The hum of the plane’s engine filled the cabin, but Alexander and William barely noticed.
Their hearts pounded with anticipation, fingers clutching the armrests as Palan Island ca into view. The vast expanse of ocean frad the lush greenery, but neither of them could truly appreciate the scenery.
"I feel like I’m the one about to undergo surgery," William murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alexander didn’t respond. He simply exhaled a heavy sigh, his gaze fixed on the endless clouds outside the plane window. Like William, he was anxious. Nervous. Uncertain.
Their arrival was ant to be a surprise. Their hadn’t expected them, hadn’t known they would leave everything behind to be with him in his mont of need. But how could they not? He was their father.
As soon as the plane touched down, they hurried across the dusty road leading to the private hospital in the institute. And when they reached Elysium building, William was nearly running at the wing where their father was confined while waiting for the surgery, his excitent barely contained.
Alexander, though more composed, couldn’t suppress the anxious energy coursing through him as well. Inside, the air slled of antiseptic and salt. The sight of their father lying in bed, pale but still strong in presence, hit them hard.
"Father!" William burst into the room, his voice thick with emotion.
Rock turned his head, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What are you two doing here?"
His voice was a mix of surprise and sothing close to joy, though he tried to hide it behind a gruff tone.
Standing a few feet away were his two sons, grinning like they’d just pulled off the perfect surprise.
He turned slowly to Vernice, his brows raised in question. She only gave him a knowing wink, her expression playful. Of course she knew. His dear wife had clearly planned this all along, keeping it from him on purpose.
He honestly hadn’t wanted to bother the boys, knowing how busy they were, how complicated things had been these past few days. After everything, he didn’t expect them to drop everything and co running.
But here they were. And despite his grumbling heart, sothing inside him eased, like a weight quietly lifting.
"We couldn’t let you go through this alone," Alexander said, stepping closer. His voice was firm, but his eyes betrayed the deep worry that gripped him. "We’re here, all the way. You’re not fighting this alone."
Rock let out a deep, trembling breath, then chuckled softly. "My sons..." He tried to sit up, but his body protested. "You should not have co all this way."
"Of course we did," William grinned. "And wait till you hear the best news yet." He pulled up a chair next to his father’s bed, barely able to contain himself. "Dad, Sanya is pregnant. You’re going to be a grandfather!"
For a mont, silence hung in the air, thick and charged with emotion. Rock’s lips parted as he stared at his sons. Then, as if the weight of the news finally hit him, his eyes glead with unshed tears.
"A grandfather..." he murmured, as though tasting the words for the first ti. His gaze softened, and his breath shook as he reached for Alexander’s hand, then William’s. "I must co back, then."
"You must," William said, squeezing his father’s hand. "You’re going to et your grandchildren, teach them your wisdom, tell them all your stories."
Alexander leaned in, lowering his voice but ensuring every word carried weight. "So fight. Hold on. Be strong for us... for them."
Rock closed his eyes briefly, a slow smile stretching across his face. "I will. I promise."
Outside, the waves crashed against the island’s shore. The world carried on, but in this small hospital room, ti had paused.
"Seriously, Rock," Vernice chuckled, wiping her own eyes. "Look at how hard the boys have worked, all because you said you wanted to be a grandfather. Twins for Alexander, and now William too. We’re really going to be grandparents!"
Her voice was filled with joy, her eyes gleaming as she gently squeezed Rock’s hand.
Rock wiped his tears with the back of his other hand and nodded, voice cracking slightly. "I still can’t believe it... Both of them. Twins. I never expected this much happiness."
Alexander smiled, stepping closer. "Rain and Sanya actually wanted to tag along, but we didn’t let them. They stayed ho with Uncle Ben and Aunt lanie, praying for a smooth surgery today."
Rock nodded quickly, his heart swelling with emotion. "Ah, I’m so happy right now. I promise, once I’m out of this, I’ll recover well and get strong again. I’ll take care of those babies myself when they’re born!"
Vernice laughed softly. "Just don’t spoil them too much."
"No promises," Rock grinned, his voice finally steady. "I waited my whole life for this. I’ll make every mont count."
*****
At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
The rain pattered softly against the windows of the Lancaster house, a rhythmic backdrop to the quiet murmurs filling the living room.
Rain and Sanya had their hands tightly clasped, heads bowed. Aunt lanie sat beside them, eyes closed, lips moving in silent prayer. Across the room, Uncle Ben stood near the fireplace, his gaze fixed on the flickering flas, his voice low and steady as he prayed.
"He’s strong," Uncle Ben finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was deep, unwavering. "He’s survived worse. He’ll fight through this, like he always does."
Sanya wiped the corner of her eye, sniffling softly before whispering, "He has to. He promised William and Alexander."
Rain squeezed her hand, his grip firm. "He will. And when he wakes up and recover, he’ll see us all here, waiting for him."
Aunt lanie let out a slow breath, lifting her gaze. "Faith is powerful. Love even more so. And Rock is surrounded by both."
No one spoke for a mont. Only the sound of the rain and the steady crackling of the fire remained. But the Lancaster house, so often filled with laughter and voices, now held sothing just as strong... faith and hope.
A prayer had been offered, sincere and full of hope. And everyone knew, prayers could move mountains. Now, all they could do was wait, trusting in God’s plan for the head of their family.
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