♡Lily's World/omb-Oscar Diaz♡

♡Capitulo Veintiún: Norma Admitted♡

AMBULANCE – NIGHT

NORMA POV

The ride is quiet. I can hear the soft hum of the tires and the steady beeping of the vitals monitor. I stare at Ray's hand resting beside mine, and gently rub it with my thumb. I look up at the paramedic seated across from us.

NORMA
(teary-eyed, softly)
Thank you for coming to get me.

JOSEPH (Paramedic)
(kindly)
You're welcome, ma'am. What matters is that you accepted the help. The hospital we're taking you to is brand new—private rooms for every patient. And because of your mobility needs, we've arranged for an accessible room that's a bit wider.

I nod, trying not to cry again. Ray reaches into his jacket and hands over a zippered pouch.

RAY
Her psychologist said to give you these. It's all her current meds, labeled and sorted.

JOSEPH
Thank you, sir. I'll get these logged into the intake system.

He types into a tablet, then looks up gently.

JOSEPH
Norma, I need you to be honest with me. From 1 to 10... how suicidal do you feel right now?

I glance down at my hand in Ray's, then up at Joseph.

NORMA
Today... a five or six. But only because I didn't have time to think. My daughter and granddaughter kept me busy—folding laundry, rocking the baby, laughing.
(beat)
But when I have time to think... it climbs to a nine.
(quietly)
Yesterday I thought about taking extra pills. I didn't want to die, just sleep... forever. I didn't get to meet my son until he was 25. And deep in my heart, I feel like he's never forgiven me. Or his father.

Joseph nods gently. Ray gives my hand another squeeze.

My thoughts flicker to earlier in the day. I remembered seeing Aminia bolt out of the room and into the hallway bathroom twice, both times pale and flushed. She blamed it on stress and gas, but even through my pain, I recognized that look.

She's pregnant. I can feel it.

And she hasn't told Oscar.

LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

OSCAR POV

Mini and I are curled up on the couch, laptops pushed aside after hours of work. The phone lights up—Dad. I answer, putting it on speaker.

RAY
Son... can I ask you something?
(beat)
Did you forgive your mom and me?

I sit up straighter. Mini holds my hand as I process the weight of his voice.

OSCAR
(quiet but firm)
Yeah, Dad. A long time ago.
(voice breaking)
It hurts to think that's what's eating her alive. I didn't know she thought I still hated her. I even came out of retirement for her... to end that woman who nearly killed her.
(beat)
Cesar called. Said to let him know when she can have visitors.

RAY
The paramedics said the first two weeks are strict. I'll be the only one visiting at first. But her psychiatrist already approved you for a visit after two days. We'll set up video calls, too.