Chapter 3 Truth Or Deception

Truth Or Deception

"Oh dear, please don't be afraid, I am only here to help not harm you". The stranger said, trying to move closer to her bed.

"Don't come any closer". She shouted, making her stop.

"You don't look like a doctor or a nurse... who exactly are you?". She said, her voice filled with fear.

The woman standing in front of her looked to be in her early fifties, with a few wrinkles on her heart shaped face. Her brown hair was styled in a simple ponytail leaving only a few strands of white hair. For some reason she looked sad and pale like someone who hadn't gotten a proper sleep in a long time.

"The doctor warned me that memory loss was a possibility after your accident. But I didn't expect it to be this bad". She shook her head slowly.

"I.. I'm sorry, I still don't know who you are".

"I am the sister of your dear mother, you can call me Miranda Sanchez". Miranda said, a warm smile on her face

"Wait, that means you're like my aunt right?". She asked and Miranda nodded.

"That also means you know who I am, where I come from and what happened to me?". She asked, her eyes searching Miranda's face for answers.

"Yes, I can explain everything to you. But now isn't the time, you need to rest and recover first". Miranda Insisted.

"Please, I feel like I'm losing my mind right now. Just tell me the truth, I promise I'll take it no matter how hard it is". She pleaded

Miranda stared at her with eyes full of sympathy, she remained quiet for a few minutes and then she pulled up a chair and sat next to her bed.

"Your name is Isabella." She started "You're the daughter of Mateo and Almira Sanchez".

"Isabella..... Sanchez". She repeated, her brow furrowed.

"On the night when the accident happened

six months ago, I received a phone call from my sister Almira. I won't deny I was surprised at first. It was already so late at night and it wasn't like her to call at that time". Miranda paused, tears welling up her eyes.

"When I finally picked up the phone, the voice on the other end told me that my sister had been involved in an accident along with her husband and daughter and they'd all been taken to the hospital."

"Hold on". She interrupted, her eyes widened in shock "My parents were involved in the accident too?"

Miranda nodded slowly. "When I finally arrived at the hospital, I wasn't allowed to see my sister or any of you because you were in critical condition. All I could do was wait and hope that everyone would be okay".

"And...and then what happened". She whispered, tears rolling her cheeks.

"And then the police came, they had few questions to ask". Miranda continued "And they told me that the cause of the accident.....was a collision between the taxi your family entered and a truck".

"A truck?". She repeated, her face pale as realization dawned on her.

"Yes dear. Apparently, the taxi you were driving in was travelling along the highway. And the man driving the truck he....he was driving drunk that night". Miranda explained

"His reckless mistake caused the accident between the both vehicles." She sighed "The taxi lost control and fell out of the highway and crashed out onto the bridge below.

She remained quiet for a while, trying to think of anything she could remember on the night of her accident.

"The....the driver, did the police catch him? Is he already in custody". She asked, her eyes still fixed on Miranda's.

"The police investigation concluded it was an accident, the driver didn't survive the explosion from the truck either. I guess what they say is true, you reap what you sow".

"And my parents? How are they doing? Have they woken up yet?." She asked, her eyes filled with hope

A shadow of guilt crossed Miranda's face as she slowly turned away from her.

"When....when can I see them?". She stammered.

Tears welled up Miranda's eyes.

"Aunt Miranda, are you okay? you look really upset".

"Isabella dear, I think I've already said enough for today. It's time for you to rest now, I'll come visit you another day". Miranda said, holding back her tears

"There's no way I'll be able to rest until I find out the truth. So please, don't keep me in the dark anymore". She said, gently placing her weak hand on Miranda's shaky fingers.

"Oh Isabella, I really wish I didn't have to tell you this". Miranda sighed "The accident that sent you to a coma and damaged your body, it.... It also killed your parents".

"What? No, that's impossible, it isn't true...it can't be true". She stammered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"I know this isn't easy for you to hear but it's the truth. The Doctors did all they could to save them, but it was just too late".

"No, no, no. You're just saying that to...to..." She held onto her chest, gasping for air.

"Isabella, oh God, Bella". Miranda panicked, gently shaking her shoulder.

"Somebody, please help us.....we need help here..... Miranda shouted at the top of her voice.

Doctor Leonard rushed into the room, followed by nurse Daisy.

"Miss, can you hear me". He called, his eyes carefully checking her pulse.

She didn't respond but continued gasping for air. He turned to the Nurse "We need to stabilize her condition immediately".

Nurse Daisy nodded, rushing out of the room the same way she came.

"Doc...Doctor, what's happening to her". Miranda asked

"She's experiencing severe respiratory distress, and her oxygen level is dropping. We need to sedate her immediately". He explained

"But Doctor, she just woke up from a coma. Isn't there any other way to help her".

"Ma'am, I understand that you're worried about your niece. But if we don't stabilize her immediately, I am afraid her condition will become worse".

As soon as the Nurse returned to the room, Doctor Leonard injected the sedative into her drip. He continued to monitor her until her breathing finally slowed down and her eyes began to close gradually.