Chains of Obsession

18

Max still hasn't gotten results from Annabell's tests. I know it has been only 1 day, but I am inpatient.

Today, 28th August, is the day when our mother died. Anniversary.

Right now, I am sitting on my office's couch, hugging Annabell as she is sitting on my lap, her head buried in my chest.

I hold Annabell close, feeling her body tremble slightly with suppressed tears. I know this day is always difficult for her, the anniversary of our mother's death. And to have it fall on the day before her birthday just makes it worse.

I gently stroke her hair, silently wishing there was something more I could do to ease her pain.

"I miss her," she murmurs softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I still remember how she used to sing happy birthday for me when it was my birthday..."

My heart clenches at the mention of our mother's gentle voice, remembering the many times she sang that song for us during our birthdays.

"I know," I say softly, tightening my embrace around her. "I miss her too."

We sit in silence for a moment, both of us lost in our memories.

Then she speaks again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to lose you too, Alex."

"What are you talking about -" I started, but she cut me off, "I'm sick too." She said.

My heart skips a beat, her words sinking in.

"What?" I manage to say, my voice hoarse. "What do you mean you're sick?"

"Cancer. The same one that mom had." She mumbled.

The news hits me like a punch in the gut. My grip on Annabell tightens, and I feel a wave of helplessness wash over me.

"No," I murmur, my voice strangled. "No, that can't be."

I pull her closer, holding her tightly against me, as if trying to shield her from the reality of her own diagnosis.

"We'll fight it," I say firmly, my mind already racing with possibilities. "We'll find the best doctors. We'll get you the best treatment. You're gonna be fine."

But even as I say the words, doubt gnaws at the back of my mind. Cancer is a merciless enemy, and I know the toll it can take on a person. I've seen the way it ravaged our mother, how it took away her strength and her spirit.

Can I really protect Annabell from suffering the same fate?

She pulls back slightly, her eyes fixed on mine.

"Promise me something, Alex," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll keep being the same brother to me. That you won't push me away or shut me out like you did after mom's death."

My heart clenches at her words, but I nod earnestly. "I promise," I say, my voice hoarse. "I'll always be your brother, no matter what. I won't push you away, I won't shut you out. I'll be there for you, Annabell. Always."

She gives me a small, sad smile before resting her head on my chest once again.

"I don't want to die, Alex," she whispers, her voice cracking. "I'm scared."

Her fear pierces my heart, and I feel a surge of protectiveness well up inside me. I hold her closer, my grip tight but gentle.

"You're not gonna die," I murmur fiercely. "We're gonna beat this, Annabell. I won't let anything take you from me."

We sit in silence for a long while after that, each lost in our own thoughts. I keep holding Annabell close, my mind swirling with worry and frustration. I'm angry at the world for taking our mother and threatening to take Annabell too. I'm desperate to find some way, any way, to save her.

Why couldn't they take our father instead? This old bastard never cared about us.

As I feel Annabell's body relax against mine, I know she's asleep. Her breathing is steady, her face peaceful.

I continue holding her, not wanting to disturb her rest. It's been a long day.

I watch her sleeping face, admiring the innocence and vulnerability that only sleep can bring. It reminds me of when we were little, when she would fall asleep on my lap after a long day of playing.

I brush a strand of hair from her forehead, gently tucking it behind her ear, careful not to wake her.

Carefully, I stand up with her in my arms. I am gonna bring her to her own room so she can sleep properly.

I carry Annabell gently, taking extra care not to wake her. She's already so tired, and she needs all the rest she can get.

I manage to open the door to her room and lay her down on the bed, tucking the sheets around her. She stirs slightly, her eyelids fluttering, but she doesn't wake.

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Poor Annabell, why her? She's so sweet and innocent...