Chapter 18 Rescue

David rushed in,his coat was all messed up: "What's the situation?"
"Blood oxygen saturation is dropping,the patient has fallen into a coma,and her heart has stopped...the situation is critical." The more dangerous the situation becomes,the more one must remain calm.
Eleanor's face had turned grayish-white,her lips were purple-black,no pulse could be felt and no heartbeat could be heard...
"Cardiac resuscitation."
David took a painful breath. He had never seen Eleanor so weak before. If he had cared for her a little more maybe things wouldn't have ended up like this.
A sense of sadness slowly spread from deep within him like ink dripping into clear water turning it black.
During the long rescue process,Eleanor's heartbeat gradually recovered as if coming back to life. She even opened her eyes slightly during this process.
The oxygen mask on her face produced a layer of white mist that made everything blurry and white. It triggered fear in her subconscious mind but when she caught sight of David she felt relieved. She wanted to talk to him but didn't have enough strength.
Pain deprived her of bodily freedom; she couldn't even move a finger.
David noticed that she was awake and immediately held onto her cold little hand: "Can you hear my voice Eleanor? You will get better and recover your health soon. Don't give up! Think about those who care for you - don't you love playing violin? When you are discharged I'll take you to a concert."
A crystal-clear tear rolled down from Eleanor's eye corner; David knew that she had heard him.
Eleanor tried hard to open her pale lips attempting to speak: "Qin...David..."
She was too weak; what came out was barely audible. David leaned closer with his ear only catching what sounded like "I'm in pain..."
He gritted his teeth to hold back the sourness in his heart. His eyes turned red as he wiped away the tears from Eleanor's temple: "It won't hurt for long,you have always been strong."
Eleanor blinked her eyes; everything was getting blurrier and she saw double images. She opened her mouth like a stranded fish trying hard to breathe. Her bloodless lips curved into a weak smile as she spoke hoarsely: "...Don't tell Sebastian about my illness."
Even in this situation,the person on her mind was still Sebastian. Why didn't she want him to know? People like Sebastian should bear lifelong regrets for their mistakes,living every day with guilt and restlessness.
"Okay,I promise." David replied.
Eleanor looked up at the dazzling surgical light above her head before slowly closing her eyes.
Various instruments were attached to Eleanor's emaciated body with tubes inserted everywhere. Before undergoing surgery for stomach cancer,it was necessary to wash out any undigested food from the stomach first. When David saw what had accumulated inside - pulp made of paper - his pupils reddened even more.
How could she eat something like that?
David instantly thought of Sebastian waiting outside the operating room.
He clenched his teeth tightly suppressing his heart-wrenching anger.
The operation wasn't successful; they barely managed to save Eleanor's life but even then it could disappear at any moment.
Eleanor was transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) where if there is no improvement within 48 hours,she would face danger again...
The door of the operating room opened and David walked out looking sharply at Sebastian without saying anything initially.
Sebastian tried lifting one foot after another towards him asking about Eleanor's condition but both feet felt heavy as if filled with lead making it impossible for him even take a step forward properly
David approached him and punched him hard on his face without holding back any strength. Sebastian staggered back a few steps.
He tilted his head,fists clenched tightly on both sides of his thighs,repeating the same question: "How is Eleanor?"
"Thanks to you she's not dead but lost half her life and is now at death's door."
David's words were like a steel needle piercing through his throat causing dull pain. His vision turned black and he couldn't even breathe properly.
Looking at Sebastian's pained expression,David sarcastically said: "You are the one who caused this result. What right do you have to pretend to be in pain? You don't need to worry about Eleanor anymore; go care for those who needs you."