A Night To Remember

SALLY

I just ended an hour and forty-five seconds call with Dad and Morgan. I can't help but smile broadly as I recall her chatty voice.

Morgan is the result of the one-night wild party I attended thirteen years ago. I threw my phone into my bag as I got into my old convertible, a second-hand model.

I cranked the engine, and it gave one loud, smoky sound before finally gliding down the dusty path. My life in the past thirteen years has been nothing short of goodness. After Morgan's birth, I moved to the bustling city to get started in life.

My little earnings from my job as a clerical staff in one of the prestigious companies in New York have been able to make life comfortable for my father, Morgan, Leslie, and me as well.

A soft beep sound drew my gaze to the dashboard. I was running low on gas and if I don't get a refill, I'll be stuck.

"Shoot!!!" I exclaimed through my teeth when the car started acting up. Luckily, I caught sight of a gas station a few meters away. Sucking in a breath and praying inwardly that the car doesn't stop running, I pedal towards the station. The car breaks down just at the entrance of the station.

I released a soft exhale and lowered my head on the steering wheel. I took some money from my purse, picked a can from the back seat, and jogged down to get some gas.

All done.

My gas tank is filled and I'm ready to continue my journey. It's the weekend, and I always spend the weekend with Dad and Morgan. Leslie comes home only on Sundays.

I decided to pull over at a mall and get some chocolate bars for Morgan and also a bottle of liquor for Dad.

"Good evening," I flashed a smile at the pretty, dark woman sitting behind the counter. She flashes a sweet smile in return.

Her eyes skate through the items I've got, and then she names the bills.

"That would cost €30," She smiles and I nod while digging through my bag for money.

I paid up and I made my way out. My phone chimed in my back pockets, almost startling me. I reached out for it.

My brows furrowed in curiosity, seeing 'Papa', a name which I have used to save Dad's contact.

Why was he calling again?

I just ended a call with him an hour ago, what could be so urgent. I wondered as the ringtone died down and the call ended.

The phone rang again as soon as the first call ended. This time around, I flew out of my skin cos it startled me.

The phone almost slipped off my fingers. My heartbeat accelerated tremendously as I struggled to catch my breath. I stared at the caller ID, It was Dad again.

"Get your shit out of the road!!!" A mad driver hollered aggressively at me. I didn't realize that I had gone into the road without looking. I was all lost in thoughts as I needed to cross over to the other side to get to my car.

I quickly muttered an apology which the driver didn't hear.

"What's up, Dad?" I answer the phone in a panicked tone. First, I hear unsteady breaths from the other end as though he was struggling to get something off his chest.

"Dad, What is going on?" The silence from the other end confirmed my fears. Something is up.

"Morgan.... I can't find Morgan," He finally responded. His voice was thicker and heavier. Things spun quickly around me as the news hit.

I felt a nauseous wave course through my whole body as my hands trembled.

"H... How is that possible? Where is Morgan, Dad?" I almost half-yelled.

My Dad starts sobbing, "I can't find Morgan. She left the house to go catch butterflies. It's past nine PM and she isn't back."

My ears twitched. Morgan doesn't stay out late. She always returns before 7pm whenever she goes for a butterfly hunt. Morgan's passionate love for butterflies is so extreme. I tried hard to keep my breath steady as I gave a short reply, "I'll be right there, Dad."

I hung up. The engines revved up and I quickly sped off. I drove at the highest speed. I felt fear and panic coursing through me as I drove down to the outskirts where my father lived with Morgan.

Immediately, I turned off the engine. I ran all the way to the doorway.

"Dad!!" I shrieked in fear and trudged into the house. My Dad sat on the old cushion looking all drenched and shriveled.

My heart crashed.

He lifted his head slowly. Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw his sunken eyes. His face is tear-stained and drained.

"It is 9:54 Pm. Morgan isn't back," he spoke calmly but in a distressed tone. Lost for words, I drew him to an embrace as I let my own tears flow freely.

"We will find her, Dad."

"What if some wild beasts have..."

I couldn't let him complete his words. I placed my trembling hands over his mouth.

"Morgan is fine and safe, Dad," I spoke to him, reassuring him even when I was feeling unsure.

I was able to soothe my father and he was soon sleeping away. Although his face was still stained and pale. I pulled my phone out in an attempt to put a call across to the cops.

I hesitated at first because they would always insist that it lasted up to 24 hours before I could file a case. I let out a sigh as I paced about, allowing my gaze to stray off to the wall clock at times.

10: 15 pm. My chest rose heavily and I was soon losing my assurance.

