Chapter 7
I quickly changed back into my clothes, rushing toward home as fast as I could.
Half an hour ago, I had received another call from Mom. The Auntie from neighborhood told me that Mom’s condition had worsened and urged me to hurry back.
On the phone, Mom’s voice was barely a whisper. “No, no need to rush…”
“Lyn, slow… slow down. I’m… I’m okay. Just… be careful…”
My heart clenched, and my voice trembled. “Okay, Mom. Don’t worry, I’ll drive slowly”
“I’m almost home, Mom. Wait for me, okay?”
Chapter 7
+ 5. Points
“Okay… okay…”
Hearing her weak voice, my tears flooded uncontrollably, but I covered my mouth, trying to keep my sobs from reaching her.
Bronx silently handed me a tissue, his hands steady as he increased his speed.
When I finally arrived home, my mind was a whirlwind of confusion. I didn’t even notice that Bronx had been following me the whole way.
I stumbled toward Mom’s bedside, barely able to stand.
She looked pale, her breaths shallow and labored. Her body seemed frail, the life in her flickering like a candle about to go out.
I held her cold hand tightly, and her eyes
Chapter 7
+ 5 Points
fluttered open just a sliver, her voice barely audible. “Is… Lyn… back?”
Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, falling onto her withered hand. “Mom, I’m here. Lyn’s back…”
It was as if she suddenly found some strength, her hand weakly patting mine. Her words came out more clearly, “It’s good… so good… that you’re back…”
“Has… Jay… come back?”
“Is he here yet?”
My heart stopped, a wave of despair crashing over me.
Two years ago, Mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
3/6
She refused to be hospitalized and rejected my care, insisting on returning to her birthplace, where she wanted to rest in peace.
“Lyn, you’re going to do great things. The country has nurtured you, and you must repay it, understand?”
“Don’t worry, Mom. The country will take care of me.”
“Talk things through with Jay. After you get married, have a healthy baby, and then I’ll be at ease.”
Even though Mom was sick, I couldn’t take proper care of her. Instead, she spent her final days worrying about my future, my marriage.
It felt like a barrage of slaps had hit me all at
4/6
+ 5 Points
once, and I was left dizzy and reeling.
My throat tightened, and I didn’t know what to say.
Then, a deep, reassuring voice cut through the tension. “Mom, I’m here.”
A warm, dry hand covered both mine and Mom’s, and I looked up in a daze–it was Bronx.
His gaze was sincere and focused. “Mom, don’t worry. I’ll take care of Lyn.”
I glanced anxiously at Mom, and to my surprise, a satisfied smile spread across her face.
My heart tightened with agony, and tears flowed uncontrollably down my cheeks.
5/6
FOINTS
She couldn’t even see us clearly anymore, her vision fading away.
In her final moments, her trembling hands gripped both mine and Bronx’s. “Take care… of each other. Be happy… Work for the country…”
Those were the last words she left me.
With a smile, she slipped away from this world.
6/61
