The Grey's Curse

Chapter Twenty Six - Revelation

The journey to the hospital wasn't an easy one but we still somehow managed to make it in one piece 'We got lost a couple of times and argued about directions but we made it' the hospital itself was a normal albeit slightly worn down building.

'But at least the decor isn't bugs and rats'

The receptionist greeted us which I returned but right as I was about to walk to them Tanner stopped me and held both of my shoulders with a serious expression etched on his face "Okay, I'll handle this and all you have to do is play along, okay?" I gave him a weird look but agreed nonetheless.

Just what was his plan?

I watched him curiously as he placed his hand on my back and lead us to the receptionist "Ah, hello there! I've come with my friend to visit her Mother, she's very sick, it's not contagious so don't worry about that, however we fear that she doesn't have long to live and she would like to see her Mother just one last time" I could only stare at him with complete and utter shock at what I was hearing 'Did he really just?' The receptionist gave me a look of pity.

'I can't believe this'

Somehow by some miracle she let us in "See? I told you I'd take care of it" Tanner whispered smugly and I glared at him from the corner of my eye "Yeah but I didn't know that I was dying" I quirked an eyebrow at him when he sheepishly smiled.

"Yeahhh but hey! It worked! Let's look at the positive side here" I give him a blank look "You made her think I'm dying, what if we run into her again and I'm alive and well?" He stared at me for a good minute.

"Miracles happen all the time" was his defense making me shake my head at me with a small laugh.

"Ya know what I just realized?" I looked at him with a hum "I don't know your mom's name" I chuckled at the way he said it like he discovered a huge revelation "Her name is Katherine, my dad used to call her Kat" he whispered "Ohhh" and I just shook my head at him.

'Doofus'

When we arrived at the room the receptionist said Mom was in I felt a ball of nervousness hit me 'It's okay Maria, it's just Mom and I'm sure she's fine and acting normal' I glanced at Tanner who gave me an encouraging smile and a thumbs up.

I took in a deep breath and grabbed the door handle, only hesitating for a second before opening the door.

The first thing I saw when entering the room was Mom sitting on the hospital bed with her hands cuffed to the bed frame and her head tilted down, but despite her cuffed state, a smile immediately formed on my face as I rushed to her side "Mom!" She slowly looked up at me with wide shocked eyes.

"Maria?" She breathed out "Is that really you?" I stared at her, unsure of what to do when her cracking voice spoke up "Please don't be another hallucination again, please don't" It was hard to blink away the tears in my eyes when she sounded so desperate for reassurance that I was real "Yeah, it's really me" immediately a sob burst out of her as she shakily reached out her hand for mine.

'What happened to her?'

"How have you been? It's been so long since I last saw you, well the real you" I gently grabbed both of her trembling outstretched hands and held them in mine tightly "Yeah I've been...okay" which was a bit of a lie but I didn't want to worry her.

"What about you? How have you been?" Her shoulders slumped and I could see irritation fill her teary eyes "Fine, when I'm aware of what's happening" she grumbled and I felt my heart break at the sight of her so...hopeless.