The Space in Between

Chapter 4

Inside Dre's room.

"You got a lot of explaining to do, young man!" I can hear the tension in my mom's voice.

"I'm okay, Mom. There's nothing to worry about." I tried giving her assurance.

She straightened up and blurted, "Nothing to worry?" She took a deep breath and continued, "I hope you understand why I'm being like this. You're the only one I got, and I am truly grateful for every single day I have with you. And I am just not..."

I stopped her because I can already see a buildup in her eyes, "Mom, I'm really okay. I can take care of myself. I know it's hard for you to raise me and look after me all by yourself. You're doing a great job there, by the way. Losing dad is hard for me too, Mom."

My dad left us when I was only ten for another woman. I've seen how my mom struggled so we can survive but she never wanted to have a grudge towards my dad.

He reached out five years ago and started to create a bond with me. Sometimes we'd go out fishing, bowling, or simply driving around. During that time, I felt a great deal of happiness, that's when I realized I already forgave him for leaving us.

Shortly after, I found out that he was battling cancer and a few months later, I lost him again.

This time, he won't be coming back. Just when you were already seeing a glimpse of light, it will be dark again.

That's when I decided to volunteer to help the kids battling cancer at this hospital I am in right now - St. Claire Hospital. Showing up as a superhero every weekend and seeing their sweet smiles helped me cope. It also feels great to know that somehow it helps to ease the pain they feel.

I looked at my mom and at this point, she's already sobbing. "Mom, I am grateful that I have you. You are my rock. Because you raised me well, I was able to forgive dad easily and I did it before he's gone. I wouldn't be the person I am today, if not for you. And I wouldn't be where I am today, if not..." I stopped.

"Ah scratch the last part, you're not the reason why I'm in this hospital bed today." I tried to crack a joke to make the mood lighter. We both laughed and she suddenly became serious again.

"About that." She replied.

Uh oh, I think I made the wrong joke. How can I tell her that I don't even know that girl? To escape, I said, "Mom, I suddenly feel dizzy. I think I need to get some rest."

She looked at me with concern, "Okay, I'll let you rest. I'll stay here with you until you wake up again."

Not that I want her to leave but I want to know more about Liv and I can only do that if we're alone. Politely, I said, "I'll be fine, Mom, Nancy and the nurses here will take care of me. I know you still have to go to your next job."

Then, I close my eyes.