I decided to step out and maybe call out to her. As soon as I stepped outside the house, a cool rushing wind slapped my skin hard. I shivered.

Morgan was out there in the cold without a hoodie or an overall.

Oh, the heavens keep her safe. I mumbled, placing my hands on my chest as I walked into the dark. I uttered silent prayers for her safety.

My lips had parted slightly, and I was about to yell out her name when I made out the figure of a tiny silhouette running towards me. Fear had its tight grip on me as I clutched my hands tightly.

I could hear loud pants as the image was only a few distance away from me. My feet stood still at a spot as my chest rose heavily.

The figure stopped running, bent over, and gasped unsteadily.

"M...M...Morgan?!" I stuttered. My eyes twitched as I tried to decipher the figure before me. Its features fit the features of Morgan.

Thin, long athletic legs, short brown hair, and quite a thin body frame. My heart leaped for joy. It was her.

"Sally!!" She says, maybe out of excitement, and ran into my arms, which were now flying and calling for her tiny form.

The thick scent of wood emanating from her hair hit my nostrils. Her thick cotton shirt had prickly twigs on it. Her hair looked disheveled with dry leaves on them.

"Oh, thank heavens!" I whispered as I caressed her hair making the leaves fall off bit by bit.

"Sally, there is a man in the woods!!" She said as soon as she caught her breath. Her eyes widened with terrifying fear.

"A man?"

"He is in a bad condition and could lose his breath.... We need to save him, Sally," She said, her gaze piercing into mine. She took my hands into hers. Her soft tiny hands held mine gently. Her gaze was so sincere and warm that I struggled to resist.

"Morgan....."

"Please, don't say no," She whined, throwing her hands around my neck.

LORENZO

Father has always been following her orders. Being the first son of the McReynolds family, I stand to inherit every wealth of the family.

The knowledge of this has caused trouble at home. One that had lasted since our childhood days till date.

My father got married to my mom but was so promiscuous that he had an affair outside his marriage which produced a son - my rival Raphael. My stepbrother's heart has been fed with all kinds of lies, making it impossible for us to connect as a family.

I stepped on the accelerator as anger surged through my veins. After having a heated argument with Raphael, I stormed out of the house. Raphael doesn't miss an opportunity to talk about sharing my father's property after his demise.

And I have made it point blank to him, that there would be no sharing of properties. A simple, peaceful conversation turned into a heated one when I called him an 'Illegitimate child'.

I wasn't focused as I reminisced all the hateful words he said about my Mom. I felt adrenaline rush through my blood. Overboard, a truck was headed in my direction. I tried to step on the brakes but it seemed jammed all of a sudden. I swiveled the car sharply.

The car's bumper crashed into the truck and I was hit off the road.

I lost control of the wheels as the car veered off the road. It rolled off the cliff.

I felt a strong whizz of air around as the car somersaulted down the cliff. Before it could hit the ground, I could feel sticky liquid running down my face. I got nauseous and dizzy.

The car landed on the ground with a loud crash. My head collided sharply with the window. The pieces of glass from the car pierced into my forehead.

I groaned painfully as the continuous whirring of the tires filled the air. My heartbeat palpated and I was unable to feel my fingers.

I struggled to get out of the car, which had now been turned over. The whole window frames were broken. I tried to slither out through the window, but my feet seemed stuck.

"Aaaagggghhhh!!!!" I hear a scream even from my distressed state. Gently, I raised my head to see a frail and timid little girl staring wide-eyed at me. She looked shaken and frightened.

"H... Help me!!!" I groaned painfully as I tried to tug my legs free. She heaved heavily and slowly went down on her knees. She stretched her hands towards me but quickly withdrew them when she saw my bloody hands.

"Aaaarrgghh!!" I cried out as I finally set my legs free. I could hear the soft pitter-patter of gas dripping down the gas tank. It was rolling quickly down the road.

She took heavy breaths as she took my hands and gave me a pull that was too mighty for her age.

Somehow, I managed to get out of the car but not without sustaining a deep cut on my right foot.

I was drained of energy and could barely utter a speech. I struggled to keep my eyes wide open, but my strength failed as my vision became hazy.

"Dear Sir...." I could hear the little girl call out in panic. She held my face in her tiny hands. Even in my painful state, I felt a surge of warmth resonate from her hands.

"Are you okay, Sir?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper and shaken with fear.

I tried to nod, move my body, or say a word -- but I remained numb.

She tried to move her hands, but she ended up touching a part of my face that had been mangled badly. A deep hiss escaped through the back of my throat.

She quickly offered an apology, her eyes grew wet as she looked down at my almost lifeless body.

