To My Dearest Roseanne

Chapter 15

The spokesman of the Power Grid Company Ltd. Tony V. Butko has recently stated that the internal investigation into the incident concerning the explosion of a supply line in Mierzwin is still ongoing and, thus far, inconclusive. For the time being, the supply line is going to be temporarily shut down. Yet again, the spokesman stressed that there will not be any power outages across the grid from Bydgoszcz to Konin, but the citizens should expect brief brownouts. The company shall reopen the supply line as soon as possible.

Comments under the online article weren't filled with hope and trust in the authority:

"Something like that could happen only in the Land of Po."

"Japanese aspirations, African outcomes."

"Should I stock up on torches and candles?"

"You maniacs!!! You blew it up! God damn you! God damn you all to hell!"

***

Cho stopped flicking through the news updates on her phone. She wanted to find out more about the incident of her arrival, but she knew it wasn't a primary concern right now. It was early morning and she woke up Roseanne.

The girl opened her bloodshot eyes and barely managed to get up. Enzo began pulling her shirt, so she wouldn't fall over, whereas Cho brought over a cup of tea and a bowl of steaming rice.

"I know it may not be proper breakfast. But I made this yesterday and it would be a shame to throw it away," she said.

Roseanne barely had contact with reality.

"Look! You haven't eaten anything for two days! Eat something because you need to be strong for today," Cho said and started forcefully spoon-feeding Roseanne.

"Now get yourself ready. We're going!"

***

The bus was slugging for an hour until it reached the regional hospital. Cho made sure to remember the route in case she would have to get there without Roseanne.

The medical facility itself seemed more dilapidated than the county hospital. It was located in the suburbs with one block of flats and a firehouse in the vicinity. There was a massive lawn in front of the building with benches for patients and visitors. The backyard, on the other hand, functioned as a landing pad for helicopters (though it hasn't served its purpose for decades).

Cho went inside, supporting Roseanne who swayed on her knees. With the elevator, they reached the top floor, passed the ophthalmology department, and entered the general ward.

The rooms in such establishments were usually occupied by more than one patient. Liz was lying unconscious in the middle of her room, bundled up by "neighbours" on her left-hand and right-hand side.

"Oh, twins! What a surprise" said the lady neighbour who was lying on the left-hand side under a window.

"Hello," said Cho.

Roseanne said nothing. She rushed to Liz and grabbed her hand.

"Is this your mother? They brought her in yesterday. Doc told them to clean her up and all," the neighbour explained.

"Is that so?"

Cho just stood at the foot of the hospital bed and observed the scene of her alternate self tending to her mother. Cho didn't dare to approach Liz closer, even though the woman was asleep. She just stood there frozen, not really knowing what to do. She felt elation and sadness at the same time. Elation because it was a dream come true for her to see Liz. Sadness because the parent was gravely ill.

"Her skin colour is better and her hand feels warm again," declared Roseanne. Those were the first words she had spoken that morning.

"They gave your mom some meds in the middle of the night. That must be it," said the neighbour.