But eventually, reality hits: I can’t take care of the house and my siblings from here.And as difficult as it is at first, allowing more people in when I know this is my responsibility, I let them help.
Mom’s getting stronger, though.Every day, she looks more like the woman I remember.I hold on to hope that when she finally walks through the front door, she’ll be her old self again—healthy, happy, and whole.
A knock sounds, and a nurse walks in holding a care package.I close the magazine and rise to take it from her.As I bring it to Mom, she smiles.
“Luna said she was having something delivered,” I say, looking over the items in the box, including chocolate, slippers, lip balm, hand cream, eye masks, a crossword book, gift cards, and herbal tea.
“It’s not from Luna.”
My eyebrows pinch together.“It’s not?”I look up, meeting Mom’s gaze.
“It’s from Adrian and Keith the nurse said.”
A fluttery sensation sweeps through my stomach, and I will my mouth to expel words, but I can’t seem to form them.My mouth just opens and closes repeatedly.Mom doesn’t seem to notice; she’s too busy trying to open it, but she doesn’t have the strength, so I help her.
She goes straight for the large-print crossword.I give her a pen and then sit back down, grabbing my phone from my pocket.
Me:Thanks for Mom’s care package.She’s already working on the crossword.??
Adrian:I’m glad she likes it.How are you?
I swear, every time he asks how I am, a weightless feeling washes through me.I don’t need to hesitate; the honesty just rolls out of me.
Me:I’m better today, feeling less stressed.Seeing Mom able to sit up independently today was a huge relief.
Adrian:I’m glad she’s getting better.I don’t like seeing you sad and stressed out.
I don’t get a moment to reply before another message comes through.
Adrian:If you ever need someone to talk to, you know I’m always here for you.
Later that week, I’m back at work while Aurora sits with Mom in the hospital, when Luna calls me into her office.I’ve been nervous for this moment.The promotion announcement was supposed to happen last week, but Mom’s stroke pushed everything else out of my mind.
“Amelia, please sit.”She glances down briefly, her tone and body language already tell me everything I need to know.My heart splinters as she continues.“I know this has been an incredibly difficult time for you with your mother’s health scare.I was just at the hospital yesterday.She looks so much better.”
“Yeah, she’s getting stronger,” I manage, touched that Luna has been visiting regularly, even though I haven’t seen her there.I’m caring for the kids between visits to keep home as normal as possible.
Luna nods, her expression pained.“I’m so relieved.You know how much I love her.”She takes a deep breath.“Amelia, this is one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had to have.But feelings aside, I’ve decided to give the promotion to the other applicant.”
The words disintegrate any part of my heart that’s left.She’s not from town, and doesn’t have a family crisis taking her attention.
“I want you to know this wasn’t about your mother’s situation,” Luna says quickly as if reading my mind.“The other applicant has more experience.I’m sorry, I really am.”
“I understand,” I whisper, nodding.
“Take the rest of the day if you need it,” she offers.
I shake my head.“No, I’m fine.Thank you for letting me know.”
I text Adrian the news as I walk out of her office feeling hollow, like everything I’ve worked for just crumbled in my hands.The worst part is knowing she probably made the right call, even if it breaks my heart.
Later that day, I go straight to Mom, like I always do.
“How was work?”she asks.A simple question.But a big one.
I glance away, staring at the bland hospital walls.Do I tell her the truth?That today wasn’t great?That today was the day my hopes finally collapsed?
I shift in the stiff plastic chair, my back aching from sitting in it for hours every day.Mom’s in a shared room, but her only roommate is a woman curled up under her blankets, asleep.At least I don’t have to worry about her overhearing.