I was dying but this little girl was doing nothing. I wanted to yell at her or even scream but words seemed heavy.

So I attempted to move my lips, "H... H... Hel.. Hel..."

I guess she understood the incoherent words I uttered because she sprang to her feet dusting her clothes.

"Hang in there, Sir. I need to get help," She said reassuringly and leaped off.

Soon, I was left alone in those dark, cold woods. My car was badly disfigured and in ruins. I never dreamt of this day.

Life was slowly leaving my body. My eyes were tired and weak and couldn't flicker anymore.

Slowly, they began to close up against their own will. I fought hard to keep them open. I fought hard to keep my breath going but I lost.

Just before I could finally give up, I heard rustling from the woods afar.

"There he is. Sally, he is over here," I heard that young girl's melodious voice amidst the trance.

I could hear someone gasp lightly. And then I felt a smooth hand on my face before my eyes clamped shut and I became oblivious of things happening around me.

But one thing lingered -- A familiar arousing scent of chamomile. Memories rushed in quickly as I recollected the scent that engraved itself in my heart.


A sharp wave of migraine hit my head as I opened up my eyes. I feel so weak.

My eyes scanned the whole area. Different shades of white linen are all I can see in the room I found myself.

Then, my olfactory nerves catch the scents of disinfectant, antiseptic, and medicine.

My head banged heavily as I began to recall the last events before I had a shutdown. My face cringed bitterly. I tried to raise my hands but it was wrapped in a bandage and connected to an IV.

I tried to move my feet but I felt a seething pain run through my body. I managed to bite down the groan. I heard the door creaking open slowly.

A little girl with brown short hair walks in clutching a bag. She had a welcoming and charming smile that I found myself drawn towards her.

"Good morning, Sir," Her melodious voice struck a chord as her smile grew bigger as she placed the bag on the drawer next to my bedside. I recognized her as the little girl from the night.

I managed to pull a wide smile but I know I failed at that, "How are you feeling now, Sir?". She asked out of concern, cocking her head sideways.

I gave her a tight-lipped smile as a response. Smiling isn't my thing but I try my best to make the little girl feel welcomed.

"I brought food and fruits," she gestured at the bag. My eyes traveled simultaneously with hers. My eyes widened at the amount of flowers lying in the drawer next to me. I made a mental count of them, and they were fourteen.

Who could love me so much as to drop flowers for me?

As though reading my mind, The little girl winked, "I and Sally dropped them."

She caressed the petals of the flowers and sniffed them gently, "We thought you would never regain consciousness," Her voice trembled with fear as she stared into my eyes. Her gaze was warm and sincere.

I couldn't hold her gaze for long and I broke it. My throat bobbed as I swallowed saliva.

"How long have I been here?" I said keeping a straight face.

She had a puzzled look as she pressed her fingers into her chin as though trying to recollect, " Two weeks, I think."

Her answer left me flabbergasted and awestruck.

Wait what?

Two weeks?

I turned sharply to her, and she gave me a radiant smile, "Yes, It has been two weeks and three days," She added, much to my chagrin.

"Two weeks?" I yelled, my eyes widening in disbelief.

SALLY

"Two weeks?" I heard a deep masculine voice yell out loudly as I reach out for the metal door knob. My heart leaped in excitement.

He is awake!!!

I almost screamed out as I walked in to see Morgan grinning whilst the stranger had a mystified look on his face.

"Hello..." I said to announce my presence.

"Oh, there is Sally," Morgan makes a quick introduction while smiling in my direction. I returned her smile as I inched close to them. I moved my glance to the man on the bed.

His facial expressions had now turned stern. My lips pursed as I struggled to meet his eyes. It seems he was avoiding my gaze for some reason.

"Hello, I am Sally," I gave a reintroduction of myself, smiling widely. He utters no word but simply nods.

I share glances with Morgan, who gives a half-shoulder shrug with her hands apart. The air in the room turns quiet and tense. I felt a knot in my stomach as I tried to catch a glimpse of his face since his face was turned away from me.

"Dear Sir, I brought you food. Do you mind having a bite?" Morgan offered pulling the big food container which she made me prepare.

Every day, I prepare food, which she takes to him, but each time, she gets disappointed as he is still unconscious. Seeing Morgan drowning in sadness and despair every day made my heart ache.

I made his quick recovery a prayer point every fleeting day. Finally, my prayers are being answered. Instead of getting a heartfelt appreciation, all I get is a cold and closed off attitude.

I scoffed in annoyance. I sensed this man should be an arrogant and ungrateful fellow.

Morgan noticed my annoyance and flashed me a wry smile that said, 'Everything is fine.'

