Time

Danielle was discharged, and brought home Elena didn't know what was happening to her mom but she suspected there was something about her mom's illness. As time passed Elena began noticing some abnormalities. Her mom's lips were cracked, her hands were shaking, she became lean and looked unhealthy. Ava and Britney kept visiting often. Months passed and Danielle's sickness grew worse, she thought about Elena. She was scared of leaving Elena alone in this cruel world. She didn't have much time and could feel her life slipping away and Elena wasn't aware of her situation. The thought of this made her cry every day. She needed to tell Elena, she needed to let her know. Elena got home earlier than usual and excited. She met her mom sitting in the living room, she sat beside her and told her about her school competition which was coming up but Elena was not happy when her mom told her she was not going to make it.

"But mom this is a big one and you promised to always attend all my functions, all my classmates' parents will be there. Why will you be an exceptional mom?" She said and asked but got no response from her mom, instead, she met the sad teary eyes of her Danielle. "Mom tells me what's happening," she asked, placing her hand softly on Danielle's back. Danielle got closer to Elena, brushing her hair with her palm. "I have.... can..cer" she managed to speak. Elena looked at her with shock. The room was quiet for a while as no one said anything aside from staring into each other's eyes and tears rolling down from their cheeks." so you're leaving me ?" Elena asked with agony in her voice, tears in her eyes pain In her heart "mom please don't leave me" she pleaded. These words broke Danielle's heart. " I'm sorry my baby I'm so sorry" she cried as she held Elena in her arms. Elena's competition was close by and she was quite busy trying to make sure she was well prepared. Elena was so good at photography and she made it to the top of most of her competitions in every city. But this one would be a turning point for her and her mom if she could win. She promised she would win this so she could take her mom for chemotherapy. Elena would always go out for practice with her coordinator. She hoped her mom would attend the competition. But she was fine. She had to do this for her mom.

The day of the competition came. Elena traveled with her team to another city where her competition will take place. She had Britney and Eva to watch her mum and that gave her some sort of comfort

Ava was at home with Danielle. Danielle felt weak. Her hair shaved, the situation grew worse and she felt she might give up at any time.

Danielle sat in the living room, Elena's competition was broadcasted on air. Ava who was in the kitchen came and sat beside Danielle as they watched Elena. both cheering her on throughout the competition and silently praying her team wins. At the end of the rounds between three teams of different schools and cities. Elena's team won but by a slight margin. The competition wasn't over yet. They had to choose an individual winner. Elena was selected with representatives of other teams.

Danielle and Ava were anxious. Ava got up to her feet and paced the whole room while Danielle was sitting still but was anxious too. She prayed for her child to win.

"And the winner goes to...................ELENA" the anchor announced. Elena jumped for joy as she got her Cheque. She was asked to make a speech. "I can't express how much I feel right now. I want to thank God, my mom, my wonderful team, my coordinator, and all who supported me. This Cheque means a lot to me, It'll help treat my mom" she said with tears rolling down her cheeks. She dropped the mic, fell to her knees, and wept. There was joy at home Danielle and Ava rejoiced with Elena. Danielle couldn't help the tears as they rolled down. It was a mixed feeling for her. She was happy her daughter won the competition. At least she has some cash but she wished she had more time with her. Ava kept consoling her. They were both proud of Elena.

Britney's husband made sure Elena was fine there, made her stay at a good hotel until she was ready to come home. Later that evening Elena spoke to her mom. She was so happy to speak to her. "Mom hang in there, mom lives for me, I'll be right home, mom doesn't worry anymore, I'll make sure I see your treatments." She told her mum. Her voice filled with excitement, joy, tears, and a lot more. "I will be right here Hunny, waiting for you," Danielle replied. Later that night Ava went to check on Danielle. She couldn't talk or move. Scared She checked Danielle's heartbeat and pulse, it was faint. Ava Rushed Danielle to the hospital that night. Danielle was placed on oxygen as Doctors and nurses attended to her. Ava was outside trying to reach Britney, to let her know the situation of things. Britney could not make it that night. "Please take good care of her. I'll be there tomorrow" Britney said to Ava as she hung up. Elena got home with so much excitement. She missed her mom and was so anxious to see her. She was a bit worried, she hasn't spoken to her mom in 2days. She ran into the house while Britney's husband got her luggage from the trunk of the car. He picked her from the airport. Elena got home and met Ava and Britney seated in the living room. Elena greeted them as she ran to her mom's room but she saw no one. Danielle's stuff was neatly packed into brown cartons. Her bed was neatly dressed, her pictures were turned facing the wall. The smile and excitement instantly faded away and were replaced with fear and confusion. Elena ran back to the living room and she noticed the same few things. She was dumbfounded, slowly walked to each and everyone in the room to find an explanation. But none was ready to explain. They were all crying, lost in words, and couldn't look into poor Elena's eyes. "Can someone tell me where my mom is? Where's my mom?" Britney got closer to hug her. "I'm sorry dear, she passed away two days ago" Elena couldn't help it. She was confused, sad, angry. "But how? why?'' This question perused her mind "mom why? I told you to wait, you promise to wait for me, look I got the Cheque, it was for your treatments. You would have waited. I called you 3days ago, you said you'll wait for me to return. Mom, can you hear me? Can you hear me?" She screamed at the ceiling.

Danielle was dead leaving Elena as the only surviving relative she had. Elena had no family now, only Ava, Britney, and Britney's husband. "where do I go from here and what do I do now? " She thought to herself