A Debt Unpaid (Original)

Walter

*ring*

*ring*

My body suddenly jolted. Last thing I knew was I was talking to this Cancer patient guy, and then suddenly, I was sucked back into reality. But, what I was thrown into was a lot worse, and I somewhat wished I could just jump back into the book.

"Hey, Mom!"

When Angeline uttered the word Mom, my mind suddenly went into overdrive. I became really nervous, my hands started to feel clammy. I tried to bury myself again into the book, but to no avail.

I glanced over to Angeline. She met my eye, and made an expression of worry. Her glance jumped from me to her phone a couple of times, her hands waved in the air as meaningless gestures.

"Alright mom, bye." She said finally, before hanging up. She breathed a sigh of relief, glanced once more to me. Then almost immediately returned to her book.

That was quick....

I couldn't help but smile at how she managed to just bounce back to reading as if nothing happened.

But, soon, I shook it off, to avoid an awkward moment taking place, I tried to return to my book. It proved to be harder than she made it look, but at least I tried.

And, with a bit more effort, I managed to return to the hospital scene. There are only a few books that could actually catch my attention this way.

Soon, the story started to flow, and I managed to read up till chapter three when-

thunk

Angeline's temple met the wood of the table. Her eyes closed, her mouth slightly open, her white teeth peeking through the edges of her small, red lips.

I didn't know what hit me then, but I couldn't keep my eyes off her. She seemed so peaceful, so tranquil in that state.

Since the day began, she was always nervous. At varying levels, sure, but always was. Except now.

I rested my chin on the back of my hands, as they rested on the table top. My eyes simply a fixed with her.

Am I ok...?

Soon, the guilt started to swell again. But, not the usual. It was a different type. One that gave me not of regret...

...but of worry....

Gingerly, I poked her forehead, in an attempt to wake her up. She moved a bit, her mouth closing and opening with *smack* sounds, then back to sleep.

I did this a few more times, each with a different reaction. But, on all of them, I found a strange charm to each of them.

Like that kitten...

A memory started to form, but I force it back down to the bowels of my mind.

Enough is enough.

I...no, its not yet time...

I shook her slightly, waking her up.