Finding the Missing Piece: Book 6

Chapter Twenty-Three

Katniss POV-

I open my eyes just in time to hear a knock on the front door.

I glance down to see Willow is no longer in my arms and I'm assuming that means Peeta took her upstairs or she took herself up there.

I start to sit up but continually fail, I try again and again until I realize half way rolling off the side is going to be my best bet on getting up to answer that door.

Out of breath, I waddle around the couch to the front door and open it.

I am shocked to see my mother's frail body, standing on the porch, suitcase at her side.

Her eyes immediately meet mine and she embraces me.

"What are you doing here?" I ask her, hugging her back, my built up anger leaves at her touch.

"I thought about everything you said and you were right." My mother starts.

I bring my head up, "I'm sorry for upsetting you last night." She says sincerely to me.

I'm not really sure what to say to her apology or to her admitting I was right so I don't say anything.

"You look beautiful." My mom says, looking me over.

She pats my belly, making me feel awkward.

I hate when anyone but Peeta or Willow does touches my stomach.

"I don't feel like it but thank you." I shrug.

My mom smiles a little and hugs me again, I close my eyes, allowing myself to enjoy her warmth.

I can't even be mad at her because she is shockingly here and way quicker than I ever expected.

We go around to the couch and I sigh, "Sorry about the mess, I slept down here with Willow last night but I think she went upstairs. She's sick."

"Oh no. What's wrong with her?" She asks, sitting on the couch and I sit down next to her.

"She has a fever, headache and stomach ache."

"Aw, does she need to see a doctor?"

"I don't know." I say.

My mom sighs, "I'll take a look at her later and we will go from there."

"Okay that would be great but what's wrong with you?" I ask her knowingly, noticing she's trying to change the subject.

"I just want to talk to you, Katniss." She says quietly.

"Mom?" I say, growing nervous when I see how fidgety she is.

"What?"

"You're really scaring me."

She shakes her head, "I don't want you to be scared."

"Why? What's wrong?" I ask her, swallowing hard.

"I have had those horrible headaches forever, you know. Anyways, they've just gotten to the point I can't even go to work or drive." She explains to me.

I nod my head.

"Well, I had it looked into and I have a brain tumor."

My heart stops and she just keeps talking, completely overwhelming me.

"They're going to treat it as soon as possible but it explains a lot of my behavior over the years."

I feel tears begin to stream down my cheeks when I realize what this could entail.