John's POV
I was rounding up at the office, ready to head home, when my phone buzzed with an unknown number. I ignored it the first time, but when it rang again, I picked up.
A shaky voice broke through.
"Caleb… he fell," the caller sniffed, breaking into sobs.
"Take him to St. Mary's Hospital. I'll meet you there!" I barked into the phone.
"Okay… we're on our way," she said quickly before cutting the line.
I dropped everything I was doing and rushed to the hospital.
When I arrived, my heart nearly stopped. My brother lay lifeless, soaked in his own blood. My knees buckled, but I forced myself forward. The doctor rushed to me and said Caleb needed immediate surgery, a broken hand, a head injury, a fractured hip, twisted ankle.
I collapsed to the ground, sobbing.
Then I turned to Sarah and her dance partner, grabbed her hands tightly, and demanded, "Tell me everything. Don't leave anything out."
Her voice trembled. "I was practicing with Jack when a call came in. I didn't pick up at first, but then I saw a text from Caleb." She showed me her phone.
'I have a surprise for you. I'll wait on the rooftop so we can meditate for a while.'
My chest tightened, my fist trembling.
"When we finished practice, I went to the rooftop. Caleb wasn't there. I found a wrapped gift instead. I thought maybe he got tired of waiting and left. I tried calling him, but his line was unreachable. Then Jack called me, he, he said Caleb was on the ground. I rushed down. That was when I called you." and Jack drove us here. She broke down, sniffling, nose red.
My thoughts spiraled. Caleb… I told you to be careful meditating up there. Oh Lord, please, don't take my baby brother away from me.
Jack's voice startled me. "I'll get going."
"Thank you," I said quietly.
"I'll drop you at home, Sarah," he offered.
She shook her head. "Thanks, Jack, but I'll stay with Caleb." She hugged him before he left.
The night dragged on painfully. Nurses hurried back and forth while Sarah and I sat crying. I couldn't even bring myself to call Mom.
After 18 grueling hours, the doctor finally emerged. Sarah and I rushed to him.
"How is he? Is he okay? Please tell me he'll be fine!" I begged.
"We've done everything we can. Caleb is in a coma. Now, we wait for him to wake up."
"Can we see him, please?" Sarah asked, her voice breaking.
Inside, my heart shattered. Caleb lay pale and swollen, tubes and machines keeping him alive. I wept uncontrollably, Sarah rubbing my back.
Eventually, I called Mom. She arrived swiftly, stormed into Caleb's ward, and, without a word, slapped me.
"Don't you ever keep something like this from me again!" she hissed.
"I'm sorry, Mother," I mumbled, rubbing my stinging cheek.
She turned to Sarah. "Don't you have a concert tomorrow?"
"Yes, ma'am," Sarah whispered.
"Then go home, rest, and prepare. Come see him after it's done."
"But Mrs. Dean, I can't leave him like this—"
"He is my son. I know he'll be fine. You should go." Her tone was sharp, leaving no room for protest.
She forced tears to her eyes and muttered, "Caleb, my love, please wake up soon. I can't wait to tell you about the concert you helped me prepare for."
Smiling faintly, she added, "Okay, Mrs. Dean, I'll head home now. Please take care of yourself." Then she kissed Caleb's forehead before leaving reluctantly.
Mom stood by his bed, eyes narrowed. "This doesn't look like an accident. Something happened to my son… and I'll find out what."
Author's POV
Finally, Sarah thought as she walked out of the hospital, that smell was driving me crazy. Honestly, I should win an award for acting. Carmen Dean suspects me, but that's fine. The more I cry, the more irritated she gets. Perfect.
Three months have passed since Caleb's fall. Mrs. Dean, John, Mr. Dean, and Sarah took turns caring for him. The whole family trusted Sarah, everyone except Mrs. Dean.
Mrs. Dean's POV
On my way to the hospital, my phone rang.
"Oh, Lulu, my darling. How are you?" I answered warmly.
"I'm fine, Mother. Are you free today? I'd like to talk about Caleb's health."
"I'll be at the hospital. Come by after work."
"Okay, Mrs. Dean. Take care of yourself." She giggled.
"You too, dear," I said before hanging up.
I stopped by my husband's office first, forcing him to eat the food I'd brought. That man would starve if I let him. Once satisfied, I left for the hospital.
Inside Caleb's room, I found Lulu chatting with John.
"Oh, Lulu, you're here already," I smiled. She jumped up and hugged me tightly.
"How are you holding up, Mrs. Dean?" she asked gently.
"Strong as always, waiting for my boy to wake up." I pulled away, brushed Caleb's hair, and sighed deeply.
"Mrs. Dean," Lulu began hesitantly, "I know you might not believe me, but… there's a doctor at my hospital. His name is Darren Smith. He's a pediatrician, but also a… dream healer."
"A what?" I asked sharply.
"He helps people heal through their dreams. Do you remember when my cousin had that accident two years ago? Someone introduced Darren to my aunt. At first, I didn't even know we worked in the same hospital, but within weeks, my cousin got better."
"John," I said quickly, "take his details and run a full background check before I even consider bringing him near my son."
Forty-eight hours passed. I was still wrestling with the idea when the door swung open.
"Mom," John greeted, walking in. "I finished checking Darren Smith. He's legitimate, a respected pediatrician and a dream healer. I even found dozens of testimonies. People swear by him."
I frowned. "But how does he heal people in their dreams?"
"It's some kind of ability. He connects with patients through personal objects or touch. When he sleeps, he enters their dreams and helps them heal faster than any medicine could. Mom… Caleb has been lying here for three months. Let's give him a chance."
I hesitated, then finally nodded. "Fine. I'll have my driver bring him here."
Just then, Sarah walked in.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Dean. Good afternoon, John," she greeted politely before hurrying to Caleb's side. She leaned over, touching his forehead.
"I dreamt you woke up, Caleb. Please, my love, don't keep me waiting. We're all here." She smiled faintly, eyes brimming with fake tears.