As soon as Sayaka recognized Haruki, her calm composure shattered. She rushed forward, her hands trembling as she reached out, her voice breaking.

"Please, help him!" she cried, her eyes welling with tears. "Doctor, you have to save him! Please, do everything you can!"

The other medical staff, startled by Sayaka's desperation, quickly stepped aside as the lead doctor—a calm, composed woman named Dr. Saito—approached. She placed a reassuring hand on Sayaka's shoulder, her gaze both compassionate and determined.

"Sayaka," Dr. Saito said gently, "we're doing everything we can. Right now, you need to let us work. I promise, we’ll take the best care of him."

Sayaka struggled to hold back her tears, her face filled with worry as she watched Dr. Saito and the team surround Haruki. The sight of him, so still and vulnerable on the stretcher, tore at her heart. She took a step back, her hands covering her mouth as she fought to keep herself steady, knowing she had to trust the doctors to save the man she loved.

While in the emergency room, Sayaka was crying, her hands shaking as she clutched her phone. They’d asked her to wait outside while the doctors worked on Haruki, and the minutes felt like hours. Desperate for comfort, she dialed her mother’s number, barely able to hold herself together.

Meanwhile, Kyouko was humming softly in the kitchen, the comforting aroma of dinner filling the room. She glanced at the clock and smiled, noting that it was nearly the time Haruki usually came home. Her heart felt light, anticipating their usual dinner routine. Just then, her phone rang, and she saw Sayaka’s name on the screen.

Surprised yet pleased, Kyouko’s smile softened—Sayaka rarely called unless there was something special to share. She picked up the phone,Kyouko’s voice was cheerful as she stirred the pot, a warm smile on her face. “Is everything alright?”

There was a pause on the other end, and Kyouko's smile began to fade as she sensed something was wrong. Sayaka’s voice came through, strained and trembling.

“Mom… it’s Haruki. He… he had an accident.”

Kyouko froze, her heart dropping instantly. “What do you mean? What happened to Haruki?” Her voice grew taut, the gentle warmth replaced by sudden alarm.

Sayaka’s words tumbled out between sobs. “They found him… on the stairs at work. He… he fell, and he’s in the emergency room now. They’re doing everything they can, but… I’m scared, Mom.” Her voice cracked, the anguish evident.

Kyouko felt her stomach tighten, her mind racing as she tried to process the news. She clutched the edge of the counter for support, her own breathing shaky. “Sayaka, stay calm,” she managed, her voice as steady as she could make it, though her heart ached at the thought of Haruki lying there hurt.

“I’ll come right away. I’ll be there soon, okay?” She struggled to keep her composure for her daughter’s sake.

Sayaka sniffled, her voice softening. “Thank you, Mom… please hurry.”

As the call ended, Kyouko’s thoughts turned immediately to Haruki, her pulse quickening as worry flooded her. She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and left the kitchen, her mind set on reaching the hospital as fast as she could.

Kyouko gripped the steering wheel tightly as she sped through the streets, her heart pounding with every passing second. Her mind raced, filled with worry and disbelief.

"Haruki… please be alright," she whispered, as if somehow he could hear her. She struggled to keep her focus on the road, but the fear gnawed at her thoughts, making it harder to breathe. Haruki was always so careful, always so reliable. He was supposed to be coming home soon, sharing the quiet dinner she'd prepared, as he always did.

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The hospital loomed ahead, its lights bright against the evening sky. Kyouko parked hastily and hurried inside, her heels echoing through the corridor as she made her way to the emergency room. She forced herself to stay calm, but as she approached the waiting area, her legs felt heavy, weighed down by fear.

Finally, she spotted Sayaka, who was pacing frantically, her face red and tear-streaked. When she saw her mother, Sayaka rushed into Kyouko’s arms, her sobs muffled against Kyouko's shoulder.

"Mom, they still don’t know... they won’t say anything yet," Sayaka managed between gasps, clinging tightly to her mother.

