Chapter 8

"Hey, mum."

Her mum turned to her and gave a smile. "You look so tired Halle, are you overworking yourself?"

"No mum."

"The cupcakes were great," she said. "Yui seems to love them a lot."

"You're lying." Halle sat on the side of the bed next to her. "Seeing Yui, I forgot all of my problems for a minute."

"Yeah, she really is something. As soon as she comes home from school the first thing she does is sit on that chair," her mum pointed to the chair beside her bed. "and tell me everything that happened in school. She even told me her plan for Shizuka's birthday this year!"

Halle looked at the crinkles at the corner of her eyes as she smiled. Her smile was always gentle. And kind. "You've never aged a day, mum."

"Right," her mum ruffled her hair. "Tell me what's wrong, darling." She looked into Halle's eyes. "Something's bothering you, isn't it?"

"Nothing mom, I'll take care of it."

"Then what am I here for?" her mom straightened up. "My daughter's having a bad day and you want me to forget it? As long as I'm here, I will protect you darling. Tell me what's wrong."

Tears trickled down her face. She can't say nothing now. She cried. Her mom ruffled her hair and pulled her into a hug. "I'm just tired, mom. I want you to get well but I don't have enough money for the operation. She won't help even if I ask. I can't even afford us a house or a housemaid. I am doing my best but nothing seems to work. Dad left us. I don't want you to leave me too. But nothing seems to be in my control mom. I want to work harder and keep you safe and happy. Shizuka helps us with everything, I feel like I'm being a burden to her and . . . I don't know what to do."

"Oh darling . . . look at me." She smiled gently. Halle could see her eyes moist with a few tears of its own. "You have done very much more than everyone else here has. You are the only reason I'm here. Don't think about me. Think about yourself. You need to live your life too. If you stop worrying about me, money wouldn't be a problem."

"Stop it mum! This is as far as what you get to decide. We are going through with the operation whether I can afford it or not!"

"I know darling, but you shouldn't be thinking about me every single day. I want you to spend some time and money on yourself as well."

Halle gritted her teeth. She wasn't wrong but . . .

"Good night, mum. I'll see you tomorrow."