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A boy in the mountains | Source: Shutterstock
A boy in the mountains | Source: Shutterstock

I Took My Son to the Hospital after Accident and Found Out He Wasn't Really My Son – Story of the Day

Sonali Pandey
Jan 31, 2024
02:33 A.M.

A father-son outing ends in disaster when Nate finds himself at the hospital with a shocking piece of news — his son isn't biologically his. Faced with this devastating situation, Nate grapples with what truly matters: his pride or a child's life.

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The sun shone brightly, casting sparkling reflections on the water. Nate and his son Robin were enjoying a peaceful fishing trip on a serene lake, relishing the bonding time away from life's hustle.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Suddenly, Robin's excitement peaked as he felt a strong tug on his rod. "Dad, I think I've got something!" he exclaimed, his rod bending significantly.

"Take it easy, Robin. Remember, patience," Nate advised, but Robin, determined, leaned back, tugging hard. The boat rocked, and the young boy fell overboard.

"Robin!"

Nate plunged into the water without a second thought, his eyes searching frantically for any sign of his son. There he is!

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Robin struggled underwater, his arms flailing as he tried to find his way back up. Fear gripped him tightly, and the shock of the cold water took his breath away.

Nate, an experienced swimmer, reached his son quickly and pulled him back to the surface and into the boat.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

"Are you okay, Robin?" he asked, relief evident in his voice as he saw his son cough and sputter after successful CPR administration. His face fell when he noticed Robin's skin turning yellow, a sign of something seriously wrong.

"Wha-what's happening to your skin, son?" Nate asked, his heart racing.

"I don't know, Dad. I feel weird," Robin replied, his voice trembling. He clutched his stomach, a wave of nausea washing over him.

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Nate's mind raced. He wrapped Robin in a blanket, trying to keep him warm, and rowed the boat back to shore with urgent strokes. Once on land, Nate lifted Robin into his arms and rushed to his car, driving as fast as possible to the nearest hospital.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

At the hospital, Dr. Harris, the attending physician, examined Robin and listened to Nate recounting the day's events.

"His symptoms suggest liver failure. We'll have to run some tests immediately," Dr. Harris explained, concerned.

"Liver failure? But he's just a child, doc!" Nate responded.

Dr. Harris placed a comforting hand on Nate's shoulder. "I know this is scary, but we'll do everything we can for Robin. Right now, he needs to be admitted and undergo a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause."

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As Robin was taken for further tests, Nate waited, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events from a simple day of fishing to facing a life-threatening situation.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Hours passed, each minute feeling like an eternity. Finally, Dr. Harris returned, his expression somber.

"The tests confirm that Robin is experiencing acute liver failure. We're not sure of the cause yet, but we need to act fast."

Nate listened intently as Dr. Harris explained the gravity of the situation and the possible need for a liver transplant. It was a lot to take in, and Nate struggled to process the information.

"What can I do? How can I help him?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

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"We're assessing the best course of action. Stay hopeful and be there for Robin," Dr. Harris replied.

At Dr. Harris's suggestion, Nate submitted his test samples, which would determine if he could be Robin's donor.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

He was sitting beside Robin in the hospital room when Dr. Harris returned with test results. Nate had called his wife, too. She was on the way.

"You're a compatible liver donor for Robin, but…"

"What's wrong, doc?"

"The tests show you're not biologically related to him," Dr. Harris explained.

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Nate was stunned. "What do you mean we're not related? He's my son," Nate countered.

"Sir, the blood types don't match like in a typical parent-child relationship," Dr. Harris clarified while emphasizing the urgency of Robin's condition.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Right then, Mila, Nate's wife, arrived. "What's wrong?" she asked, sensing the tension between Nate and Dr. Harris.

Nate revealed the shocking news about Robin's paternity. "The doctors... they say Robin might not be my biological son," he said tremblingly.

"That's impossible, Nate. Robin is your son!" Mila responded confidently.

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"How can you be so sure, Mila? Did you... were you unfaithful to me?" Nate asked, feeling hurt and betrayed.

Mila's face went pale, but she stood her ground. "Nate, I've never been unfaithful. You're Robin's father, the only father he's ever known," she insisted tearfully.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Dr. Harris urgently intervened, "We need your decision about the transplant. Robin's condition is critical."

Nate demanded the truth from Mila. "Tell me now, or I'm leaving. I won't repeat what I said, Mila! If you don't confess now—"

"I was pregnant with Robin before I met you. His real father left us. I was alone and scared," Mila revealed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "And then I met you, Nate. You were so kind and caring… I—"

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"You lied to me? You used me to raise him?"

"I'm sorry, Nate. I thought it was the best thing for Robin."

