Going back to the house

★★★★

“Mom, Mom...” Payne’s voice cut through the haze of Jasmine’s thoughts, but her mother remained lost in her own world, staring blankly toward the hospital exit. Passersby gave Jasmine curious glances. Payne, noticing the growing concern in their eyes, approached her mother and gently nudged her arm. “Mom, what are you doing standing in the middle of the way? People are having to go around you.”

Jasmine blinked, as if waking from a trance, and turned to face her daughter. Her expression was a tight mask of tension. “Are you done in there?” she asked, her voice strained.

“Yes, but why do you look so out of place? Did something happen?” Payne inquired, her concern evident in her furrowed brow.

Jasmine took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. “I need to go to your grandfather’s house to see him.”

Payne’s face registered immediate concern. “Am I going with you?”

“No, I’ll drop you off at home first before heading to your grandfather’s place. It’s just that... I have a