Chapter 111
Is this real?
Chris’ POV:
My mind is a jumbled mess, thoughts racing in every direction. I feel like I’m drowning, suffocating under the weight of the doctor’s words. I can’t think straight, can’t process what’s happening.
I keep thinking this is all some kind of mistake, some cruel joke. My mom can’t be… she can’t be dying. She’s always been there for me, always been my rock. I can’t imagine a world without her.
But the doctor’s face, his eyes, they tell a different story. They tell me that this is real, that this is happening. And I feel like I’m losing my grip on reality.
I try to speak, to ask the doctor questions, but my voice won’t work. My mouth is dry, my tongue feels like sandpaper. I can only manage a faint whisper.
“What… what can we do?” I stammer.
The doctor’s expression is sympathetic, but his words are harsh. “We’re doing everything we can, Chris. But sometimes… sometimes it’s just not enough.”
I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut, like all the air has been sucked out of me. I can’t breathe, can’t think. All I can do is stand there, frozen in horror, as my world falls apart around me.
As I stand there, feeling like my world is crumbling around me, I sense a presence beside me.
It’s Jake, his eyes filled with concern and compassion. He puts a hand on my shoulder, and I feel a surge of comfort.
“Hey, man, I am here for you,” he says softly.
“I know this is tough, but you’re not alone.” He told me.
I try to speak, but my voice cracks. Jake’s grip on my shoulder tightens.
“Remember those days when your mom was like a mom to me too?” he says.
“When we were kids, and our families would spend time together? She was always there for us, no matter what.” He reminded me.
I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat.
“Well, that’s not going to change,” Jake says firmly.
“She is still going to be there for you, Chris. She is going to get through this, and she’s going to come out stronger on the other side.” Jake assured me.
I look at Jake, his words piercing through my fear and uncertainty. He believes in my mom, in her strength and resilience. And in that moment, I realize that I do too.
“Thanks, Jake,” I whisper, my voice barely audible.
Jake nods and pulls me into a hug.
“We are in this together, bro,” he says.
“Always.” He added.
Just as Jake and I are holding onto each other, trying to find strength in each other’s embrace, the doctor walks in, a small smile on his face.
“Chris, Jake, I have some good news,” he says, his voice filled with a sense of relief.
“Your mother’s health has stabilized, and she’s asking to see you both.” He revealed.
My heart skips a beat as I pull back from Jake’s hug.
“She’s okay?” I ask, my voice laced with hope.
The doctor nods.
“She’s going to be okay. We’ve got her stable for now, and she’s asking to speak with you both.” He told me.
I feel a wave of gratitude wash over me as I look at Jake, then back at the doctor.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice cracking with emotion.
“Thank you for saving her.” I added.
The doctor smiles.
“We are not out of the woods yet, but we’re getting there. Go talk to her, she’s been asking for you.” He told me.
Jake and I exchange a look, then follow the doctor to my mother’s room. As we enter, I see her lying in bed, her eyes sunken but a small smile on her face.
“Hey, guys,” she says, her voice weak but determined.
“I’m glad you are here.” Mother said.
I rush to her side, taking her hand in mine.
“Mom, we are here. We are not going anywhere.” I assured her.
Jake stands beside me, his eyes shining with tears.
“We are here. We are not leaving your side.” Jake said.
My mother’s smile grows wider, and she squeezes my hand.
“I know, boys. I know I’m in good hands with you both.” She revealed.
As we sit with my mom, talking and laughing together, I can see the tension in her body begin to ease. Her smile grows stronger, and her eyes sparkle with a hint of their usual mischief.
Jake and I chat with her for what feels like hours, sharing stories and memories, and just enjoying each other’s company.
Finally, the doctor comes in, a broad smile on his face. “Well, well, well,” he says, looking at my mom with a sense of pride.
“Look at you! You are looking much better already!” He told my mother.
My mom smiles up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude.
“Thanks to my boys,” she says, squeezing my hand and Jake’s.
“They are the best medicine I could ask for.” She revealed.
The doctor chuckles.
“I think you might be onto something there. The power of love and family is not to be underestimated. Your health is improving rapidly, and I think we can attribute a lot of that to the positive energy in this room.” He revealed.
I feel a surge of joy and relief at his words, and I look over at Jake, who’s grinning from ear to ear. We both know that our mom is going to be okay, and that’s all that matters.
“Thanks, doc,” I say, shaking his hand.
“We won’t let her out of our sight from now on.” I said.
The doctor laughs.
“I think that’s a great idea, Chris. Keep doing what you’re doing, and I think we’ll see your mom back on her feet in no time.” He said.
The doctor’s expression turns serious, and he looks me straight in the eye. “Chris, I need to tell you something.
“Your mother’s health is improving, but she’s not out of the woods yet. She needs your support and care right now, and I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to be here for her.” He told us.
I nod, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over me.
“I understand, doctor. I’ll stay by her side until she’s fully recovered.” I told him
The doctor nods, his expression grave.
“I mean it, Chris. Don’t leave her side. She needs you now more than ever. And that means you can’t go back to work until she’s fully recovered.” He cautioned me.
I feel a pang of anxiety at his words. Work is important, but my mother’s health is more important. I know what I have to do.
“Okay, doctor,” I say, my voice firm.
“I’ll stay with her. I won’t leave her side until she’s better.” I agreed.
The doctor nods, a small smile on his face.
“That’s what I like to hear, Chris. Your mother is lucky to have sons like you.” He complimented us.
I smile, feeling a sense of pride and purpose. I’ll do whatever it takes to help my mother recover, even if it means putting my life on hold for a while.
She’s always been there for me, and now it’s my turn to be there for her