Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

[Hospital]

As soon as their plane landed, Andrew and Rachael rushed to the hospital when they received an urgent call from Ben regarding grandma Collins.

When they arrived at the hospital, the situation did not look very promising.

"It's just a matter of time," The hospice nurse informed them. "We are trying to make her feel as comfortable as we can."

Rachael tightened her grip on Andrew's hand as she looked at him. He had been exceptionally quiet after receiving the news.

Even though both of them knew they would have to face this situation in the future, they weren't prepared, especially Andrew.

"Can we see her?" Andrew asked the nurse.

"Yes you can," the nurse nodded. "You can stay with her as long as you want. And if you need anything, I'll be right here."

When the nurse walked away, Rachael gently caressed Andrew's arm to comfort him. "Lets go—"

"I can't—" he muttered as he sat on the nearest bench. He wanted to go inside and talk to his grandma but he was scared as he knew it would be the last time he could talk to her.

Since the day the doctor informed him about her deteriorating condition, Andrew had been slowly preparing himself for the worst. But now that the day had finally come, he realized that he wasn't ready. He wasn't ready to face reality.

Rachael sat next to him and wrapped her arms around his. "I know it's hard but we have to be there for her. She needs us right now Andrew, especially you."

When he did not say anything, she rested her head on his shoulder and tightened her grip around his hand.

In a situation like this, people always have a hard time trying to find the right words of comfort. Rachael was going through the same thing. All she could do was stay with him and make sure he knows he isn't alone. She would always be there for him.

After a few minutes, the nurse came out of the cabin. "Sir, your grandmother is conscious now and she is looking for you."

When Andrew tightened his grip around Rachael's hand, she looked at the nurse and said, "Give us a minute please."

"Sure." The nurse walked away.

"Let's go." Rachael gently tugged his sleeves, encouraging him to go inside.

When he got up, she wrapped her arms around his. "Don't worry, I'll always be right beside you."

...

[Inside]

When they entered the room, grandma Collins was lying on the bed with her eyes half open. But as soon as she saw Andrew and Rachael, she slowly opened her eyes as she smiled at them.

Rachael forced herself to smile at her as her eyes teared up. She looked much thinner and paler than the last time she saw her.

"Come here—" Grandma Collins mumbled as she extended her frail arm towards Andrew.

Andrew quickly looked away and wiped the tear from the corner of his eyes before walking towards her.

Without saying anything, he gently pressed her frail hand in between his palm.

"It's time, grandma has to leave now."

He kissed the back of her hand. He wanted to say something but he couldn't.

"Andrew—" When he looked at her, grandma Collins said, "Your grandpa and I want to apologise to you. We are sorry for not being able to protect you. We should have tried harder, we should have brought you home. But we—"

"Don't apologize," Andrew stopped her. "It wasn't your fault, I have never blamed you or grandpa."

"Your grandpa always regretted letting you go and so did I—" A tear trickled down from the corner of her eyes. "You did not deserve all of that. Frederick and Lisa did not deserve that. But your grandpa and I couldn't do anything, we couldn't."

"Please forgive us—please," she mumbled in between her sobs.

Andrew pressed her hand on his forehead and sobbed along with her.

"Please don't go—please don't leave me," he begged.

He knew it was an irrational wish but he couldn't help it. He felt helpless, he felt desperate. He had already lost enough, he wasn't ready to lose another important person in his life.

"Silly—" Grandma Collins smiled. "Death is a part of living, no one can avoid it. I have lived a very long life. Now it's time for me to reunite with your grandfather, mother and father."

She then looked at Rachael. "Come here—"

Rachael wiped her tears with the back of her hand and approached her.

"You are a very beautiful and lovely woman Rachael—" she remarked. "Too bad I couldn't spend more time with you."

She then grabbed her hand. "Please take care of my grandson. I am leaving him in your hands now. I know he can be hard at times but he is a very kind and loving person."

When Rachael nodded, she looked at both of them simultaneously. "You both should take care of each other. Never stop loving and trusting each other. My last wish is for you both to live a long, happy and healthy life."

...

[Two hours later]

"Hey, are you okay?" Elsa approached Rachael who was standing near the entrance of the room.

When she nodded, Elsa sighed and wrapped her hands around her shoulder. "It's gonna be okay, she is going to a better peaceful place."

Meanwhile, Owen and Justin were sitting with Andrew, trying their best to comfort him.

"Everything will be okay—" Owen placed his hand on Andrew's thigh. "I know how you feel right now and I also know that nothing will make you better. But I just want you to know that you are not alone, at least not this time."

"Yes, we all are here for you, especially Rachael," Justin added. "You are not going through this alone."

Andrew sighed and nodded.

Just then Rachael's parents and George arrived.

When they approached him, Andrew quickly got up.

Michael sighed and gave him a hug. "Everything will be okay, don't worry."

....