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Dr. Harris tried to refocus Nate. "Don't forget this is about Robin now, please. He needs the transplant."

But Nate, overwhelmed by betrayal and hurt, stormed out, ignoring Mila's pleas and Dr. Harris's words.

He headed to a bar and drank in despair, reminiscing about a fishing trip with Robin, the young boy's cap resting beside him.

"Remember, Robin, it's all about technique. Don't rush," Nate had said, guiding his eager son.

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Listening to his father, Robin had cast the fishing line with more control, but in a twist of fate, the hook snagged onto his own cap, pulling it off his head and sending it flying into the lake.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Nate hadn't been able to control his laugh. He had then offered his own cap to Robin, emphasizing the importance of their time together over material things. "It's just a cap. We're here together; that's what matters!" he'd said.

Haunted by those memories, Nate clutched Robin's cap, a symbol of their bond. Suddenly, a text from Mila pierced his reverie: "Robin's condition is critical. Please come back."

Nate realized his son needed him. Although not bonded by blood, Robin was still the little boy Nate loved.

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In a drunk state, Nata stumbled to his car, intent on reaching the hospital. But an off-duty officer, noticing Nate's condition, stopped him.

"You shouldn't be driving, sir," he warned.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Nate's frustration peaked. "My son is sick! I have to get to the hospital!" he protested.

The officer, revealing his badge, insisted on Nate's arrest for his and others' safety. "I understand, but driving drunk endangers everyone. I have to arrest you," the officer stated firmly.

In the police car, reality crashed down on Nate. His attempt to escape his problems had led to his arrest, far from Robin, who needed him most.

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At the station, Nate's mother arrived. She had called on his phone and was shocked when a cop answered it. When she learned her son was in prison, she immediately drove to the station.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Nate confessed to his mother about the tumultuous night, his voice laden with emotion. He told her everything about Robin's condition and Mila's betrayal.

His mother then revealed a family secret: Nate's father wasn't his biological parent. "We never told you because we wanted to spare you the pain."

Nate was stunned, grappling with the parallel between his own story and Robin's. "You kept this from me? All these years?" he questioned, overwhelmed by the revelation.

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His mother emphasized that love, not blood, defined their family. "Your father loved you as his own. That's what mattered," she explained, urging Nate to focus on Robin's urgent need.

Nate realized the importance of being there for Robin. "Robin is my son, no matter what. I need to save him," he promised himself.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

After getting bail, Nate rushed to the hospital, determined to be Robin's donor. He found Dr. Harris and said he was ready for the transplant.

Dr. Harris hesitated, concerned about the risks due to Nate's recent drinking. "Performing the surgery now is too risky," he warned.

"Isn't there a way to detoxify me quickly?" Nate asked, desperate to help Robin.

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The doctor hesitated, then nodded slowly. "We can administer intravenous detoxification, but it comes with risks. It can help cleanse your system, but I must warn you, the procedure is aggressive."

"I'll take the risk. Anything for Robin," Nate replied.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Dr. Harris signaled to the nursing staff, and within minutes, Nate was prepped for the detoxification process.

A cold sensation spread through his veins as the detoxification solution began to flow into his body. Nate felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, but his thoughts remained fixated on Robin.

"Take care of Robin," he mumbled, his words slurring as he drifted into a drug-induced sleep.

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Meanwhile, in the hospital waiting area, Mila, her eyes red from crying, was joined by Nate's mother. They sat in silence, united in their anxious wait for news from the operating room.

***

Nate eventually awoke in a hospital room, disoriented and weak, and found his mother beside him. "Mom, what happened?" he managed to ask with a dry, hoarse voice.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

His mother's voice trembled as she spoke. "The operation had complications. You've been in a coma for almost a week."

Panic-stricken, Nate inquired about Robin, "A week has passed? How's Robin? Did the transplant work?"

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The room fell silent, the air heavy with unspoken truths, until Dr. Harris entered, his expression somber.

"I'm sorry, Nate. Despite our efforts, Robin's body didn't accept the liver. The alcohol in your system affected the transplant. Robin... he passed away during the surgery."

Nate's world shattered at the news. Denial and grief overwhelmed him as he stammered, "No, that can't be." His tears flowed freely, the loss of Robin enveloping him in profound sorrow.

In the days that followed, Robin's funeral marked a heartrending farewell to the little boy. Nate stood by the grave, engulfed in emptiness, mourning the loss of his son.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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Over time, Nate wrestled with guilt and sadness but also found moments of solace in remembering Robin's joy and love. Yes, he had lost his son. But the memories they had created together would always be alive in his heart and mind.

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed reading this story, you might like this one about a woman who shares a cute family video online, only for the cops to knock on her door the next day and arrest her husband.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone's life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.

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