CHAPTER 8

I took a moment to collect my thoughts, adjusting the bouquet in my hand. I couldn't wait to see my mother's face light up.

The elevator stopped on my mother's floor, and the doors opened with a soft whoosh. I stepped out into the quiet corridor, my eyes scanning the room numbers as I made my way to my mother's room.

My heart beat with anticipation, and I couldn't help but smile to make her happy

As I walked through the corridor, the soft hum of machinery and the gentle chatter of hospital staff filled the air. The scent of disinfectant and fresh linens wafted through the hallway, a familiar and comforting smell.

I passed by rooms with open doors, catching glimpses of patients and their families, some smiling, others looking worried or tired. I nodded to a few hospital staff members as I passed, exchanging quiet greetings.

Just as I turned a corner, I saw Dr. Ryan standing outside a room, sipping a cup of coffee and reviewing a chart. He looked up and caught my eye, flashing a warm smile.

"Good morning, Aries!" he said, his voice friendly and reassuring.

I returned the smile, feeling a sense of relief at seeing the doctor who had been taking care of my mother.

"Good morning, Dr. Ryan," I replied, walking towards him. "I'm so glad to see you. I just heard the wonderful news about my mother's progress."

Dr. Ryan nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Yes, she's doing great. She's still a bit weak, but she's smiling and asking for you. I think she'll be thrilled to see you." He glanced at the bouquet in my hand. "And I see you've brought some beautiful flowers to brighten up her room."

I smiled. "I couldn't wait to see her and give her these," I said, holding up the bouquet. "Thank you for taking such good care of her, Dr. Ryan. I appreciate it."

Dr. Ryan smiled back, his expression kind and professional. "You're welcome, Aries. We're all glad to see her recovering well. Go ahead and go in – I'm sure she's waiting for you."

As I approached my mother's hospital room, my heart swelled with excitement and nervousness. I took a deep breath, adjusted the bouquet in my hand, and reached out to grasp the door handle.

I slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open, revealing a warm and cosy room filled with the soft beeping of machines and the gentle glow of morning light.

As I entered the room, my eyes immediately met my mother's, and her face lit up with a radiant smile. She looked a bit pale and weak, but her eyes sparkled with joy and love. I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a wave of happiness wash over me.

"Aries, my dear!" she exclaimed, her voice weak but full of warmth. "Come here, sweetie!"

I quickly walked over to her bedside, feeling a mix of emotions: relief, joy, and love. I gently placed the bouquet on her bedside table, and she reached out to touch my hand.

"Oh, Aries, these are beautiful!" she said, her eyes scanning the colourful arrangement. "You always know how to make me smile."

I leaned in to hug her, feeling a sense of gratitude and love. "I'm so glad to see you, Mom," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I was so worried about you."

My mother's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged me back. "I'm okay, sweetie," she whispered. "I'm going to be okay. And I'm so glad you're here with me."

As I entered my mother's hospital room, my eyes were immediately drawn to her warm smile and sparkling eyes.

I was so focused on her that I didn't notice Mrs. Jenkins' presence at first. But as I approached my mother's bedside and began to hug her, I caught sight of Mrs Jenkins out of the corner of my eye.

She was sitting in a chair beside the bed, a gentle smile on her face as she watched our reunion.

I pulled back from hugging my mother and turned to greet Mrs. Jenkins. "Good morning, Mrs. Jenkins!" I exclaimed, trying to contain my excitement and happiness. "I'm so glad to see you here!"

Mrs. Jenkins rose from her chair and returned my greeting with a warm smile. "Good morning, Aries! It's wonderful to see you too, dear. I'm so glad you're here to visit your mother."

I walked over to hug her, feeling grateful for her presence and support. "Thank you for being here, Mrs. Jenkins," I said, my voice sincere. "It means a lot to me and my mother."

Mrs. Jenkins patted my back and stepped back, her eyes shining with kindness. "Of course, dear. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Your mother has been good to me she has always been kind to me and am very grateful"

As I hugged my mother, I could sense a mix of emotions in her fragile body. She was happy to see me, but also weak and tired from her ordeal.

As we pulled back from the hug, she looked at me with a hint of concern in her eyes. She took a deep breath, and I could hear a faint sigh escape her lips.

"Aries, sweetie," she began, her voice weak but full of love. "How's your father?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. But my mother's gentle gaze put me at ease, and I decided to tell her the truth.

"I haven't seen him, Mom," I replied, trying to sound calm. "I came to the hospital after Mrs. Jenkins called me. I was on my way back from school."

My mother's eyes narrowed slightly, her brow furrowing with concern. But she didn't press the issue, instead asking, "Did you talk to the doctor when you came to the hospital?"

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yes, I did. I asked about the bills and everything, and the doctor told me that Dad had already taken care of everything. He signed and paid all the necessary bills."

My mother's expression changed, and a mix of emotions flashed across her face. She looked relieved, but also a hint of sadness and worry.

She knew that my father and I hadn't been getting along, and she was probably concerned about the tension between us.

But she didn't say anything more, instead reaching out to squeeze my hand. "Thank you, sweetie," she whispered. "I'm just glad you're here with me now."

"I know my dad is hiding something. I murmured.