Ivy had slipped back into unconsciousness by the time she was wheeled into the general ward, her complexion ghostly pale.
Alyssa and Dean, well into their twilight years, watched over Ivy as she lay quietly in her hospital bed, their hearts aching with every silent moment.
âMy poor Ivy, what cruel twist of fate has befallen you? Always so dedicated to her acting, why does she keep getting pushed around?â Alyssa lamented, her heart going out to Ivy, whom she cherished as her own flesh and blood.
The sight before her was too much, and tears began to spill from her eyes.
Dean wrapped his wife in a comforting embrace, gently patting her shoulder and wiping away her tears.
âNow, now, my dear, you mustnât take on so. Weâre not as young as we used to be, are we? Our bodies canât take this kind of strain.â
Hearing his grandfatherâs words, Balfour stood to console her as well. âGrandma, why donât you and Grandpa-head home and get some rest? Iâll stay here and keep watch.â
The elderly couple couldnât afford to linger in the hospital for too long. The atmosphere, dense with infirmity, was no good for their aging bodies.
Balfour had always been mindful to limit their time at the hospital. Todayâs visit was an exception, prompted only because they had learned of the incident before he was even aware, thousands of miles away.
Alyssa freed herself from her husbandâs arm and approached the bedside once more, taking Ivyâs cool hand into her own warm grasp.
âLook at this, her hand is still so cold. How has she come to suffer so greatly? Balfour, do you truly believe this was just an accident?â There was a serious shift in Alyssaâs tone as she addressed Balfour.
âYouâre suggesting?â Balfour inquired, a hint of worry lacing his voice.
âWith all the strange incidents on the set lately, I refuse to believe this was mere happenstance,â she stated with conviction.
It was clear from her words that if age hadnât been a factor, she would have marched right down to the set with Dean in tow to confront whoever was responsible for harming her granddaughter-in-law.
âDonât worry, Grandma. Your words have reminded me to be vigilant. I wonât overlook any detail until we get to the bottom of this. You and Grandpa go on home and rest; Iâve got things under control here.â
In the presence of his grandparents, Balfour found a reservoir of patience.
He believed that as people got older, they resembled children more, and that patience was key when addressing them.
Dean, too, coaxed his wife, and she finally agreed to leave.
Having sat in the hospitalâs chilling embrace for hours, Alyssa already felt the cold seeping into her bones.
Once Balfour had arranged their ride home, he took a seat beside Ivy with a heavy heart.
âAre you still angry with me?â he whispered, holding her hand.
âI know youâre the kind of woman who keeps it all inside, but I can tell youâre upset. And Iâm angry too, angry that you wouldnât trust me. Wake up, Ivy. Letâs clear the air, forgive and forget everything thatâs been said. Iâll pretend you never said those words.â
Balfourâs greatest regret at that moment was not having had a proper talk with Ivy about their relationship before he left for his trip abroad.
He had left in such a hurry, and now here she was, eyes closed, lying in a hospital bed.
He sighed deeply, wishing he could trade places with her. At least then, Ivy wouldnât be the one suffering, right?