There, at the entrance to Blake's room, stood Reggie, a silent guardian in the sterile environment.
They exchanged nods that spoke volumes, a shared understanding of the gravity of the situation. No time for further pleasantries as Rose pushed the door open, and there, amidst the clinical whir of machines, was Blake. His presence brought a strange mix of relief and concern. But something else was being evoked inside of her.
She tried to fight it because the feeling was overwhelming and choking her. Her throat felt dry as she saw Blake. She didn't know when but a single liquid dropped down her cheeks. To her own surprise, she stopped in her tracks, gathering herself together before he noticed her presence fully.
'Tears?' she couldn't help but ask herself as she gathered herself together.
"Hey," Rose greeted, her voice a gentle salve in the clinical atmosphere. Blake sat upright while the nurse attended to him, wiping away traces of the ordeal etched on his face and hands.
"The Chinese woman has arrived," Blake attempted humor, a façade Rose saw through effortlessly. Her fingers traced the contours of his face, her eyes betraying a storm of emotions. Perhaps the male ego was at play as he didn't want to seem weak in front of her. But even then, anyone who experienced what he experienced wouldn't be classed as weak.
"I might get that face tat afterall," Blake mused.
Rose smiled subtly as she noted what he was doing. He could see how upset being in the condition he was in affected Rose and didn't want to make her feel bad.
Even in such condition, he was so unselfish that he cared more about how she felt. Nonetheless, Blake's attempt to downplay it with a joke didn't escape her notice.
"I'm so sorry I let this happen!" Rose's words were laced with regret, touching his face to access the damages. It wasn't anything severe but in that state, her heart dropped to see Blake in such a condition.
"What do you mean you let it happen? Accidents happen, Rose," Blake's words were grounded, but Rose's guilt lingered. She nodded, though the conviction wavered.
"Mr. Blake, your burns are relatively mild. With the steady application of ointments, we expect them to heal quite well. However, it's essential to avoid any harsh exposure to skin care and other products that may worsen the injury until they've fully recovered. I'll provide you with the prescribed ointments and detailed instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process."
Rose listened intently, her concern easing as the nurse outlined the care plan.
"Are you okay?" Rose asked.
"What? Of course. I'm fine," Blake responded sharply.
"You don't sound or look okay to me. Perhaps there's something you'd like to tell me?" Rose asked.
Blake looked outside and then looked back at Rose.
"I just need to sleep. I'm tired," Blake deflected.
Rose stared at him for a little while before standing up to kiss him on his forehead.
By then Lily returned with the water and handed it to Blake.
"Take care of him," Rose instructed Lily.
"I've got to go now. There are a few things I need to check on before I return. I'll be back," Rose said, standing up from the couch and walking towards the front door.
Blake had the burning desire to stop her than and tell her all that was in his mind but chose not to as he watched her walk out of the living room.
Seconds later, he heard the sound of an engine start and tyres screech out of the garage.
Blake fumbled in his pocket for his phone, realizing it was one of the things lost in the fire. Calling out to Lily, he requested his laptop from the fun room while she turned on the TV. The news station broadcasted the ongoing fire, and despite efforts, water seemed ineffective against the raging flames.
As the news report continued, the anchor mentioned that firefighters were employing inventive methods to quench the fire. Shelly Technologies had even provided them with new equipment, which appeared to be working, though not at the rapid pace they hoped for. The fire was described as stubborn, resisting conventional efforts to bring it under control.
"Must have been horrible, Master Blake," Lily sympathized as they both watched the TV screen, showing the relentless battle against the fiery inferno.
"Yeah..." Blake responded vaguely, his mind divided between the news and the laptop on his lap. He quickly redirected his attention to the screen, where the report detailed the challenges faced by the firefighters.
The anchor explained that the fire had spread rapidly due to unknown factors, and they were working tirelessly to contain it. The innovative equipment provided by Shelly Technologies was a ray of hope, but the battle was far from over.
Feeling a mix of confusion and gratitude , Blake mumbled to himself, "I never expected this to happen. They can't even get in. I could still be inside there till now,"
Lily, sensing his distress, offered a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Sometimes, things happen beyond our control, Master Blake. All we can do is hope for the best. I'm glad you made it out"
Blake nodded in acknowledgment but couldn't shake off the thoughts lingering in his mind. Turning to the laptop, he began typing in the search bar, "Signs of supernatural abilities," hoping to find answers and make sense of the inexplicable events surrounding him especially one in particular.
"How did we both survive that jump?"