The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

I have question

I have questions for you

How do I fix it? Can we talk?

Can we communicate? Can we talk?

Do I wanna fix it?

By Camilla Cabello

Camille had just come out of a consultation when a nurse called out to her, reception phone in hand.

- Camille, there's a call from Worcester Hospital for your mother,' she said.

Camille frowned as she picked up the phone. Anxiety slowly crept into her mind as she prepared to hear the news.

- Thank you,' she murmured, putting the phone to her ear.

The voice on the other end was clear and professional, and it wasn't long before the information came through. Her mother had been hospitalised after a minor stroke. Stable now. The treatment had been rapid, which had alleviated the symptoms. However, it was still too early to assess the long-term after-effects.

- Treatment by thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy? asked Camille, her mind immediately immersed in medical jargon.

- Thrombolysis, within three hours of the accident. Her heart was beating faster. She didn't want any more news, but....

- She's asking for you.

- I'll be there as soon as I can.

The phone went dead and Camille was left alone with her thoughts. She sighed deeply, her mind in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She had to go to the hospital to see her mother. Cutting her ties had been the best decision, and her mother had not sought to return, surprising as that was. Their relationship was complicated, to put it simply. She was no longer angry, but ending it was the best solution. But she was hospitalised, a neurological event.

Having obtained her boss's agreement to leave her post urgently, Camille called Andrew, hoping to find some comforting support.

- Oh,' said Andrew. I'll meet you at home,' Andrew replied without hesitation. We'll grab a few things and leave together.

Camille was moved by the spontaneity of Andrew's response. The fact that he was prepared to go with her was a much-needed comfort.

- Do you really want to come?' she asked, her voice full of emotion. It's not going to be fun.

- That's not even a question,' replied Andrew, his voice firm but full of compassion. I'll start packing. Be careful on the road.

Camille hung up, feeling a wave of gratitude and emotion wash over her. She took a moment to calm down before getting ready. She collected her things, her mind already on the road to Worcester, stressing.

Andrew's presence was a tangible comfort, and Camille felt a wave of gratitude as she joined him, packing his bags. Celeste was fast asleep, unaware of the situation. They drove to Worcester Hospital in silence, Camille lost in thought and emotion. Andrew drove with quiet concentration, glancing reassuringly at Camille from time to time.

The journey seemed interminable, each minute stretching out with the promise of a difficult confrontation. Camille watched the landscape pass by through the window, her thoughts turned to her mother, wondering how she would react when she saw her. Andrew, aware of the emotional weight of the moment, tried to lighten the mood by making light-hearted remarks and offering topics of conversation to distract Camille, but he also respected her moments of silence.

When they arrived at the hospital, Camille felt a surge of adrenalin mixed with nervousness. Andrew parked his car and the two of them headed for the main entrance. Camille concentrated on every step she took, knowing that she had to prepare herself for what lay ahead.