Chapter 129: It Worked!

CALEB Marcus nodded, understandingly. 'I get it. It's hard seeing someone you care about in such a bad state. But you did what you had to do. What was right. Now, we just gotta wait and see. It'll be fine mio fratello." I paused. I had never heard Marcus speak like this before. It was calmer, more human. Sheesh. I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of belonging. We drove further, and the familiar roads leading into Hulvey began to appear. The sight of the city filled me with comfort. The tall buildings and busy streets felt like a refuge after the long journey. The sun was setting, casting long shadows and giving everything a warm, inviting glow. Home. As I watched the road stretch ahead, a knot tightened in my stomach. The antidote was supposed to be our solution, but the image of Kyle in that frenzied state still haunted me. He and Brielle were basically the only people I cared about, and this was a little overwhelming. Marcus's words about Kyle's toughness and my decision to get the antidote seemed distant. Like it had been months ago. When, in reality, we had been gone for just three days. Three days of Kyle battling to stay alive. Brielle hadn't phoned me since then, but we were out in the woods, there was no cell service. What if… No. I would rather go myself, than begin to assume. The relief of having the antidote was overshadowed by the anxiety of not knowing if it would actually work. I just hoped that seeing Kyle again wouldn't be too painful and that he would eventually recover. He had to. He just had to. We arrived at the hospital in Hulvey, the white building standing out against the darkening sky. The hospital's familiar, sterile scent filled the air as we walked in. All I wanted to do was see Kyle. As we entered the hospital, Brielle stood outside Kyle's ward, her posture tense, and her eyes scanning the corridor with a mix of anxiety and hope. She was wearing a worn gray sweatshirt and dark jeans. Her sneakers were scuffed, probably from walking around the hospital. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, and her face showed both exhaustion and determination. She looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes, but her expression was focused, a bit worried, and….hopeful. When she saw us, her face softened, and a glimmer of relief flickered in her eyes. 'Caleb!" she called out, her voice trembling. She ran up to me and hugged me tightly, her arms wrapping around me as if she was afraid I would disappear. I was taken aback, but quickly returned the embrace. I don't even remember the last time I hugged someone. 'The mission," she asked, her voice muffled against my shoulder. 'was it successful?" I gently pulled back, meeting her tear-filled eyes. 'Yes it was. We have the antidote." I said, trying to keep my voice steady. 'How is Kyle?" Her eyes welled with tears as she looked away, struggling to keep her composure. 'He's stable for now," she said, her voice cracking. 'But it's been an endless battle. The doctors have been doing everything they can, but..." I swallowed hard, feeling the lump in my throat grow. 'We need to get the antidote to him. Now." I said firmly. Brielle's gaze locked onto mine, a mix of happiness desperation shining through her tears. It was like she was saying, 'Thank you, Caleb. For doing this." 'Oh thank goodness." she said, her voice breaking. 'I want him to be fine Caleb….I want Kyle back…why does it have to be us…" She was on the verge of sobbing, and I hugged her again, patting her head. I ask myself the same question Brielle… and yet, I still don't know the answer. 'We're going to get through this," I said softly. 'Come on, let's get the antidote to him." I turned around and found Marcus staring at us, his eyes heavy ladden. He made a dramatic show of wiping his eyelids, and I snorted, glaring at him. Not the time. The three of us moved swiftly toward Kyle's ward, the tension building, but lifted slightly by the fragile thread of hope that Brielle's relief represented. We rushed to Kyle's ward. The sight of him lying in bed, pale and weak, was heart-wrenching. Marcus and I quickly prepared and administered the antidote. My hands were steady, but my mind raced with worry. 'Here's hoping this does the trick," Marcus said, glancing at me while I got down to pulling out the vials that the healer put together for us. 'I hope so," I said, my voice tight with concern. 'This has been a nightmare." And I wanted to wake up. So badly. Marcus took out a syringe, pouring the contents of the vials into it. Then, he found a suitable vein and punctured, releasing the contents into his system. We watched closely for any signs of change. I began to mutter all the prayers I knew. If this didn't work, all our efforts would have been wasted, and Kyle would…..die. None of us were prepared for such an outcome, so…prayers it is. Slowly, Kyle's skin, which had been so pale, started to show some color. His breathing became more regular, less erratic. Brielle let out a soft, relieved sob, covering her mouth with her hands. 'It's working," she whispered. 'He's getting better." Marcus exhaled deeply, a grin spreading across his face. 'Looks like we made it just in time. What a job well done ay?" I nodded, feeling the familiar wave of relief wash over me. 'Yeah," I said, scratching my head. 'I can't believe it's actually working." A mixture of herbs, no. Weird plants I had never seen before in my life, yes. Kyle's condition continued to improve. The mood in the room shifted from tense to hopeful. Brielle's tears turned into tears of joy. She gently rested her head on his heart, smiling at his heart rate. She would forever have her youthful cheeriness, and I loved it. She was a very sweet little sister, who loved her brother very much. A strange sensation spread out in my chest, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. Marcus and I exchanged looks of satisfaction. The antidote had worked, and Kyle was on the path to recovery. One down, a million more to go. After a while, the doctors came in to check on Kyle. Their expressions indicated he was indeed improving. Seeing them nod with approval was another relief. 'Well," Marcus said, clapping me on the back. 'We've done it. Time to get some rest." I nodded, feeling exhausted but content. I had one more question though. 'Yeah, we've earned it. It's been a long day. But how did you know this was going to work for sure?" He grinned, then burst into a full blown chuckle. 'I have traveled to many places Caleb. And I've acquired a whole lot of things. Like my sword, for example." The image of the sword flashed through my head immediately, and I just realized I didn't question it's abilities. 'Magic?" He nodded slowly. 'That's a discussion for another time mio fratello. For now, take good care of your family. I'll keep in touch." I stood there, dazed slightly. His entire aura had changed with that simple sentence. Nonetheless, I respected his decision, and waved him off as he left. He had helped us greatly, and I would reward him…soon. For now, my focus was on what actually mattered. Family. ***********************