Heart buried treasures

Chapter Thirty Two:Ruefulness And Desperation

'Everyone wants to be the sun to brighten up someone's life, But why not be the moon, to shine on someone's darkest hour?'

"Erm I have something to tell you " Neemah fidgeted with her hands.

"What?"

She then thought against it "Nothing"

Hanan raised her eyebrow. But dropped the subject nevertheless as they've gotten to the hospital and approached the ward. They had decided to pay a visit to her Dad at the hospital. Hanan wanted to know how he's fairing.

"Good Afternoon" A nurse greeted and Neemah smiled at her.

"How is he doing today?"

"Still the same. Your mom is there now."

"Oh" And she nodded before they went to his room. Hanan gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

She nodded before taking a deep breath. And they entered. The familiar smell of antiseptic filled Hanan's nose. When last had she visited an hospital? She cringed. It was one time her dad had abused her and it ended up disastrous. Neemah doesn't know that of course. Heaven knows what she'd do if she gets to know.

"Mom" Neemah called out nervously but she didn't acknowledge her. She sat on the chair next to her dad, his hand in hers and a distant look on her face.

As if noticing something, she held up her gaze and she gasped.

"Hanan sweetie!"

"Mommy" And she got up pulling her in for an affectionate hug. She then pulled back and caress her face.

"How have you been dear? Long time!!"

Hanan smiled "I'm fine ma. I've been good. How are you too?"

"I'm good dear, I'm good" And she gave her an affectionate smile.

"I've missed you!"

"Awwn! Me more" and she kissed her cheeks Hanan chuckled and she smiled.

She has always been like a mother to her. Hanan spends time with them then, though she was not always around. Always on trips.. The times she would be at home, she always gets something for both her and Neemah, even if it was for a short while before she leaves again. Its surprising how she is now cold to her daughter. And Hanan couldn't help but feel bad for poor Neemah.

"How's life and everything?"

"Alhamdulilah" She smiled.

"And your parents?" She and Neemah shared a glance.

"They are fine too"

"That's good to hear".

"I'm sorry about this"

She laughed slightly but Hanan can detect the agony behind the laughter. "Silly. Its not your fault dear" Hanan gave a nervous smile.

"He's not even responding to treatment" She said sadly after a while.

Hanan looked at her as she look worn out and stressed. Stress ages people. She had noticed, and that from experience. Her mom too. She sighed.

"If only I had detected it on time, it wouldn't have been this way. Oh, but I saw the signs but I was just too distracted to notice. He even wanted to tell me something, maybe about the symptoms but I never had the chance to listen. I was just too distracted to-to even -" and she broke down.

Hanan stared at Neemah and she saw her eyes glassy with tears,she was fighting back the tears. She was trying to stay strong. This was the first time she's seeing her mom this way. Ever so sophisticated, ever so elegant. She looked so vulnerable.