The Turn of Truth

• day twenty five •

Today is Sunday. I wake up at nine o'clock, brush my teeth and comb my hair, and I'm sitting on the bed doing some homework when Ray and his father knock at the door. I ask them to come in.

Before they can say anything, I start. "Sir, I know it's terribly wrong of me to stay at your place when you're in a state yourself, and I'm completely fine with living on my own for some time, so I really don't mind going back home. I don't have to live with Henry-I can take care of myself, and-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, what're you talking about?" Mr Keith interrupts. "No, Cassie, we're glad to have you here, and you're not going alone anywhere right now. No protesting, okay? Now tell me, at what time do you want to go to the hospital and see your mother?"

"Thank you so much, Mr Keith, thank you so much, I can never-"

"Get ready, Cass," says Ray, flashing me a very Ray smile. "We're going to meet your mother."

"You both are the best," I tell them and run to the guest room.

***

"Her condition is critical."

No one, ever, should need to hear those words.

I don't even remember seeing Ray, but just as I turn around crying I'm in his arms.

No, I will not cry. She's not dead, it's just critical right? I will stay strong, for her.

I wipe my tears and look up, Ray smiles and holds my head in his hands.

"Be strong, love. You're strong."

I look at my mom's face, she looks so calm. It's almost like she's smiling.

"R-Ray? Can I have a moment alone with my mom?"

"Sure."

I walk up to my mom and sit next to her, placing her hand in mine. She has been given some sleep medication so the doctor said she won't be waking up for a while.

"I really wish you get better. It's just that so much has happened and I need you right now. I'll always need you, Mum. I know I haven't said it before but you mean the world to me.

After Henry and you broke up, I lashed at you and I'm sorry for being so difficult. I swear I won't trouble you Mum please just get better. Please? I can't imagine-"

Fuck it, I'm crying.

"Please mum, please don't die."

I feel a pair of arms hug me from behind.

"Shh Cass, it's okay, she won't die. I'm here for you Cass. Don't be afraid okay? Don't cry. I know you mom will survive, if she's anything like you then she's a fighter."

It's Alex.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" I furiously wipe my eyes.

"Cass please, I know I've been an asshole but please talk to me. This is hard for you and I know that, I've lost a loved one too. Please let me in, trust me. I know you need support right now."

I feel like my legs have turned to jelly. I sit on the floor against the wall. Alex comers and sits next to me. He puts and arm around me and gently nudges me to place my head on his shoulder.

"She was so brave Alex, she was. I remember how she fought for my custody. She never gave up. I know she'll not give up now.

He doesn't say anything, and I see it as a gesture for me to continue talking. What would he have said anyway? "I don't think she knows how much she means to me, and God, if only I'd ever let her know... I-"