Page 71 of Ruthless Lullaby

I keep a serious expression as I look into Betty’s eyes. Now I know better than anything that I cannevertell her the things I learned about Maron. Especially the Bratva stuff. It would just worry her to death. Not to mention that I have no clue what dangers I would put her in.

“Thanks for looking out for me, Bets. I’ll be careful. I promise,” is all I say.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Mindy

Today is Mom's birthday.

I don’t want to think about the possibility that it could be her last. The thought alone hurts too much. Instead, I just focus on making this day special for her by bringing a smile to her face.

I walk confidently through the now-familiar halls of the hospital with a smile glued to my face, and a box of chocolate tucked under my arm. These bonbons used to be Mom’s favorite, back when you could still get them in the US. Now you can’t. But lucky for me, I found some in Moscow and I immediately got four of them. I can't wait to see my mom’s reaction when I surprise her with her favorite dessert.

As soon as I step into her room, I see my mother sitting up in bed, looking stronger and more alive than she has in weeks. The smile I had on my face grows even wider, mirroring the hope that's been growing inside me. Looks like the new treatment is working! For the first time in a while, I feel truly optimistic about the future. Maybe, just maybe, the universe is giving us another chance to make beautiful memories together in the years to come.

"Happy birthday, Mom!" I tell her, accompanied by a big smile and a hug. But as I take her in my arms, I notice a significant weight loss in her. My beautiful mother who alwayscarried a few extra pounds is now skinny and frail. I can feel her shoulder bones protruding under her skin.

But she is still with us.

She's not giving up.

Neither of us are giving up.

We will overcome this illness, together.

"Oh, Mindy! Thank you, my dear," she says in excitement.

"It's your special day, Mom,” I say, passing her the box of chocolates. “Look what I got you!"

“Are you serious?” Mom gasps, and her face softens as she takes the box with a grateful smile. "Oh my gosh, Mindy! This was my favorite when you and Alexis were little! Where did you get these?" She pops one into her mouth and her eyelids close as she savors the explosion of flavors.

“I have my ways,” I wink, "And believe it or not, there’s more where that came from.”

“What? There’s more?” She looks at me in disbelief.

“That’s right!”

“You’re just trying to give me one more reason to stick around, huh?” She asks, giving me a mischievous grin.

“I sure am,” I say, returning her smile. “You’re not going anywhere, Mom. Not on my watch.”

She pops another bonbon into her mouth, and her eyelids flutter closed. “You’re spoiling me, Mindy.”

“Anything for my beautiful mother.” I wink, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “So, how are you feeling about thenew treatment?" I ask as I settle down in the chair next to her bed.

"Not bad, honey. It’s not painful at all. And I feel stronger already," she responds, but there's still worry in her expression. "But the cost... my insurance only covers-"

I cut her off before she could finish. I know exactly what she wants to say. "Don't worry about that, Mom. It is taken care of. I promise. Your only focus should be on getting better."

Mom looks surprised. "But how? You already work so hard, Mindy."

“I got myself a little bonus,” I lie, leaning close to her and giving her another gentle kiss. I’m not proud of withholding the truth from my mom, but the last thing I want is for her to worry. "Please don't stress about it. I’ve got it under control."

"Under control, huh?" a voice interrupts from the doorway. I turn my head to see Alexis standing there with a smirk on her face. "Your gigs at New York High must be paying well."

Shit.

I shoot my sister a glare that could melt steel, but I hold my tongue. The last thing I want is to cause a scene, especially in front of our mother. “Oh, hey, sis. You could have knocked,” is all I say.

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