UNIFIED W

Chapter 53: 1808 B.W.

Vin's mom finally clocked out after her long night shift. She and the other workers stepped onto the elevator leading to the exit.

It was quiet inside, aside from the workers' heavy breathing and occasional sneezes caused by the dust that had gathered in the elevator.

Everyone was sweaty and covered in dust. They remained silent until they finally reached the station and heard the train engine roaring, ready to carry them back to the city.

Vin's mom collapsed into one of the empty seats and closed her eyes.

In what felt like the blink of an eye, half an hour had passed, and the train reached its final stop.

She and her coworkers waved goodbye before going their separate ways.

Vin's mom slowly started walking home. After only a few steps, a sharp pain suddenly struck her chest, forcing her down to one knee.

She grabbed her chest and gasped for air, struggling to breathe.

A few bystanders noticed and quickly approached her.

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

"Do you need help?"

"I'm fine."

She refused their help and forced herself back onto her feet.

Trying to ignore the pain, she turned into an empty alley where she could catch her breath.

Nearly ten minutes passed before the pain in her chest slowly began to fade.

She took a few deep breaths and started walking again.

As she turned at the end of the alley, she suddenly bumped into someone.

Both of them froze.

"Mom?"

Vin's eyes widened.

"Vin? Where are you going this early in the morning?"

"I'm going to see Miller. He owns a bakery a few blocks from here."

"Miller?"

"He's a baker I met a while ago. He's really nice."

"That's sweet. You made a new friend."

As they spoke, Vin took a closer look at his mother.

She was having a hard time standing, let alone holding a conversation.

Suddenly, his eyes widened.

"Mom... your nose. You're bleeding."

Vin's mom immediately touched her nose. When she looked at her fingers, she saw blood.

She quickly reached for a tissue but couldn't find one.

Panicking, she desperately tried to wipe the blood away with her dirty hands and clothes.

But it was already too late, and Vin's eyes began to tear up.

"No, no, no. Don't cry, honey. It's nothing."

"Mom, what's wrong? You keep saying it's nothing."

"I promise you, it's nothing. I'm just tired."

Vin stared at her for a moment before taking her hand.

"Come on."

He walked with her all the way home, holding her hand tightly.

Once they reached her room, Vin helped her onto the bed and stayed beside her.

"Tell me about your new friend."

"Miller's really nice to me. He always gives me warm bread with butter and some milk when I visit."