SEARCH FOR THE MONSTER

THIRD DAY

Tears filled Deep's mother's eyes as she left the hospital room. She had refused food and to speak to anyone. Guilt weighed heavily on her heart.

Deep's condition had remained constant. Apart from a few bruises that were beginning to regain their natural hues, nothing seemed to have altered. Despite the fact that things were not getting worse, his condition was scary.

Mr. Azzua looked at everyone. He had spoken less for those three days and appeared to be the strongest among them. Probably he was just trying to be a man. "I am aware that none of us have had it easy these past three days, and we are all under a lot of pressure. We can probably all relax a little with a cup of coffee, I suppose. Could we visit the cafeteria?” As he spoke, Mr. Azzua steadied his wife to provide support. She had a pallid appearance. Weary and exhausted. Her anguish was killing her, and she had a dismal appearance.

"I concur. Let us allow Deep to rest for now, and let's enjoy a cup of tea together. After saying this, Gia went to the security guards stationed around Deep's room and the floor. Actually, Martin's squad had cops stationed throughout the entire hospital. They could not afford to be reckless and make any mistakes. “Martin?” She called.

Martin faced Gia. "Yes, Gia? How may I help you, if at all?” He inquired.

"Oh, yeah. That is right, Martin. We are going to the cafeteria for a while. Please be careful here, you guys. stated Gia.”

“Gia, you don't need to worry about anything. We are not leaving this place. You guys can take all the time that you want. We will be in charge. Besides, you guys need to breathe some fresh air.” With great assurance, the officer stated.

"All right. And in relation to the other matter,. Has he given his consent?” Gia queried. Her patience had worn thin, and the matter with the general had not been resolved either. If the man was innocent, she wondered why he was making up reasons to have a simple talk with her. She was sick and tired of his games.

Martin gave a shake of his head, a clear indication the answer was still negative, making Gia shake with rage. “Regretfully, no. He continues to assert that his schedule is busy. You ought to hold off until his schedule clears a little."

Although Gia nodded, it wasn't in concordance. It was a clear indication that she was tired of the man's antics. She said, "Well, time is what I am racing against. I have no more to waste." She was done waiting. She knew she had to push harder. "Give him one more last call and let him know that Gia Wilson’s time has run out. He has till tomorrow to fix me into his fucking busy schedule; otherwise, all hell will come crumbling down on him.” Her message was loud enough, emitting all the seriousness that had to be carried with it.

“But…”

Gia raised her hand, stopping the officer. “There are no more buts, Martin. I respect you so much, so don’t try to tell me something that you know I will not agree with because I must have this. You of all people know how this is important to us, right?” She tried as much as possible to sound civil and friendly amidst the rage she was feeling.

Martin nodded. He knew how much that meant for them. He also wanted the general to honor Gia’s request, but the man seemed to have other intentions for delaying such a pressing request. He was also growing suspicious of the man, only that he was well aware of messing with such high-profile people. “I will do that, Gia.” Martin nodded.

“Great. Let me know what he says ASAP!” Gia responded, and Marting nodded in agreement.

Reaching the cafeteria, Mrs. Azzua looked at Gia. “There is still nothing pointing to the whereabouts of that monster." She asked, her voice faint and broken.

Gia shook her head, shuttering her hopes. “I am still pushing to get a talk with the general. He has been giving excuses, but I believe he will abide by my request tomorrow.” She explained.

“Why is that man being so stubborn? Doesn’t he understand the gravity of what we are going through? Just what are his reasons?” Mr. Azzua spoke with anger.

Gia spoke calmly after sensing the man’s anger. “His reason is that he is busy. But that won't work for him anymore. I have a plan if he does not comply tomorrow.” She affirmed.

“I hope you succeed. We cannot be living like this. It is like there is a lot to be done, yet nothing is happening at all. This is unacceptable!” The man spoke again.

Gia looked at her, a thought crossing her mind. At first, she hesitated, unaware of how they would take it. But they were in a pressing situation. Any help would be highly appreciated, no matter where it came from. And it was about Deep, their son. She figured that they would not refuse any help. “I meant to ask you something, Mr. Mrs. Azzua.” She spoke, leaning toward the table.

They leaned in too, paying close attention to her. “Yes, what is it?” Mrs. Azzua spoke.

Ahem!

Gia cleared her throat, looking away for a moment to find the courage to pause her question. Then she looked back at them. “Ahh. It is about Ejay’s mother.”

Deep’s mother choked on nothing, pulling herself to sit upright and grabbing the cup of coffee that had just arrived. She felt her whole body tremble with the remembrance of that woman who almost ruined what they had with her husband back then. Betrayal always hurts, no matter how much time has passed. Her husband’s betrayal stung her as it had happened just the day prior, while shame gushed over her husband after being reminded of his shameful act.