RUBEN

All time low

I reached the hospital just in time for visiting.
I greet the nurses and doctors on my way to her ward—they all know me.

The sound of the machine monitoring her vitals greeted me as I walked into her room. She was sleeping, she has been sleeping for a long time.

I stood there and stared at her as I fight a tear from falling.
"Mother,"

I whisper as I slowly sat beside her.
"Today was normal, no serious pranks or extreme bullying, I'm okay"
I said...as I bent to cry a little.
"I miss you mom...please come back soon".

I said as I stand up to change the withered flowers with the ones I just bought— it was always daisies.
She loves them so much.

"Miss peeling?"
I hear my name from behind me, that voice I knew too well.

"Doctor Thomas," I say without batting a look at him.

"Can I see you in my office?"
He said as he watched me cater to my mothers flowers.

"Yes sir," I say as I follow behind.
He gave me a seat and then sat down as well, then took in a deep breath.

"How are you young lady?"
—"what is wrong?"
I quickly asked.

—"why do you ask?"

—"anytime you call me, something is wrong.

—"I'm sorry". He goes.
—"Its not your fault, you're just doing your job".

He bent his head down.

"What is wrong sir?" I asked again.
—"your mothers organs are failing, we've tried all we could to stabilize them, but at this rate...
—" No" I quickly interrupted.
He paused for a while—I think it was so the news could sink into me.

—"listen, you're a high school student, who needs all the money to take care of herself, especially in a world where money talks more. You are still a child."

He said as he placed a hand on mine, which I had no idea was on the table until now.
I slowly retrieved my hand back.

—" I am her only relative, so I say you'll keep the machine on...".
—"you're still young so you won't understand....you need money to keep her here.
—" like how much?" I asked all so confidently.

........................................................

The price he told me blew my mind.
It seemed working two jobs after school won't be enough to pay her bills.

What am I going to do?

I asked myself as I entered into my apartment.
I looked round my room for a while, and it dawned on me.
If I don't get money immediately, my mother will die.
I felt this sensation, like electricity sharply run through my body as I fall on my squeaky bed.
I was already at the bank of breaking.
I took a deep breath.

I decided water would help at this moment, so I go downstairs to get some.
Since my water bill had been due for months, I had to get some from lady mercy.
I pay to use her tap water—for a while I'm hoped.
I open the fridge, which had nothing but used bottles of water...and fill my favorite cup.
It had a few chips here and there but who cares?
I take a sip as I lean on the sink—silently praying in my head.

God please... I'm in desperate need of a miracle.

As I attempt to take another sip,

I see this guy....

This guy just.... randomly walks out of nothing.
My eyes widen and my heart starts pacing, but my mind is still confused.
He was tall and I couldn't see his face well cause it was a bit dark.
My heart was racing.
Usually, I'm someone who'd run away in these kind of scenarios, but for some reason....

"Who the hell are you?" Came out my mouth without asking for permission.

"Shit."
He says as he uses his first and pointing finger to slightly
touch his forehead.

Then almost immediately, someone walks out of nothing as well... but this time I could see a strange warp in the wall that quickly disappears after he comes in.

My eyes widen.

What the fuck is going on? Cause I am pretty sure I didn't take weed today.

"Well, this doesn't look royal at all".
The second guy says a he looked around.
—"it definitely isn't"
Says the other guy.
—"Then where the fuck are we?"
—"How am I supposed to know you were the one steering."

I didn't even realize my mouth was slightly opened, as I observed two strangers argue in my kitchen.

Who were these guys? No what where these guys? And what am I supposed to do now?