I scoffed again and began to walk out huffing in annoyance. "Morgan, I'll be waiting for you outside. Don't be late," I stated simply out of anger.

I had barely completed my statement when I heard his voice again. It sounded soothing, calm and melodious. I felt a string being pulled in my heart as the words left his lips with ease.

"Can I get a mobile phone?" He says softly, making my heart melt and my feet froze. My eyes widened and I turned around sharply.

My eyes caught his. This time, he didn't look away, so I took time to stare into his handsome amber orbs. His face was smooth and wrinkled free except for the tiny hair poking its way through his jaw. An indication that he needed a shave. My lips curled as I was lost in staring at his face.

His brows shot up in question since I was taking so long to respond. Morgan cleared her throat and that action drove me back to reality.

I blinked repeatedly, rubbing my arm whilst struggling to avoid Morgan's prying eyes.

"Uhmm.... What did you say?" I tried to sound stern and angry but my voice failed me as it sounded croaky.

"Can... I have a mobile phone?" He repeated, taking his words gradually. I rolled my eyes. Of course, I heard what he said. I just wanted to hear his sweet voice one more time.

"Yeah," I drove my hands into my clutch bag and dug out my phone. I handed it over to him. He passed a small smile which made my heart skyrocket to its highest altitude.

Did he just smile at me?

His smile looked so ethereal and aesthetic. His hands moved gently over the screen. He pressed the phone to his ear as the phone beeped. I shifted my gaze and it fell on Morgan.

She had a smirk on her face as she played with her fingers. She walked stealthily towards me, winking at me. She held my hands and led me to a cushion.

Good heavens!!!

My legs were aching badly. As I sat down, I released a heave of relief.

"So what's going on?" Morgan wriggled her brows, playfully hitting her shoulders into mine. I reeled around and faced the little girl with a surprised look.

"What are you talking about?" I asked her, raising my brows. She giggled and nestled close to me.

"I caught you checking out our, Dear Sir," she spoke in low tones while staring in the direction of the man who was deeply engaged in his phone call. I couldn't help the flush of blood on my cheek.

"Morgan!!" I yelled and scurried off.

Is this girl just twelve or twenty?

I wondered as she sat next to the man, smirking at me. I rubbed my arm as I gave her a warning glare. She pouted her lips and looked away.

After what seemed like ages, He was done with the call. I guessed it lasted for three hours. He handed the phone over to me.

"I just called my P.A. He will be here soon," He spoke rather tersely without looking directly at me. I rolled my eyes.

What does he even think of himself?

"Okay," I nodded and turned to Morgan, "We will take our leave now. You can have your food whenever you feel like having it," I said in a harsh, biting tone. Morgan stared at me quickly.

Her lips parted but she said no words. Her face fell when I ordered her to stand to her feet. She tried to plead.

"Come on Morgan. I can't breathe the same air as people who are ungrateful and think so highly of themselves," I said in a rage of fury, indirectly referring to the young man who looked unfazed.

Morgan threw her arms around the man's neck and mumbled some words into his ears. I wondered what it was because the man's facial reaction turned warm and friendly. I saw a lone tear slip through her eyes as she jumped down from the bed.

My heart sank seeing her unhappy. I have no other choice. This man was ungrateful and didn't deserve the care and love she was showering him. I don't want her to waste her time on rude and arrogant people like this man.

"Goodbye," I said, turning around quickly and leaving the place in a hurry. Although he has a handsome physique, his arrogance and ingratitude have ruined it all.

I hurried to the car park, brewing in anger, only to meet a forlorn-looking Morgan. My heart shattered.

"Why didn't you at least let me get his name?" She sulked, biting her lower lip. I sucked on the insides of my cheek and faced her. I wanted to yell and speak in high tones but considering her state, I didn't want to make her feel worse than she already is.

"He doesn't deserve your care, Morgan. He is an arrogant man who doesn't deserve people's love and care," I spoke to her calmly. She raised her gaze to meet my eyes.

"No, he isn't. He is a nice man," She squeaked in a broken voice. Her eyes were misty.

Soon, she broke down in tears; I pulled her close to me. Giving her a warm embrace as I stroke her hair, my favorite part of her body. She sobs uncontrollably, her cool tears soaking my shirt, simmering into my skin. I felt hurt and disheartened.

Nothing breaks me more than watching her cry. To that, I made her a promise, "We will be back to see him."

I wiped off the tears streaming down her cheek with my thumb while speaking softly to her, "Remember, Dad has some sales to make... We need to prepare lunch before he leaves." She nods and detaches herself from me while I kick start the car to life.