GROWING PAINS

TWENTY

-
"Happy Birthday Dad!!" He smiles and scoops me up into his arms.

"Thank you, princess." I kiss his cheek. He returns it by covering my tiny toddler cheeks in kisses.

I laugh, "I love you daddy!!" He smiles, "I love you too, Savannah."
-

I sob at the memory of who he used to be. I sniffle as I place my hands on my face.

I fight my fatigue.

-
"I love you mommy." She kisses my cheeks, "I love you more sweetheart."

"When will daddy come home?" My mother sighs, "Soon love." I nod and snuggle into her embrace.
-

I sigh as I go and splash water on my face. Deep breathes, Savannah.

Inhale.
Exhale.
Repeat.

I keep fighting my fatigue. I don't want to sleep. My dreams are so much worse than my reality.

My eyes become heavy. The next thing I know, I'm fast asleep.

-

I am currently sitting next to my mother. She's still in a coma.

I see her eyes flutter open. I stand up and call out for Doctor Dan. I run towards her and I smile at her.

"Hi mum." I say softly. Her eyes adjust to the light. She glances at me and smiles weakly.

"Ah Savannah, I've missed you." I hug her gently. "Me too mom." I whisper. She caresses my hair and places gently kisses on my cheeks.

Doctor Dan rushes inside and asks my mother a few questions and gives her a quick check up.

He then goes to fetch some files. My mother smiles at me, "So where's your father? How is he?"

I remain silent. Her happiness so innocent, hopeful and gentle. My words to bitter to spit out.

She blinks a few times, "Savannah?" I sigh and I tell her everything.

She blinks away her tears as she shakes her head. Her hands placed over her mouth as she tries to control her sobs.

My heart breaks as I watch my rock, my everything crumble and break before my very eyes.

Doctor Dan walks in and sighs, "I'm very sorry Mrs Brian."

She sobs uncontrollably. I hug her as we weep together at the loss of a loved one.

-Next Day-

"Doctor Dan, how's my mother doing?" He sighs, "Not very well. We've discovered that she has a heart problem. She has also been diagnosed with post traumatic stress. She also has been diagnosed as diabetic.Savannah, she doesn't have long to live. So, whatever funeral plans your making...consider your mother as well."

I sigh and run my hands through my hair as his last sentence breaks me. I break into a fit of tears.

-Next Day-

Today must be extremely hard for my mother as today is her and my dad's anniversary.

I walk into the hospital with her favourite red roses and a teddybear.

As soon as I arrive I see doctors and nurses running in and out of her room.

I rush over there and Doctor Dan makes direct eye conatct  with me before walking inside.

I sit clutching the teddybear. Like a tiny toddler dreading the first day of school.

-Hours Later-

Doctor Dan walks out as he stares at the floor. He comes towards me.

Tears fall down my face as he says gently, "I'm so sorry Savannah. She's had a sever heart attack and her body could not fight anymore." I place the teddybear and roses beside her as we throw the sheet over her body.

I sob uncontrollably and Doctor Dan pulls me close to him and lets me sob.
-
I wake up and clutch my legs against my fraile body.

I search for my phone and I immediately dial Branond's number.

In nanoseconds he picks up. "Savannah?" I whisper, tears falling down my damp cheeks. "I need you."

He says quickly, "Hang tight, I'm on my way." "Okay." I whisper.

As soon as he arrives I open the door. He kisses my forehead and pulls me into his embrace.

"I got you, babe." I sniffle as he picks me up and plops himself on the couch.

He murmers into my hair, "Wanna talk about it?" I nod and I tell him everything.

He listens but never fails to express his emotions through his facial expression.

He kisses my forehead, "You're so strong. Gosh, I wouldn't even make it through half of that."

I chuckle, "Yeah, it still hurts you now. I never got enough time to grieve." He nods, "You should let it all out though." I nod.

He smiles, "Emma has designed your dress for the gala." I smile, "Really?" He nods.

He glances up at me, "You still okay to attend the gala?" I nod, "Yeah of course."

He smiles, "After the gala, we have one more stop to make." I pause, "What happens after our deal?"

He shrugs, "I don't know."