The Girl Named Mirage

After 5 hours of operation, Dr. Travis walks out of the operating room. Don Augustus immediately stood up from his seat while Nicolo adjusted his eyes from being closed for too long. And he’s still a little bit dizzy from all the blood he gives out today. He feels totally lightweight at the moment.

“Alright, we have finished the procedures without any problem. ” Dr. Travis said as he wiped off some stray sweat from his face with the back of his hand.

” So, how is she, son? ”

Dr. Travis smiles weakly as he’s totally beat up.

” The operation is a success, Gramps. She’s going to be okay. ”

” You’re really good at what you do, huh? ”

Dr. Travis accepts the high five from Nicolo with a grin.

” Of course. She needs to get better because I’m going to treat her somewhere when she wakes up. ”

” Seriously? What for? ”

” To express my gratitude! Because she’s the reason you call me after 25 freaking years! ”

Nicolo faced-palm. He literally walks away to save his face from Travis’ teasing. Travis laughed heartily as he missed Nicolo so much. Don Augustus smiles weakly.

” Hey! Where do you think you’re going? ”

” I’m gonna wait for her at the VIP room and sleep rather than spend time talking to you! ”

Dr. Travis laughed and shook his head.

” You’re still the same, Nicolo. Same old stubborn Nick. ”

Dr. Travis whispered with a smile as he watched Nicolo’s back disappear from around the corner.

” Hey… Thanks. ”

Don Augustus hugs him tight. Travis returns it and he can hear Don Augustus sniffling on his shirt. After Travis breaks the hug, Don Augustus takes off his glasses. Travis looks at Don Augustus with concern.

” It seems that this case has been quite hard for you to handle. It must have been stressing you out for too long, Gramps. ”

The old man shook his head.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

” This is the price I’ve had to pay. ”

And he quietly walked away. Dr Travis breathed out, looking up as he placed his both hands on either side of his waist. And then he looked at his grandfather who was walking away with his shoulders slumped. The mighty and powerful business tycoon was down and powerless.

Nicolo headed to the VIP room with a smirk. There, he was welcomed by the baby cries. Mrs. Powell was sent back to the Philippines so a nurse was requested to take care of the baby for the meantime.

” Hey, sweetie, what’s the matter? Your mommy will be here in a minute. She’s safe now. She still needs to rest though. ”

He bends down and smiles warmly at the baby who’s lying on the crib near the hospital bed. The baby, still crying, reached out her little hands and touched Nicolo’s face. He was caught off guard by the tiny gesture. He slowly picked her up and laid her head on his chest. The baby yawns.

” Oh. You sleepy head. ”

Nicolo then started to sway and rock the baby to sleep. The nurse with the feeding bottle came from the room’s kitchen and was a bit amazed when he saw Nicolo with the baby.

” I thought she was hungry. She’s been crying non-stop earlier and however I rock her to sleep or play with her, she just won’t stop crying. ”

She looks apologetic that she can’t do something to stop the baby from crying.

” Maybe she missed her Mom. She’ll always be so quiet whenever she can see her mom or she’s just beside her. She seems at peace even though her Mom’s unconscious. ”

” She’s comfortable enough even just with her Mom’s presence. ”

” I think so, too. ”

Nicolo can’t help but smile while looking at the sleeping baby. The door opens and Travis’ brows are lifted up in amusement.

” What an admirable uncle you are, Nick. ”

” Shut up. ”

Nicolo hissed and he gave a threatening stare to tell Travis to keep quiet. Travis laughs softly, careful not to make too much noise that will wake the baby. Don Augustus shakes his head watching his two grandsons bickering. He was so glad that they’re finally okay. That they’re finally able to talk to each other. They really missed each other. A lot

Mirage who was being pushed by the other hospital staff arrived and they transferred her to her hospital bed. Everyone leaves after they complete the setup except for Dr. Travis.

Then they heard the nurse entering again, they all turned their heads towards her. She greeted them, walked over and handed Euphemia’s baby bag and clothes. She placed the diaper bag next to the dresser. Said goodbye and left the room. Travis and Nicolo glanced back at Mirage. She was asleep. She looks so beautiful.

” She really looks like your Grandma when she’s young. ”

Don Augustus sadly states after he walks slowly beside her bed. Travis and Nicolo remain at a loss for words. They have lots of questions but they can’t put themselves to speak. After a while, someone knocked on the door.

” Sir, it’s me. Adams. ”

” Come in. ”

He opened the door and their gaze dropped at the papers he was holding. He entered and closed the door behind him. He simply gave them to the old man. Don Augustus examined the papers and it suddenly began to shake, his hands were trembling.

” She really is… my granddaughter, Mirage. ”

The doctor caught his breath. He couldn’t believe it. Though they already have a good feeling about her, he still couldn’t help his astonishment. He really did. She was indeed their cousin. The same one who was lost all those years ago. He didn’t know how to react. His heart beat fast and made his eyes water. He wiped the tears, trying to compose himself.

However, he doesn’t want to ruin the moment. So he still kept quiet.

Dr. Travis sat on the empty seats and they were silent, only staring at Mirage. She slept peacefully like nothing happened.

” I’m so sorry. ”

Don Augustus said quietly, breaking the silence. Travis just shakes his head and smiles a bit.

” It’s alright, Gramps. Everything is fine now. ”

And he means everything.

… or maybe not.