Chapter 6 - The Passenger Who Recognized Him
The words lingered in the silent bus.
"I didn't disappear."
The paramedic leaned closer.
"Then why did the hospital report you missing?"
Ethan slowly opened his eyes. The pain medication was wearing off, replaced by a sharp ache that spread from his lower back into his left leg.
"I signed myself out."
"You left against medical advice."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Ethan looked toward the rain-covered window.
"Because Maya woke up."
The nurse frowned.
"What does that have to do with leaving?"
"They wouldn't let me visit."
One of the paramedics exchanged a puzzled glance with his partner.
"You were still in postoperative recovery."
"They said I needed complete bed rest."
"I did."
"But my sister thought I was dead."
The bus remained silent.
Ethan swallowed.
"She had another chemotherapy session while I was unconscious after surgery."
His voice cracked.
"When she woke up... she asked where I was."
The little girl sitting nearby quietly wiped tears from her face.
The mother looked down at the floor.
"I promised her I would always be there."
The paramedic sighed.
"So you removed your monitors and walked out."
Ethan nodded.
"I only wanted one hour."
"And your brace?"
"It was damaged yesterday."
"You didn't report it?"
"I didn't want another operation."
The older paramedic carefully inspected the broken locking mechanism.
"This wasn't ordinary wear."
He looked thoughtful.
Before he could continue, an elderly gentleman who had remained silent throughout the argument slowly stood from the rear of the bus.
He walked carefully toward Ethan.
Everyone watched.
The old man stared at Ethan's face for several seconds.
Then at the tattoo on his wrist.
Finally he smiled faintly.
"I know you."
Ethan blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
"You don't remember me."
The elderly man removed his cap.
"Three months ago."
"The Riverside Bridge."
Recognition slowly appeared in Ethan's eyes.
"You..."
"You pulled me away from the railing."
Several passengers looked between them in confusion.
The old man's voice trembled.
"My wife had died two weeks earlier."
"I intended to jump."
"You spent almost two hours talking to me."
He laughed softly through tears.
"You were walking with a cane even then."
Ethan looked embarrassed.
"I just listened."
"You saved my life."
The old man turned toward the stunned passengers.
"You all judged him because of his tattoos."
His voice became stronger.
"I judged him too."
He smiled sadly.
May you like
"I was wrong."
Very wrong.
