CHAPTER ONE

~Lucy’s Pov~

I’ve always hated the sound of machines continuously beeping. But since then my mother got ill I’ve gotten quite used to it. I walked into the intensive care where she laid connected to tubes and machines that hummed steadily.

"Mom," I called out, my voice shaking. ”I’m here now. Please open your eyes. I should have been earlier, I'm sorry.” Tears began to fall freely down my face.

Just then, Dr. Holmes entered, followed by a nurse holding a writing board in her left hand. “Miss Lucy,” he called out, his tone low showing concern in it.

From that moment I knew he did not bring good news. I bowed my head looking at my mom because looking at him would make me feel worse.

“This is a very difficult thing to say but we have no choice but to discuss it. He continued.

I turned to him, my heart was racing. "What’s going on? I thought you said she was getting better?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, trying so hard to suppress my tears but it was not working. 

"I’m afraid things have become much worse than we expected," he stated.

My stomach dropped. "Please doctor, I don't want to hear it. I don’t understand what you mean."

"Your mother’s… lung cancer," he said hesitatingly. "It’s metastasized. It’s advanced to stage IV."

My heart felt like it was squashed in. I was not  ready to hear this now. Deep down I knew this was coming but no! I can’t let my mom go. I felt my world crumbling down. 

Dr. Holmes continued, his voice quiet but firm. "She was doing okay, fairly speaking, for the past several months. The tumors had stopped from growing due to the chemotherapy, but her body had been fighting for too long. The cancer spread to other organs and her…..brain. Most recently, the tumor in her lungs caused a massive obstruction, resulting in a severe respiratory failure."

I felt an odd indifference soothing me, the weight of his words sinking deep into my bones. "So that’s what caused her to lose consciousness? The breathing issue?"

"Yes," he confirmed. "Her lung cancer has reached a point where it badly disrupted her ability to breathe on her own and freely. The body wasn’t getting enough oxygen which triggered a loss of consciousness. We have done everything we could to stabilize her, but at this stage, we are hoping and praying her body responds positively."

"Will she ever wake up?" I finally asked, my voice thin, a whisper I never imagined would come out of my mouth.

Dr. Holmes took a slow breath before responding. "The next few hours are crucial. It could go either way. She might regain consciousness for a short while, or... she might not. We are uncertain. But I need to honest with you Lucy. This may be the end.”

I looked at my mom, never would I have imagined a day would come like this. She has been sick for two years. She’d always been so strong, long before cancer came into our lives.

"I know this is hard, Lucy. But we need to think of what would be best for her. It might be time to consider comfort care—making sure she’s as comfortable as possible, without prolonging her suffering."

I nodded numbly. "Make her comfortable?" I repeated, trying to make sense of the words.

"You’ll need to make decisions about her ongoing care, and we’ll need to discuss the financial standing as well."

I froze. I never wanted to hear those words. I turned to look in his direction, my eyes became blurry as tears gathered. "I understand Doctor but… I am at the edge of the bridge right now. I—I can’t… I can’t lose her and worry about that right now, please."

"We have a policy here and we’ve been doing our best for your mom since she was admitted. Dr. Holmes expressed, his voice full of empathy. You’re already aware of your mother’s insurance situation, correct?"

“There are other options on the table but I understand your financial situation,” he added, and my stomach churned.

I nodded, my mind racing. “Yes, I am aware,” I replied. My mom's insurance does not cover some important medical issues, which has made these past years incredibly difficult for me. The medical bills had started piling up faster than I could handle.

“Doctor, I’ve been working my ass off to raise money for the surgery but the bills are too much for me alone.” I said faintly, holding my mom’s hand.

“Do you have the means to cover her continued treatments?” Dr. Holmes asked softly. "If not, we can discuss palliative care”

Dr. Holmes watched me, his expression empathetic but firm. " I know this is a lot to take in. I really wish I had better news. However, the hospital requires to be reimbursed for the care she’s receiving. I can help guide you through your options, but—"

"I’ll figure it out," I cut him off, my voice trembling. "I’ll figure something out. I just need to stay with her."

Dr. Holmes nodded, giving me a moment of silence. "I’ll give you some time. We have to be prepared if your mother’s case worsens."

As he turned to leave, my mind was spiraling.I tried to hold back the tears but my heart felt so heavy, like I was having a panic attack. But I held myself together.

I can't break down, not here. I have to be strong for my mom. I encouraged myself while wiping away the tears.

“Hang in there for me, Mom. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to raise money. I promise…” I whispered, kissing her palm.

Buried in deep thoughts, my phone vibrated. I checked it—it was Daya, my colleague at work. It was time for my shift and I was late already. I didn’t want to leave my mom’s side incase she woke up . But I had to go to work. I kissed her and left, tears welling up in my eyes, then rushed through the hospital corridor, phone pressed to my ear.

"Daya I'm almost there. Please help me cover up, I had an emergency.” I said quickly, not waiting for her to respond. 

I suddenly bumped into a person without looking.

"Hey watch it!" he yelled. I flinched.

“I’m so sorry I didn't realize someone was coming” I immediately apologized, bending my head.

“There are sick people in this hospital you shouldn't be running like it's a playground” his tone was cold and dismissive, looking at me with disgust.

I was taken aback by his tone, and when I looked up and saw a tall man, his eyes were a deep shade of green with a sharp jawline and incredibly broad shoulders.

“I apologized already, you don't have to be rude “ I replied, looking straight into his eyes. 

He looked very sophisticated in his well-ironed suit. It was obvious he was rich. Judging from his features, there was something familiar about him. 

“Have we met before?” I asked with a puzzled expression. 

His gaze was filled with uncertainty, his brows raised in silent questions waiting for me to explain. 

My phone buzzed again. "I... I have to go," I stammered, turning away and leaving the hospital.