Time To Save You!
Ruth Madison

St. Thomas Medical Care, North Carolina, USA. 23 June 2020

"Laura!" call a guy in a denim jacket. He half ran towards a girl standing in front of the glass of a room. "What's Ruth's condition? Is there progress?" tanyakanya.

The woman named Laura nodded. "Yet. He just keeps going like that. His condition's not getting better."

"Oh my God..."

"What brings you here? Is your job done? I haven't heard the news that the man Ruth was chasing was caught."

"That guy's been caught, just now. I wanted to tell Ruth because she would be so happy. But unfortunately he was still unconscious." The man looked at the woman lying in the hospital's ICU room gurney. "He shouldn't have worked that hard. I'm sorry I didn't stop it."

"Alright, Harold. It's all happening."

Harold, the man smiled. "Looks like we should go back to the unit's office now. Austin will be holding a press conference soon after the man's investigation is completed tonight."

"alright. Come on."

The two men eventually leave, leaving the woman they call Ruth, alone in the ICU. Ruth had been lying there for almost a month. His eyes were not yet open, but he was able to hear the sounds of medical devices around him, as well as doctors and nurses who visited him every day.

Ruth was awake in her subconscious, but she had no idea what was happening. Ruth was confused, her soul was tossed about, caught in the alternating darkness and light. Ruth just kept walking, running, and ended up in the same place. Ruth was frustrated, she was getting weaker. Ruth wanted to scream, but she couldn't even hear her own voice.

"Get me out of here..."

"Someone, help me..."

****

Ruby Avenue North Carolina USA. 28 June 2020

It was felt in a two-story house that night. Five people came, greeting the owner of the house who also welcomed them warmly in front of the main door. The owner of the house was a husband and wife in their sixty years. Both are famous for being friendly in the housing complex, not once twice inviting many people to just eat dinner and enliven their big house.

"Please come in, Harold, Laura."

"Thank you, Uncle. It's been a long time since I've been visiting."

The hospitality continued all the way inside, where dozens of dinner menus had been served on the table. Anna and Jose as the house started the dinner, interspersed with casual conversation between them.

"We are very grateful to you, because the man was finally caught also after being chased by Ruth for months," said Jose.

"Yes, Uncle. We are also very grateful that this long task has been completed. Although... Ruth can't be with us here yet."

"I wish Ruth all the best, Uncle, Auntie. Once he returns, he will definitely receive a lot of welcome and appreciation for his dedication. You must be so proud of him."

"Ruth has always been our pride" Anna said this time. He added a few pieces of meat to Laura and Harold's plate. "Then how's the culprit? What punishment did he receive?"

"The murders he committed fall into the heavy and planned category, Auntie. Prosecutors are charging him with the death penalty or life imprisonment."

"Ah, I think it's worth it, even if his life won't come back."

"Yes, Aunt. That's the only punishment law enforcement gave him."

"Where are Emma and Liam? Why aren't they here?" Harold slightly changed the subject.

"They're camping in Las Vegas, maybe all of you want to unwind. Lately they've been very sad and depressed about missing Ruth."

The five men understood how sad the ever-warm family was when one of its members fought death in the ICU room last month. Doctors have even ruled that Ruth's brain injury left her with little hope of survival. Right now, Ruth's family is only expecting a miracle from God.

THE DRRT!

THE DRTT!

"Oh, a minute."

"Hello?"

"..."

"Yes. Did something happen to my son?" Jose sounded panicked, making the entire dining table's attention on him. Obviously it was a call from the hospital.

"..."

"..."

"What's? Oh God!"

"good. We'll be there soon."

****

St. Thomas Medical Care, North Carolina, USA. 28 June 2020

Jose and Anna did not let go of the link of their hands, walking with uncertain feelings towards Ruth's nursery. Anna was about to cry on the street when Jose forwarded a message from a nurse at the hospital saying Ruth had regained consciousness.

Ten minutes later, they finally reached the destination room. Without lingering any longer, Anna quickly ran over, scattering at Ruth, hugging her son tightly. Ruth had opened her eyes, though she still looked confused on top of the bed gurney.

"Ruth..."

"Oh my God, how are you, honey?" Anna kisses Ruth's forehead, along with Jose, who also hugs her beloved son. "We missed you, Ruth. Thank goodness you're finally back."

Silent then, only the three of them stared at each other, especially Ruth who stared blankly at her parents. The girl looked very confused, making Anna finally ask, "are you okay? Oh, all right, I'll call the doctor," he said.

Anna rushed out of the room, leaving Jose there. "Is anyone sick? Why do you look confused? You must be surprised, Ruth."

Ruth nodded slowly. "You... who?"

Jose speechless.

"I... Where is it? What is this place?" Ruth spread her gaze throughout the room, her forehead shrinking. He really wasn't playing with that expression.

Jose then approached, aligning his height with Ruth lying down. "Ruth, it's me, Jose, your father. How can you not remember?"

"My-my dad?" Ruth spoke a little. "I don't remember. I don't. I know you."

"You..."

"Oh, Doctor." Jose did not continue their conversation, because the doctor and nurse had come along with Anna who had called them.

"What's wrong?" Anna looked at Jose's changed expression.

Jose just shook his head. "Ruth was acting strange. I don't understand."

"Miss Ruth Madison, do you feel anything hurt in your head?" asked the doctor after checking Ruth's vital condition.

"R-Ruth Madison?"

"Yes, Miss Ruth Madison, you've been in a coma for over a month. Now, do you feel anything? Tell me, anything." The doctor repeated his question more thoroughly, but Ruth again looked confused.

Ruth closed her eyes for a moment. "No. Who is Ruth Madison?"

"My name is Lucy Ainsley."