The Change

Chapter 2

Blinking, I closed my eyes for a few moments, thankful of the peace that had just settled over the ward. This, however, was not destined to last as my mother re-entered the ward, her eyes puffy, makeup decorating her porcelain face.

"My poor baby!" she said, hugging me as close to her as she could without hurting me.

"What did she tell you?"

"A remedy for going down south to sort out the unexpected stress that triggered this heart attack"

For some reason, I sighed. I wasn't sure why but internally I was grateful that the doctor had not told my mother why I was so stressed. The last thing I needed was her trying to fix everything- it just wouldn't work; I'm pretty sure that's what drove my older brother away to live someplace down south in a desolated part of the country that was hard to access.

Instantly, she hugged me, thinking that my sigh was a sad one.

"Honey, I know you have to go, believe me I tried to go get you out of it but the doctor said that she wouldn't sway on this particular matter. I'm so sorry sweetheart but you'll have to go." Tears slowly started to slip from the corner of her eyes as she hugs me (if possible) closer. This was one thing that I would not particularly miss whilst being down south.

"We can talk more when I get back. Can I get you anything from home?"

"Yes please. Can I have my oversized doctor who top with my pyjama shorts and some books?"

"Sure! Anything for my soldier!"

One slobbery kiss later, I was free of her arms. A nurse then entered the room and switched the bags attached to my wrists, before informing me that it would not hurt to move now.

Happily, I stretch out, careful to not push myself too hard. As soon as I notice that it would not damage me to move, I swing my legs out of the stuffy bed and walk out of the ward.

Drab white walls fill my vision as I follow the signs to the cafeteria where I would eat the infamous food. Strolling in through the cumbersome doors, I grab a tray and order myself some soup, with a drink and a slice of cake for afterwards. Just because I had a minor heart problem didn't mean that it affected my appetite. Digging in, I analyse the people in the room to waste time, imagining different backstories for each of them. As I was imagining a very intense background for an old women holding hands with what I assumed was her partner, somebody knocked into me.

"Sorry."

Eye contact was made instantaneously as it registered that we had simultaneously said sorry.

"Wait, why did you apologise?"

Now it was just getting creepy.

"Sorry, you go first." He said, a crooked smile emerging on his tanned face.