The Photo Project (#Wattys2014)

26: Just a Dream

"So how's Hayden doing?"

I stared out the window of the car, shrugging my shoulders.

"The doctors say it's a low chance." I whisper out, licking my dry lips.

"Oh, sweetheart.. I'm sure he'll get through it. He's a strong boy."

I sigh lowly, shaking my head. "I'm not getting my hopes up."

My mom was silent for a few minutes, and I thought she was going to drop it.

"You love him."

It wasn't even a question.

"Yea, I do."

"Then don't just give up, Isobel. You never know, he could be better tomorrow!"

I purse my lips and stare off into space, trying to ignore her.

I heard her sigh, and the car became silent again, staying that way until we pulled up to the house.

Quickly getting out of the car, I run up to the porch and grab the key from my bag, opening it.

I run up to my room, careful not to jostle my broken arm too much as I did so.

"I'll go ahead and cook dinner, sweetheart! It'll be done within thirty minutes."

"Alright, mom!" I yell back, closing my door.

I take a deep breath and pace back and forth.

What if he-.. What if he dies?

I shake my head quickly, getting rid of those thoughts. I didn't want to think about it.

I slapped at my cheeks, continuing to pace as I thought of everything Hayden and I have been through, only for this to happen.

I strip out of my clothes and walk into my bathroom, turning the shower on. I wait for it to get warm enough and step in, closing the curtain behind me.

The warm water against my skin felt amazing, temporarily making me forget about my worries.

"Isobel?"

I open my eyes and look towards the closed door. "Yea, mom?"

"Dinners ready. Come down when you're ready."

Wait, what? How long had I been in here?

"Oh, yea, alright mom. Thanks."

I sigh and stand under the water for a few more minutes before turning it off. I grab my big fluffy towel and wrap it around myself, stepping out of the tub.

I walk out of the bathroom and take a pair of pajamas from my drawer, slipping them on. I throw my towel into the dirty bin and take a deep breath, walking down stairs.

My motions seemed fast, and I wasn't sure had I had gotten to the next step.

I guess this is what shock felt like? Maybe the news of Hayden not making it was just now actually catching up to me.

"I made spaghetti, is that alright?"

I nod, managing a small smile. "It's perfect. Thank you, mom."

"Of course. Now, eat up!"

I take a plate and pile it up, biting my lip. It looked good, but my stomach protested against food. But I had to eat, I needed nourishment in my body.

I sigh and put some sauce on top and sit down, yawning.

"How was your day?" I ask, taking a small bite.