Kyouko held her daughter close, her own chest tightening as she whispered words of comfort she barely felt herself. Her heart was with Haruki, lying somewhere beyond those doors. She couldn't shake the image of him, her mind drifting to every detail she cherished—the warmth of his smile, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her, the steady comfort of his presence.

"Please… just let him be alright," Kyouko prayed silently, her gaze fixed on the door to the emergency room, hoping for even the smallest sign of hope.

Then the emergency light turned off. The doctor stepped out, her face solemn as she looked at Sayaka and Kyouko. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Sayaka and said, "I'm sorry..."

Sayaka and Kyouko’s hearts sank, their faces going pale as they clutched each other, bracing for the worst. But before they could process her words, the doctor’s expression softened, and she broke into a warm smile.

"There’s nothing wrong with your husband, silly," she said, unable to hold back a laugh. "He’s going to be just fine. He has a sprained ankle and will need a few weeks to recover, but nothing serious."

Sayaka’s eyes widened in shock before relief flooded over her, quickly replaced by frustration. "Rika!" she exclaimed, playfully hitting her friend’s arm. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

The doctor, Rika, grinned, wrapping her arms around Sayaka in a quick hug. "I’m sorry, but you looked so serious. I couldn’t resist. He really is fine, though. Just a little rest and care, and he’ll be back to normal."

Kyouko, catching her breath, finally allowed herself a small smile, her relief washing over her as she shared a grateful glance with Sayaka.

Doctor Rika smiled mischievously at Sayaka, nudging her playfully. "By the way," she said, grinning, "your husband is so my type. Handsome and charming... How about giving him to me?"

Sayaka rolled her eyes, finally letting go of the tension she’d been holding. "In your dreams, Rika!

Rika laughed, patting Sayaka’s shoulder. "Fine, fine. But if you ever get tired of him, let me know," she joked with a wink, lightening the mood after the tense moments.

Rika turned to Kyouko with a curious smile, then looked back at Sayaka. "Is this your sister?" she asked, genuinely intrigued by Kyouko's youthful appearance.

Sayaka laughed, shaking her head. "No, Rika, this is my mom."

Rika’s eyes widened in surprise. "Your mom? You’re kidding! I thought for sure you two were sisters." She looked at Kyouko, impressed. "Wow, you must have some secrets."

Kyouko smiled softly, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Thank you, Rika. I just try to take care of myself," she replied modestly, glancing at Sayaka with a warm, motherly pride.

Kyouko's face softened with relief, but there was still a hint of worry as she looked at Rika. "So... Haruki is really okay?" she asked, needing reassurance.

Rika smiled warmly. "Yes, he’s fine. He has a sprained ankle and a few bruises, but nothing serious," she assured her. "In an hour or two, he’ll be transferred to a ward to rest. He just needs to stay off his feet for a little while."

Kyouko exhaled, feeling the tension leave her shoulders. "Thank goodness," she murmured, her hand pressed to her chest as she tried to calm her racing heart.

Sayaka, who had been listening intently, gave her mother a comforting smile. "See, Mom? He’s going to be fine. Rika's just playing with us."

Rika chuckled. "Well, I couldn't resist. But seriously, he'll be back to his usual self in no time." She gave Sayaka a gentle nudge. "You both should go see him as soon as he’s settled in the ward."

Sayaka hesitated, glancing at Rika with concern. "Are there any bruises on his face?" she asked, imagining Haruki with a black eye or swollen cheek.

Rika shook her head with a playful grin. “Nope, his face is perfectly fine. That's exactly why I told you—your husband is so my type. Handsome and charming,” she teased, giving Sayaka a wink.

Sayaka let out a small laugh, rolling her eyes. “Hands off, Rika. He’s taken.”

Rika raised her hands in mock surrender, laughing. “Alright, alright. But if he ever needs a second opinion, you know where to find me!”

( End of Chapter )