CHAPTER 2

After gathering my thoughts I summoned the courage to speak back to the doctor I asked.

"When will the surgery commence" I looked up to Dr Ryan pitifully because my mom was the only one I related to and she was always there for me.

Dr. Ryan's expression turned gentle, his eyes filled with understanding and compassion.

"We're aiming to perform the surgery as soon as possible, but we need to run some additional tests to ensure that your mother is stable enough for the operation," he explained softly.

He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing.

"I'd say within the next 24 to 48 hours, depending on the test results. We want to make sure that we're giving her the best possible chance of success."

Dr. Ryan's voice was filled with reassurance, but I could sense a hint of caution beneath the surface. He knew that the situation was critical, and he was trying to prepare me for any outcome.

"We'll be monitoring her closely, and I'll personally be overseeing her care," he added. "I promise you, we'll do everything in our power to help her pull through this."

Dr Ryan's words were like a lifeline, offering me a glimmer of hope in a sea of uncertainty. I nodded, trying to hold back tears, as he continued.

"In the meantime, I want you to stay close to your mother. Talk to her, hold her hand, and let her know that you're here for her. Sometimes, the power of love and connection can be just as important as medical treatment."

His words struck a chord deep within me. I knew that I had to be strong for my mother, to be her rock in this difficult time.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead, and nodded resolutely.

Dr. Ryan's eyes never left mine as he finished speaking, his expression filled with a deep sense of compassion and understanding. He nodded softly as if to reassure me that everything would be alright.

"I'll leave you alone with your mother for now," he said gently, his voice barely above a whisper. "But don't worry, I'll be back to check on her regularly.

With that, he turned to leave, his movements quiet and confident. He walked slowly towards the door, his eyes scanning the room one last time as if to ensure that everything was in order.

As he reached the door, he turned back to me and smiled softly.

"Remember, talk to her, hold her hand, and let her know you're here for her," he said, his voice filled with warmth.

With that, he turned and walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind him. The sound of the door clicking shut was like a gentle whisper, a reminder that I was now alone with my mother.

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I was scared, anxious, and unsure of what the future held, but I knew I had to be strong for my mother.

I turned back to her, taking her hand in mine and holding it tightly. I looked into her face, searching for any sign of recognition, any glimmer of hope.

I held my mother's hand tightly, my voice shaking with emotion as I whispered words of love and encouragement.

"Mom, please don't leave me. I need you. I love you so much, and I can't imagine a world without you."

I paused, taking a deep breath as I tried to hold back tears. "You promised me, Mom. You promised me that if I passed my exam, we would go to the mall together. Remember? You said we would celebrate and buy new clothes."

I reached into my backpack, unzipping it with trembling hands. I pulled out my exam results, holding them up as if to prove my accomplishment.

"Mom, I did it. I passed my exam. Just like I promised. And now, I want you to wake up and celebrate with me."

I held the results up to her face, hoping that somehow, she would see them and be proud of me. "Mom, please wake up. I need you to see this. I need you to know how much I love you."

My voice cracked as I spoke, tears streaming down my face. I felt a sense of desperation creeping in as if I was trying to bring her back to consciousness.

"Mom, please don't leave me. I need you. I love you."

I repeated the words over and over, hoping that somehow, she would hear me and respond. But her eyes remained closed, her face pale and still.

I felt a sense of despair wash over me, but I refused to give up. I kept talking, kept holding her hand, and kept hoping that she would wake up and be with me again, if and only if she could hear me but all I could hear was the monitor beeping.

I was just coming back from school in my private car with my chauffeur and my phone beeped, As I settled into the plush leather seat of my private car, my chauffeur, Mr. Thompson, greeted me with a warm smile.

I pulled out my phone to check the time and saw a missed call from my mother's private nanny, Mrs Jenkins. I felt a sudden surge of concern and quickly dialled her back.

"Hello?" Mrs. Jenkins' voice was laced with worry on the other end of the line.

"Mrs. Jenkins, it's me. What's wrong?" I asked, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so glad you called back. I have some terrible news," she said, her voice trembling. "Your mother collapsed in the kitchen while preparing snacks. I was in the living room, and I heard a loud thud. I rushed in, and she was lying on the floor, unresponsive."

My world came to a standstill. "What? Oh no! Is she okay?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"We've rushed her to the hospital. The doctors are attending to her now. I'm so sorry, dear. I know how close you two are," Mrs Jenkins said, her voice filled with empathy.

I felt a wave of panic wash over me. "Which hospital? I need to go there now," I demanded, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

"St Mary's Hospital, dear. I'll meet you there. Please drive safely," Mrs. Jenkins advised, trying to calm me down.

I turned to Mr. Thompson, my chauffeur, and instructed him to take me to St. Mary's Hospital immediately. My heart was racing, and my mind was filled with thoughts of my mother's condition.

This was how I ended up at the hospital seeing my mom lying helplessly on the hospital bed and now I am told my mom is diagnosed with cancer.

"How??? I saw her this morning before going to school and she was very fine", I was very confused.