HIM

CHAPTER 43

My knuckles produced a crackling sound as I pressed them gently. Then I stretched my whole arm before standing to stretch my body.
It was only 5 in the morning but we were already up. Cindy was pacing up and about the room. She'd not slept a wink the entire night.
She had tossed and turned, got out of bed, came back, but still didn't sleep. I had even tried to be like mum by hugging her to keep her calm, but she only lasted a few minutes before she'd break away from it and start her night's uneasiness. She still was restless. So when the door to my room opened and Mum announced that we'd need to get to the hospital, it came as a whole big relief.
If this was the way she'd get everytime Melanie was sick, then it was terrible.

"Cindy, just go home and get whatever you need, and some fresh clothes for your Mum. Then you can come back so we can all leave together."
"Let me carry Joseph along with me."
"No, he's still asleep, don't wake him."

I wanted to go with her but I couldn't, I needed to prep myself too.

OK, Mum was extremely quiet for a start. I know the situation was different, but her expression was gloomy.I didn't want to overthink it, so I walked away to the bathroom.

"We'll need someone to take care of Joseph while we're gone," Mum informed at breakfast. Cindy was already back with a backpack, full.

"He isn't coming with us to the hospital?" Cindy asked surprisingly.

"No he's not. He's still a happy little boy, we wouldn't wish him to be in a hospital setting. It'll reflect him some dull energy," Mum defended.

That was true. The hospital is one place that a lot of things happen at the same time, good or bad. While others die, some are in delivery rooms giving birth; others are walking out while others report in sick, but one common thing was that the air around it always felt heavy and critical and draining at some point.
"I can't think of anyone because he's always remained with me till Mum came back, because my father comes home very late."
"Or maybe I should stay while you all go," I suggested.
"No Linn, you're coming along," Mum said.

Then I knew, something was off. All this early rising, urgency, no going for Joseph, me being a must to go; something was not in place. I just didn't find a better conclusion.

"Or maybe we can carry him along with us, but he'll only see Mum. I know Melanie has a lot of tubes going in and out of her, and a lot of machines around her. So that's the only thing we need to keep him from," Cindy said.

"No Cindy, Joseph is better rolling on the grass outside, than going to the hospital," Mum insisted.

Then I just said what came out of my mouth, "Call Dad."
Mum looked at me surprised, but as clear as it was, there was no better option.

When a knock came on the door some time later, Mum excused herself and stayed out there for a while. That had to be my Dad. Maybe she was giving instructions on everything to do with the boy. I was tempted to go eavesdropping but I didn't have the strength to. Cindy was all very quiet in the sofa.
"Cindy, it's going to be OK," I reassured her the umpteenth time.
"Thanks Linn," she said.

Then Dad and Mum walked in. Dad said hello to us, then sat down.
"Time to go ladies," Mum announced.
Dad nodded as we walked out.
"Hey Cornel, if you can't find anything or something goes wrong, please call me or Linn. We'll help."
"I will."
I only had one wish, they'd get back together again.

* * * *
I felt energy drain away from me immediately I took the first step into the hospital. The air smelled of injections, drugs and sickness maybe, it was terrible. The last time I was here I had come to see mother, I wasn't expecting to be back so soon.

We sat in the waiting area as Mum went to make inquiries. Grandma came in shortly after.
"Follow me," she said.
Mum pulled me backwards a bit, then looked at me. "Linn, I need you to be strong for Cindy. They need us," she said in a sepulchral tone.
I didn't say anything, we just walked on to Ward 7, room 13.

Mrs. Ted sat beside the bed, all the color drained from her. Her eyes all swollen and red.
Little Melanie had no tubes in and out of her body.
The monitor showed nothing.
She was just lying there freely, eyes closed. Peaceful and calm and quiet as she'd always been.
A white sheet covered her except the neck upwards.
Mrs. Ted broke in tears when she saw Cindy.
That's when the truth finally dawned on me.
Little Melanie was dead.