Chapter 8 - The Plan

Hazel POV

“Hey, mom”, I say as I kiss the top of her head. She opens her eyes slowly and offers me a small smile.

“Hello, love”, she says as she tries to sit up on the bed. I help her up, pressing the button to raise the head of the bed, and she smiles, pulling the blanket higher.

“How are you feeling?”, I ask as I pull out the carton of orange juice from the plastic bag and some cupcakes. Mom smiles, watching me. I pour some juice into the plastic cup for her, and she grabs it with shaky hands.

“I am tired”, she says, leaning back on the bed and resting her head against the pillow. I sit at the end of the bed and watch as she forces herself to keep her eyes open.

“Mom, you should rest”, I say, and she shakes her head, watching me. She offers me her hand, and I take it. Her skin is pale and cold. I stand up, grab another blanket from the end of the bed and cover her. She smiles, thanking me.

“How was work?” she asks, and I smile. It’s not every day that I have a good day at the dine