Sonia held her mother tightly as she wailed uncontrollably in front of the doctor. Her mother's anguish was killing and she couldn't find the words to express her emotions. Her clothes were disheveled and worn, and her mismatched slippers seemed to underscore her distraught state.
"Where's my husband?" she cried out, her voice shaking.
"How is he? Is he okay?" The doctor's calm demeanor was a stark contrast to her mother's distress.
"Madam, please, take it easy. He is fine. Let's focus on getting you calm, and then we'll discuss everything in detail."
"Let me see him"
As Sonia's mother pleaded to see her husband, the doctor's firm but gentle voice intervened,
"You will. Calm down first."
The doctor then turned to Sonia, his expression sympathetic. "Please calm her down so she can meet me in my office," he requested. Sonia nodded understandingly and helped her distraught mother to a seat at the reception area.
After composing herself, Sonia stood up to meet the doctor in his office as requested. A few minutes later, she returned with a somber expression, her eyes filled with concern. Without a word, she gently guided her mother to her father's ward.
As they entered the ward, the sight that greeted them was heart-wrenching. Sonia's father lay in bed, his condition devastating. Various medical equipment surrounded him, and tubes were attached to his frail body. Sonia's mother let out a suppressed sob, her eyes welling up with tears as she took in her husband's state. Even though they hardly speak to each other everyday, she still loved her husband and the intense fire of love still burned in he heart .
Sonia's grip on her mother's hand tightened, using her other hand to pat it, offering what little comfort she could in that moment.
Just then, Sonia's phone beeped, breaking the tense atmosphere. She reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out the device, her eyes scanning the screen. It was an email from Litton High School, reminding her that the exam was just two weeks away. Her eyes widened in alarm, and her hands began to tremble slightly as she processed the looming deadline and the situation before her.
Her mother, sensing her distraction, turned around, concern etched on her face.
"What's wrong, dear?" she asked, her voice softening slightly.
Sonia forced a reassuring smile, trying not to worry her mother further.
"Nothing, Mum," she said, attempting to downplay the situation as she dipped her phone back into her pocket
But her mother wasn't fooled.
"Talk to me, Sonia," she pressed gently. "What's going on?"
Sonia hesitated for a moment before answering,
"I have two weeks left until the exam."
To Sonia's surprise, her mother's expression transformed from worry to relief.
"Oh, is that all?" she said with a gentle smile.
"Go home and study, dear. I'll take care of your father. And don't worry about your friend; she'll be fine. You focus on your exams."
"Mum. You can't stay here alone!" Sonia opposed.
"Don't worry my daughter"
She stood up and dragged Sonia who was still reluctant to go out to the reception.
"If there's anything you want, just call me" Her mother held her hand, walking her out.
Sonia's eyes welled up with tears as her mother walked back into the room after waving her goodbye. The sound of the door closing behind her seemed to echo through the silence, leaving an unsettling feeling. Her mother's smile faded as she turned back to face the room, her expression transforming from warmth to a determined look.
Sonia's tears seemed to dry as she gazed at her mother with concern. But as the door closed, her mother's eyes locked onto something in the room, and her pace quickened.
Sonia's mother glanced at the clock on the wall, her mind seemingly elsewhere. She took a deep breath, and her eyes scanned the room as if ensuring she was truly alone. She began to move with purpose, her steps swift and deliberate as she walked back to her husband.
"I must pass this exam" Sonia muttered clutching her fist that was punching back her tears
Sonia trudged back home, her feet heavy with the weight of her emotions. As she entered her bedroom, she collapsed onto her bed, letting out a deep sigh. The softness of the mattress enveloped her, and she buried her face in the pillows, allowing her tears to flow freely.
Exhaustion washed over her, but her mind was still racing towards it's goals. She reached out to her bedside table and grabbed her alarm clock, setting it for 10 pm. She closed her eyes, letting the darkness wash over her, and soon drifted into a deep sleep.
At 10 pm, the alarm jolted her awake. Sonia rubbed her eyes, feeling a bit disoriented. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and planted her feet firmly on the ground. Her eyes landed on a stack of books on her nightstand, and she picked up the top one. As she began to read, the words transported her to a different world, one where her worries seemed to melt away as each words flew out.
The hours ticked by slowly as Sonia read, losing herself in the books. The room around her melted away, and she was no longer thinking about her mother or the uncertainty that lay ahead.
For a brief moment, she found solace in the words on the page, and her heart felt a little lighter.
This continued for two weeks, with Sonia waking up at 10 pm each night to read, escaping the reality of her situation.
The day of the exam finally arrived, and Sonia woke up earlier than usual, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination. She hopped out of bed, her heart racing with anticipation. After a refreshing bath, she got dressed in her usual attire, making sure she looked neat and presentable at least.
As she made her way to Litton High School, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She arrived thirty minutes before the exam commencement, giving herself ample time to settle in.
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the school's facade, and Sonia took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the challenge ahead.She had remembered what she do watch in dramas. She held and fist and muttered,
"Hwaiting"
At around 9:00 am, the candidates were ushered into the examination hall. Sonia took her seat, her eyes scanning the room as she received the question paper. She took a moment to compose herself, then began to tackle the questions with focus and determination.
Sonia took her time to finish the exam, ensuring she answered each question to the best of her ability. She didn't want to be overconfident about her performance, knowing that she had worked hard but also aware that unexpected challenges could arise.
As soon as she completed the exam, Sonia gathered her belongings and rushed out of the hall. She hurried to the bus stop, her mind already shifting to her father's and friend's condition and the hospital visit she had been anticipating. The bus ride seemed to drag on, but she was lost in thought, replaying the exam questions in her mind and wondering how she'd done.
Finally, she arrived at the hospital, her heart raced with her legs as she made her way to her friend's room, hoping to find some reassurance about her health. She was still lying there but her face seems calm. She walked to her father's ward and her mother was excited to see her.