Damian (firm): No. We're dropping her. Which hospital?
Ella (concerned): City Hospital, near Crossover Road.
Damian (to driver): Drive there first, and fast.
Driver: Yes, sir. (He changes the lane immediately.)
Mr. Mah (angry): That's the opposite direction!
Damian (coldly): Doesn't matter.
Ella (soft, nervous): Thank you…
Damian (looking at her): What exactly happened?
Ella (worried, voice trembling): Ben said she was lying unconscious when he found her. He called the ambulance—she's under checkup right now. I just… I hope it's nothing serious. (She closes her eyes, whispering a prayer.)
Damian (gently, without hesitation): Don't worry. Everything will be fine. (He holds her hand.)
Ella's eyes fly open in surprise. She looks at Damian's calm, soft face, struck speechless.
They soon arrive at the hospital entrance. Ella rushes out immediately. Damian starts to open his door too—
Mr. Mah (snaps): Where are you going?
Damian: Shouldn't we at least visit her?
Mr. Mah: She has nothing to do with us. How can you just visit someone unknown? And you'll be late—you need proper rest. Get back inside.
Damian (hesitates): But—
Mr. Mah (stern, low voice): Damian. (The driver shuts Damian's door and locks it.)
Meanwhile, Ella runs to the reception. She spots Ben waiting there and rushes to him.
Ella (anxious): Where is she?
Ben: This way—come! (They both run toward her grandma's room.)
Ella entered the hospital room. The old woman she fondly called Grandma was lying on the bed, asleep. The doctor was just about to leave.
Ella (hurried): Doctor, what happened to her?
Doctor: She passed out because of stress. It seems she's been carrying a lot inside.
Ben: Maybe… because of her loneliness.
Doctor (turns to him): Loneliness?
Ben: Yeah. She lives alone and doesn't really talk to anyone.
Doctor: I see. Well, it's not too serious right now—but take care of her. It could have been worse.
Ella (nods quickly, sits beside the old woman, gently holding her hand): Why are you punishing yourself like this, Grandma?
Ben (hesitant, his phone ringing): Umm… miss, I'm getting late. My mom will be worrying. Can I leave? You'll stay with her, right?
Ella (soft smile): Yes, I'll stay. Thank you, Ben. You can go.
Ben: Okay. Take care. (He says softly, then slowly walks out of the room.)
Ella sat there, waiting patiently for Grandma to wake up. Hours passed in silence, until suddenly the door opened. She turned quickly—
A man stepped in wearing a mask, a cap, a jumper, and joggers.
Ella (suspicious): Who are you?
Damian (removing his mask): It's me.
Ella (shocked): What… what are you doing here?
Damian (glances at the bed, lowers his voice): I just wanted to see your grandma. (He freezes, recognizing the woman.) Wait… is she your grandma?
Ella (softly, shaking her head): Uh, no. We're not related by blood. She used to be the manager at the café I worked in. We had a strong bond, so… I call her Grandma.
Damian (relieved, sits down on the chair beside her): Oh. Okay… Is she fine?
Ella (nodding faintly): The doctor said it's just stress.
Damian (thoughtful): Well… running a business at her age must be tough.
Ella (sad smile): It's not the business. It's her kids.
Damian (frowns): Kids?
Ella: Yeah. She has a son and a daughter. Both live abroad, both doing well… but they don't contact her. Not even once. Now they don't even pick up her calls. She's always anxious, waiting for them.