The Red Gladiolus [On Hiatus]

3.Teardrops

'What?' I felt numb, the pit in my stomach deepening.

'Mam, you should come to the school as soon as possible. We could talk further then.'

'Y-yes, yes, I'm coming.'

It feels like there's a fog clouding my mind. I can't tell for my life how I reached the school. If I have taken a taxi or just ran the whole way. The fog left my mind only when I saw my child lying in the stretcher, to be taken in the ambulance, struggling for air. The doctor, quickly, put the oxygen mask on him. I stood a few feet away, frozen, looking as it all unfolded before my eyes.

It's happening again, the same—the same thing. Please, please not again! Not to me. And not him. He is all I have. Please! Nonononono......

Someone shook me, dragging me from the past and jerking into the present. Startled, I stumbled towards the ambulance. A nurse stopped me when I moved to enter. Mam, you cannot enter unless you are related to the child.

'I-I'm his mother.' I said, my voice cracking at the end.

'Then, enter please. And try to calm down.'

'How could I?' I whispered.

The nurse probably heard me as she sat down beside me while the doctor checked Arik.

'Mam, I can understand that it's not easy to see your child in such condition, but trust me he will be fine soon. Don't panic and take a deep breath.'

As soon as we reached the hospital Arik was led to the emergency ward. I sat in one of the chairs outside the emergency room. Full body shudders raking me. I can't think. The picture of my child in the ambulance etched into my brain. My eyes are burning and there's something wet on my face.

The same nurse from before stood in front of me and put a hand on my shoulder.

'Mam, you're alright. And he will be alright too.'

I stared at her and there was such softness and hopefulness in her eyes that I found myself nodding.

'Okay. Now, would you like me to contact someone or something else?'

'No. I would do that. Thank you for asking though.'

'No problem. It's my duty.'

After thanking her once more I pulled out my phone and dialed my friend's number.

'Hello. Lily, where are you? I heard there was some emergency, so you had to go. Are you fine? Is Arik fine?'

Hearing Arik's name I burst into tears.

'Sofi, he's not fine. He's fainted in school and now we are at a hospital. Can you please come here? I-'

'Don't worry. I'm coming. Just send me the name of the hospital and I will be there as soon as possible.' She said cutting me off mid-sentence. I messaged her and sat there waiting.

'He will be fine. He will be fine.' I repeated again and again. Right then it's the only thing that I wished for.

Maybe an hour has passed or just a few minutes when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Sofia was standing in front of me.

'Any update?' I shook my head instead of answering. Sighing she sat beside me. A silent pillar of support whenever I need. I could not thank her enough for being my friend, and being there for me.

A doctor came out of the emergency room. Before any of us can question she reassured, 'His condition is stable now.' I took a breath of relief.

'Why was he...?' Sofi asked, questioning what I needed as well as dreaded to know.

'Iwould suggest talking in my office about that.' The doctor answered in a softtone. Sofia and I shared a glance then followed her to her office. Taking the seats offered to us we waited for her to speak.