Chapter 5

The medical personnel rushed in and out of the room, attending to my mother with urgency. I stood frozen by the door, soaked in her blood, but I didn’t care. 

 The beeping of machines and the quick steps of the medical staffs were the only sounds I could hear. My eyes stayed locked on my mother’s still, unconscious form.

I refused to leave her side, despite the repeated attempts by my neighbors to console me. They stayed with me for hours, I didn’t want their comfort; I wanted my mother back. But as the hours passed,they went home. Only Mrs. Laura stayed. 

Just before dawn, as the light of the early morning crept through the hospital’s windows, Mrs. Laura gently approached me.

 "Luna, you need to eat and rest," she said softly, her voice full of concern. "You’ve been here all night. Your mother’s going to be okay." But I shook my head, my grip tightening on my mother's hand. "No. I’ll stay with her. She needs me."

"Your mother would want you to take care of yourself too," she said, her words filled with understanding. "Let me stay with her for a while. Go home, get some rest, eat something. 

I looked at Mrs. Laura, who was more of a sister to my mom than a friend. Her presence was a comfort, and I knew she would take care of Mom. After a long pause, I reluctantly nodded. "Okay, I’ll go home, but I’ll be back soon."

When I returned home, I tried to freshen up, hoping the cool shower would wash away the exhaustion and the remnants of the night’s horrors. All I could think of was my mother, lying unconscious in that sterile hospital room.

I went straight back to the hospital, my heart heavy. As I approached the front desk, I asked to speak to the doctor in charge. The nurse pointed me in his direction, and I found him standing at the nurse’s station. I approached him, my mind racing with questions.

“Doctor, how’s my mom”? I asked, The doctor gave me a reassuring smile. “Your mother’s doing better. She’s awake now. You can go in to see her. As for the bills, don’t worry about that. They’ve been taken care of.”

"Taken care of?" I repeated, "By who?"

The doctor’s expression shifted, and he lowered his voice, glancing around. “I’m not at liberty to say, Luna. The payment was anonymous. I can’t give out that information. But you’re free to go in and see your mother now.”

My mind was spinning as I made my way to her room. Who would pay such a large sum without expecting anything in return? I had no idea who could’ve possibly known the situation. But I pushed the thought aside as I stepped into her room.

Mom was awake, her eyes soft but tired, looking at me as I entered. Ma’am Laura was sitting beside her, her hand resting gently on Mom’s. The sight of my mom awake and looking better brought a wave of relief that I didn’t even know I needed.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, rushing to her side and wrapping my arms around her. "How are you feeling?"

"I’m okay, Luna. Just tired," she whispered, her voice weak but steady.

I turned to Ma’am Laura. "Did anyone come by to visit? Was there any news?"

She shook her head gently. "No, Luna. No one came."

 Who had paid the hospital bills? Why did they choose not to reveal? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, but for now, I had to focus on the most important thing,my mom, she's fine now and that's a relief. 

Mrs. Parker’s unexpected call left me dreading the worst. My heart skipped as I stared at her name flashing on my screen, already certain it had to do with what happened at the club with Romano. Reluctantly, I answered. 

“Hey, Luna!” she chirped, her tone unusually bright and cheerful. “I knew you wouldn’t let me down. You’re one of my best workers, you know. And Romano,he paid generously. You’re such a darling!” Her gushing made my stomach twist. She continued rambling, oblivious to my unease.

“Well, I got your message about your mom’s situation,” she added. “Take some time off to take care of her, but don’t stay away too long. We need you back soon.”

As the call ended, I stood frozen in disbelief. She didn’t know. Romano hadn’t said a word to her about what really happened. Relief flooded over me. At least I still had my job,for now.

Afterward, I decided to run to the grocery store. By the time I got back, it was dark. “Mom? Mom!” I called out as I walked through the door. The house was unusually quiet. There was no answer.

Then, a low voice sent shivers down my spine. “Hello, Luna.”

I spun around, heart pounding. Emerging from the shadowy corner of the room was Romano himself. My breath hitched as he stepped closer.

“What are you doing here? How did you get in?” I demanded, trying to mask my fear.

He smirked, a glint of amusement in his cold, dark eyes. “I have my ways.”

Panic surged through me as I glanced around the room, looking for something to defend myself with. Almost as if he read my mind, he said calmly, “Relax. Your mom is fine.”

“Where is she?” I asked, my voice trembling.

He pointed toward the window. I hurried over and peered out to see Mom sitting with Mrs. Laura on the porch next door, chatting and laughing like old friends. Relief washed over me,but it was short-lived as I turned back to face him.

“What do you want?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He ignored my question and took a menacing step closer. “I’m not here for questions, Luna.”

I backed away instinctively, spotting a long metal bar nearby. I grabbed it, holding it between us like a lifeline. “Don’t come any closer!” I warned.

His laughter filled the room, dark and mocking. “Oh, Luna,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Tell me the truth. Were you responsible for my mother’s shooting?” I asked

 Before I could react, he closed the distance between us in an instant, effortlessly disarming me. The rod clattered to the floor as his piercing gaze locked onto mine.

I felt completely helpless under his commanding presence, unable to move or speak. Whatever he wanted, I knew I was at his mercy now.