Tender Moments

Every passing moment in the hospital felt like an eternity for Vicky. His mind was consumed by deep worry about his mother, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of impending doom. He wondered what had happened to her, if she was okay, and if the worst was going to happen. As he paced back and forth in the waiting room, his anxiety grew with each tick of the clock. He couldn't focus on anything else, his thoughts racing with worst-case scenarios. "What happened to Mum? Will she be okay? I hope she won't leave me..."

Suddenly, the doctor emerged from the ICU, and Vicky's heart skipped a beat. He rushed to the doctor, his eyes locked on the physician's face, searching for any glimmer of hope. "Doctor, please tell me... how is she?" Vicky asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

The doctor's expression was somber, and Vicky's heart sank. "Vicky, I'm afraid I have some difficult news to share with you..."

Vicky's mind went blank as the doctor delivered the news, his words echoing in his mind like a distant scream. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his world crumbling around him.

"Doctor, what's wrong? Will she be okay?" Vicky asked, his mind racing with curiosity. "Please tell me what exactly happened to her."

The doctor's tone was reassuring, but laced with concern. "She's okay, but she's under a lot of stress, and it's really affecting her health. She's putting a lot of pressure on her knee, and if this continues, she will automatically lose the ability to use that leg again. Please, I advise you to watch over her and take care of her. She'll be okay with proper care."

Vicky's anxiety eased slightly, but his concern for his mother remained. "Thank you, Doctor. Can I go in to see her?" he asked.

The doctor nodded. "Sure, you can go in."

"Okay, thank you," Vicky said, rushing into his mother's ward.

As he entered, his mother's eyes met his, and he suddenly felt weak and scared. "Mom," Vicky said, rushing to his mother's side.

"Son, I'm fine, don't worry," Caroline said, her voice weak but reassuring. "Look at your face; it's so pale."

Vicky's concern turned to frustration. "Mom, please don't change the topic. I want to know what happened. How did you fall? What were you doing? I told you not to get up, that's why I left everything you'll need for the day beside you so you wouldn't have to get up."

Caroline's expression turned sheepish. "I know, but I just wanted to stand up, and suddenly I fell... that's all. Nothing serious."

Vicky's voice rose in worry. "Mom..."

Caroline's expression softened. "Vicky, I said I'm alright. Don't put yourself under too much stress. Cheer up. I need you to be strong for me, not the other way around."

Vicky's expression faltered, and he looked concerned. "Situation makes me sad, please don't do this again..." His voice trailed off as he forced a smile. "I have heard you, son... just smile for me." Vicky feigned a smile and said, "I'm so glad you're alright..."

Just then, his phone rang. "Mum, excuse me. I want to take this call," Vicky said, standing up from beside the hospital bed. He answered the call, "Hey, babe... what's up?"

Mirabel's voice was warm on the other end. "I'm good... I was expecting your call. Why didn't you call me?" Vicky explained, "I couldn't. My mom fell ill, and I had to rush her to the hospital."

Mirabel's concern was immediate. "Oh, I'm so sorry about that. Is she okay now?" Vicky reassured her, "Yeah, she's feeling better..."

Mirabel asked, "What happened?" Vicky recounted, "When I returned, I found her on the floor, and she was fainting, so I had to bring her to the hospital..."

Mirabel's relief was palpable. "Wow, I'm so glad she's fine now. Can I speak with her?" Vicky handed the phone over to Caroline, who asked who the caller was, but Vicky urged her to speak without replying.

Mirabel greeted Caroline warmly. "Good evening, ma'am." Caroline's response was equally warm. "Good evening... Mirabel, the Mirabel?" Mirabel confirmed, "Yes..."

Caroline's tone turned affectionate. "Wow, it's so nice to finally hear your voice. In fact, I feel a whole lot better. Your voice is so beautiful. No wonder my son couldn't resist you..." Mirabel smiled, "Thank you, ma'am."

Caroline's next words caught Mirabel off guard. "No, don't call me ma'am. You can call me Mum, if that's okay with you." Mirabel agreed, "Okay, Mum... How are you feeling now? Vicky told me you fell ill."

Caroline's response was filled with warmth. "Yes, but it's nothing too serious. Hearing your sweet voice has given me strength. I'm so happy, thank you for transforming my son's life..." Mirabel's response was humble. "No, Mum... he's the one who transformed my life. Having him with me is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

" That's nice, I am happy for you two, I can't wait to see you..."

" you will ma'am, sorry mum.., for now please get better..."

" Okay dear..." Caroline says, returning the phone to Vicky.Mirabel asked Vicky to take care of his mother, "Vicky, if you have to, please stay home with your mum. Don't bother coming to work." Vicky's response was adamant. "No, no, I'll be there. She'll be in good hands in the hospital. I'm worried about her, but I couldn't live a day without seeing your face..."

Mirabel's voice was soft. "Are you sure?" Vicky confirmed, "Yes..." Mirabel concluded, "Alright then, see you tomorrow..." The call ended, and Vicky spent the rest of the night watching over his mother, tending to her needs.