CHAPTER 3

As I sat beside my mother's hospital bed, my mind was racing with thoughts of how she ended up in this situation. I had seen her just that morning, and she was fine.

We had breakfast together, and she was her usual self, chatting and laughing. I couldn't understand how things had taken a turn for the worse so quickly.

Just as I was lost in thought, a woman in her late forties entered the room. It was Mrs. Jenkins, my mother's private nanny. She was carrying a medium-sized bag and looked worried.

"Aries, dear, I'm so glad you're here," Mrs. Jenkins said, setting the bag down on the floor. "I've brought some of your mother's things from home. I thought they might make her feel more comfortable."

I nodded, still trying to process everything. "Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins. I appreciate it."

Mrs. Jenkins came over to me and put a hand on my shoulder. "I know this is a lot to take in, dear. But we'll get through it together. Your mother is strong, and she'll fight this."

I nodded again, feeling a lump form in my throat. I looked up at Mrs. Jenkins, and she smiled softly.

"Why don't you take a break, dear? I'll sit with your mother for a bit. You can go get some fresh air or grab a snack from the cafeteria."

I hesitated for a moment but then nodded. I needed to clear my head and try to make sense of everything.

As I stood up, Mrs. Jenkins handed me a small bag from her larger one. "I brought you some snacks and a water bottle. You need to take care of yourself too, dear."

I took the bag, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Mrs. Jenkins. She had always been like a second mother to me, and I knew I could count on her during this difficult time.

I left the room, feeling a mix of emotions. I was scared, worried, and confused. But I knew I had to be strong for my mother. I would do whatever it took to support her through this.

As I walked down the hospital corridor, I couldn't help but think about how my life had changed in just a few hours.

I had gone from being a carefree teenager to a worried daughter, facing the possibility of losing my mother.

I took a deep breath and tried to shake off the negative thoughts. I would get through this, and so would my mother. We would face it together, as a team.

I stopped at the cafeteria and grabbed a snack and a drink, then found a quiet spot to sit and collect my thoughts.

I pulled out my phone and sent a text to my best friend, Rachel, telling her what was happening.

As I sat in the quiet spot, I sent a text to Rachel:

"Hey, Rach. I'm at the hospital. Mom's not doing well. I'll fill you in later." I knew she would be worried, and I wanted to reassure her that I was okay.

My phone beeped almost immediately, and I saw Rachel's name flashing on the screen. I smiled, knowing that she was always there for me.

"Aries, what's going on?! Is your mom okay?!" Rachel's text read.

I took a deep breath and began to type out a response, trying to summarize everything that had happened.

"Mom's in the hospital. She collapsed this morning, and the doctors say she has cancer. I'm still trying to process everything."

My phone beeped again, and I saw another text from Rachel.

"Oh my god, Aries! I'm so sorry! What can I do? Do you need me to come to the hospital?"

I smiled, feeling grateful for Rachel's support.

"No, it's okay. I just need to be here for Mom right now. But thanks for offering. I'll keep you updated."

As I chatted with Rachel, I was surprised by how focused I was. Despite everything that was going on, I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I talked to my best friend.

It was like I had momentarily forgotten about my worries and fears.

Rachel and I continued to chat back and forth, her sending me messages of support and encouragement. My phone beeped constantly, and I smiled each time I saw her name on the screen.

At one point, Rachel asked, "What's the plan? What are the doctors saying?"

I took a deep breath before responding.

"They're saying that Mom needs surgery, but they're not sure if she's strong enough. They're running some tests to determine the best course of action."

Rachel's response was immediate.

"Keep me posted, okay? I'm sending all my positive vibes to your mom."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Rachel.

"Thanks, Rach. That means a lot to me."

As Rachel and I continued to chat, I knew I needed to get back to my mother's side. I didn't want to leave her alone for too long.

"Rach, I should probably get back to Mom's room," I typed out, trying to wrap up our conversation.

"Okay, Aries. Take care of yourself and your mom. Keep me posted on everything," Rachel responded.

I smiled, feeling grateful for her support. "I will. Thanks for being here for me, Rach."

"Always," Rachel replied.

I smiled again, feeling a sense of comfort knowing that Rachel was just a text away.

I ended the chat and put my phone back in my pocket, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Talking to Rachel had helped clear my head and calm my nerves.

I took a deep breath, feeling the cool hospital air fill my lungs. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to process everything that had happened.

As I stood up from the quiet spot where I had been sitting and chatting with Rachel. I knew I needed to get back to my mother's side.

I took a deep breath, feeling the cool hospital air fill my lungs, and began to walk down the corridor towards my mother's private room. My feet echoed off the sterile white walls as I made my way back to her room.

As I walked, I couldn't help but think about everything that had happened. My mother's sudden illness, the diagnosis, the uncertainty of it all. But I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present moment.

I approached the door to my mother's room, took a deep breath, and pushed it open. Mrs. Jenkins was sitting beside my mother's bed, reading a book. She looked up and smiled as I entered.

"Hey, dear. How are you doing?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

I nodded, trying to reassure her. "I'm okay. Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins."

I looked down at my mom lying down in the bed helplessly and still unconscious.

As I stood beside my mother's bed. A nurse suddenly opened the door. She was in her early twenties, with a kind face and a gentle smile.

"Hello everyone," she said, greeting us warmly. "My name is Nurse Thompson, and I was sent by Dr. Ryan to share the results of your mother's tests."

My heart skipped a beat as I waited anxiously for the news. Mrs. Jenkins put down her book and stood up, her eyes fixed on the nurse.

"Please, go on," I urged, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nurse Thompson smiled sympathetically. "The results show that your mother is a little bit stronger than we initially thought. Her vital signs are stable, and her organs are functioning well enough to withstand the surgery."