Our Story

Chapter Six

Willow

A month and a half later after the party, we get the news that Abuela just suffered a heart attacked and was immediately sent straight to the hospital.

Abuela, who was seventy-six had suffered a heart attack, yet she still looked young enough to be about in her forties or fifties tops.

When Mom had heard the news though, she freaked.

She was panicking, too devastated to even believe what was happening.

I looked in her eyes, when she told me we were going to the hospital and she looked most of all afraid.

"No no no no no, Please lord not today!", I would hear her occasionally say as she fretted around the house.

I can tell Mom didn't want to loose her. And I didn't want to loose her neither .

When we got in the car, Mom drove as quickly as she possibly could.

She rushed into the hospital, almost forgetting that she was leaving me behind. She then urged the nurse for the directions to Abuela's room, and when she got them, dashed down the hall to wherever Abuela was located.

At same exact time Mom arrived at the door, the doctor suddenly came out from the room. He stopped just right in front of the door, eyeing the both of us with eyes of concern.

That can't be good...

"How is she? Is she ok?", Mom blunts out in panic.

The doctor gives a slight nod. "It was a close call...but she should be fine", the doctor pauses, looking unsure with himself, "we're going to have to keep her here for while to take some tests for her heart. But in the mean time, you may go in".

Mom quickly nods, rushing inside. While I stand just outside the room as I let the door slam in front of me.

I hold onto the doorknob, feeling my hands shake and my heart beat in terror. I gulp, knowing I wasn't ready to see her.

So instead, I remained there hoping I wouldn't get called inside.

"Mama, how are you feeling? Do you need something to drink or eat? Or-"

"Stop being so worrisome, Jasleen", I heard Abuela interrupt, keeping Mom suddenly silent.

There was a long silence after I heard a chair being scratched against the floor.

"Where is my grandchild?", I heard Abuela say, making my heartbeat faster.

"Willow, come inside", Mom called as if she knew I was standing there.

Taking a deep breath, I obediently open the door slowly and step carefully into the room.

I stare at the ground, my heart still beating fast as I walk over where Mom and Abuela were located.

When I finally glance up, Abuela was lying in bed holding Mom's hand and breathing heavily through the oxygen mask.

I let my eyes fall to the ground, when I get to where they were.

"Mi dulce, come over let me see your face", she says.

Done as told, I step towards her, the beep monitor seeming to beep to every step that I take.

Mom moves another seat next to her for me to sit.

Abuela slowly turns her head to face me.

I could see her smile through the oxygen mask.

"Just like your mother", She says, as she slowly raises her hand up to stroke my cheek.

Her hands were soft and warm as she rubbed against them.