Chapter 39: Fault

The doctor came out of the room, his face pale and worn, tension written all over his features. He pulled off his gloves with a sigh, and that alone made everyone spring to their feet. Anxiety thickened the air. They all rushed to him, hope and fear tangled in their eyes. "How is he?" Joseph asked, his voice low and shaking, his heart pounding like a drum against his ribs. The doctor looked around the group, clearly searching for someone specific. "I need to speak to his family. Are his parents here?" Dorah, red-eyed and trembling, stepped forward. "We're all his family," she cried out, her voice cracking under the weight of emotion. "So whatever it is, just say it here." "Hey, babe, chill," Ronald said, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "I just can't help it," she sobbed. "I want to see him fine. I can't bear it." Joseph, his patience fraying, stepped closer. "Please… just say it. How's my son?" The doctor looked at him, then around at the anxious faces. "We ran into complications..." he began, his voice heavy. Gasps filled the hallway. Dorah staggered back slightly. "...But he's fine now. Stable. He'll be moved to the ward soon." A wave of relief swept over the group. Dorah sank into the nearest chair like her knees had given way. "Thank God," she whispered, exhaling a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Everyone seemed to breathe in unison, a collective sigh of release. The doctor turned to Joseph. "Are you his father?" "Yes," Joseph replied quickly. "Come with me. Let's talk in my office." "I'm coming," Joseph nodded and followed behind him, his legs feeling heavier with every step. Later, in a quiet hallway, Agnes approached Joseph with two steaming cups of coffee. She handed one to him wordlessly. "Thank you," he said quietly, accepting it. She settled beside him. "You okay?" He stared ahead, eyes watching the movement of hospital staff and visitors without really seeing them. "I don't know." She took a sip from her cup and waited. "I was actually scared," he said suddenly, his voice raw. "I thought I'd lose him... What would Rose think of me?" He paused, clenching the cup tightly. "The doctor said Jace might need to see a psychologist. If things keep going this way..." His words trailed off. "It's not your fault," Agnes said gently. "None of this is. He didn't do it because someone forced him. It just happened. He's strong… and he's still here. That's what matters." Joseph let out a shaky breath and leaned into her slightly. Silent tears ran down his face as he buried his face in her shoulder. Agnes wrapped her arms around him, holding him firmly. "It's okay. He's going to be okay," she whispered. Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Ronald stirred as he felt Dorah's fingers twitch against his. He had placed his head beside hers, watching over her while she rested. "Hey... you're awake?" he asked, straightening up. She gave a soft hum as he helped her sit up. "Jace..." she whispered and started to rise. "Babe, stop," Ronald said, gently holding her down. "You need to rest. You can see him later." "No... I need to see him. I need to know for myself," she insisted, struggling slightly. "And you think he'd be happy to see you like this? Look at you..... you're drained. He's still unconscious anyway. Just rest a bit more, okay?" She hesitated… then slowly relented, settling back into the bed. Inside Jace's room, he was propped up on the bed, looking better though still pale. Miranda sat beside him, trying to feed him with a spoon. "You seriously don't need to feed me. I'm fine," Jace said, reaching for the spoon. "Nope," Miranda replied, pulling the spoon out of his reach with a playful smile. "You're not stressing yourself. Doctor's orders." She raised a spoonful to his lips. "Awwwwn," came the exaggerated cooing from across the room. Max, Jason, Ronald, Dorah now perched on Jason's lap, Emma, and Prudence were all lounging nearby, watching. "Shut up," Jace said with a smile. "Dorah, what are you doing on his lap?" Jace asked, frowning. "There's no more place to sit," she shrugged. "You should focus on eating. Stop being a jealous freak," Miranda said teasingly, rolling her eyes. Ronald picked up the remote and turned on the television. A news anchor appeared, reporting about the interschool competition. "...The Young Star band officially withdrew from the competition after the unfortunate incident involving their lead singer..." Ronald immediately switched off the TV. Silence fell. Miranda quietly packed up the warmer and placed it on the table beside Jace's bed. "You guys really dropped out?" Jace asked, guilt creeping into his voice. "If it were you, would you still go ahead and perform while one of us was lying unconscious?" Max asked, raising an eyebrow. Jace looked down, silence heavy on his shoulders. "I'm sorry," he said, voice cracking. "I didn't think I'd act like that. I've never stepped on a stage since Mum died. I never expected to... freeze, or pass out like that..." Tears glimmered in his eyes. Miranda took his hand gently, caressing his knuckles. "I'm sorry, guys. I didn't mean to ruin it for everyone." "Shut it," Ronald cut in. "It's not your fault. And we chose to drop out. Simple." "Besides, who needs another win?" Jason added, trying to lighten the mood. "Winning all the time is boring." Dorah chuckled. "You talk like you're the MVP." "You're kidding, right?" Max asked, mock offended. "Do you know how many awards we've racked up? We're not just a band,we're Young Star. The original flower boys. You can't relate, baby girl." "Duh," Dorah rolled her eyes. "Who even let you guys in here?" Miranda said suddenly, feigning seriousness. Everyone turned to her. "Yeah, I was wondering that too," Jace said with mock curiosity. "How did this many people get into the ward?" He and Miranda looked away dramatically, ignoring the guys. "Are you two joking right now?" Dorah asked, now clearly annoyed. "Relax," Jason said, patting her back. "They're just messing around." Jace and Miranda exchanged mischievous grins. "But for real, how are you all even here?" Jace asked again. Ronald winked. "I have my ways." "Dude, you always have your ways," Jace said, making a funny face, and they all burst into laughter.