Momo's Gradual Change

C28. Grandmother's Illness.

Chapter 28: Grandmother's Illness

Winter in the South arrives slowly; November brings a chill to the mornings and evenings, yet the days remain pleasantly warm, where a light jacket suffices.

As her grandmother's gentle murmurs filled the air, Song Yimo prepared herself, then ventured into her grandmother's room to find her a coat.
In the old-fashioned wardrobe, the clothes were neatly folded—few in number and all quite worn. Touching the fabric of her own attire, which, though not new, was far better than her grandmother's, a pang of sorrow surged within Song Yimo. She bit her lip, desperately suppressing her emotions.

It would be alright; everything would be fine. She would buy her grandmother new clothes and ensure that her life was better than anyone else's.

Securing the door, Song Yimo assisted her grandmother down the stairs. "Take it slow."

With a sigh, Grandmother Song replied, "This house is ancient; the hallway lights are broken half the year. We're lucky to be on the second floor. Do you remember Granny Xie from Building Eleven? She lives on the fourth floor. Just the other day, she fell while heading out early to buy groceries. I heard she broke her collarbone and leg. When we return from the city, we must go see her."

"Of course, I’ll accompany you," Song Yimo couldn't help but advise, "Please, be careful coming down. Elderly bones are brittle and fragile; a fall could be catastrophic. Poor Granny Xie must be suffering."

"I know, I know. If anyone were to fall, it would be you who would be worried," Grandmother Song chuckled softly, squeezing her granddaughter's hand, clearly content.

"Aunt Song!"

Both women looked up to see a familiar face. "Miao Dad, Miao Mama," Song Yimo called out.

Miao's mother approached, adjusting Song Yimo's collar with a motherly touch. "We need to head into the city for some errands but can give you a ride. Are we going to the hospital or the central hospital?"

"Central hospital," Song Yimo replied. She was unsure whether Miao's parents genuinely had business, but a car ride was certainly more comfortable than the cramped bus that made her grandmother feel nauseous on their last trip.

"Hurry up and get in; the roads are clear right now," urged Miao Jun.

Grandma Song said little, her heart clear; she knew who truly cared for her.

The drive was about an hour and a half. Miao's mother turned to the grandmother and granddaughter, "Have you eaten breakfast? Should we pick up something for the road?"

"We had some porridge, but Grandma struggles with car rides. I'm worried too much food will upset her. Once we reach the hospital, I can buy her some steamed buns."

"That sounds good. It's still early; you two should rest a bit. If you can sleep, do so. The hospital can be quite exhausting with all the waiting," Miao's mother said, pointing to a blanket in the corner of the car. "Wrap up; it’s a bit chilly."

Song Yimo promptly took the blanket and draped it over her grandmother, who in turn tucked part of it around her granddaughter, both lost in their thoughts of each other. Miao's mother felt her eyes well up with emotion at the sight.

After a brief, drowsy spell, the car came to a halt, jolting Song Yimo awake.

"Just in time; we’ve arrived at the hospital," Grandma Song said, giving her hand a reassuring pat as she shifted to disembark. Song Yimo quickly followed.

"We'll go in first to hear the results and see what the doctor says. If everything is fine, we can all leave together," Miao Jun said, clutching his briefcase. "Our matters can wait. Let’s go."