Page 108 of One More Kiss

“I think he’s right,” my mother sighs gently walking towards the doctor.

“Very well. If you’ll come with me?” The doctor and my mom make their way from the room, gently closing the door behind them and my eyes narrow in on Gen’s face.

“Mm,” she exhales her eyes fluttering open slowly.

“It’s okay,” I say picking her up and moving towards the hard chair I vacated.

Her head wobbles against my chest, “What happened?” She mumbles groggily.

“While the doctor was explaining things you passed out. Almost hit your head, the doctor should’ve seen the signs,” I start.

“The doctor! Oh no.” She sits up quickly, moving to stand.

Placing my hand on her hip, “I don’t think you should stand right now. What’s wrong, do you need to be checked out?” I ask moving to stand.

“I need to find the doctor so we can go over her options.” She says.

“The doctor is talking it over with mom, okay? Why don’t we head home for the night and come back up in the morning?” I suggest delicately, fearful any sudden movement may spook her and set her off.

“I can’t,” she sighs.

“Why not?” I rub her back.

“My mom’s here,” she gestures towards the still form on the bed. “I can’t leave her like this.”

“Gen, she’s asleep right now. I doubt she even wakes up until well into the morning with everything her body’s fighting through.” I wince at my choice of words when she visibly flinches.

Taking a deep breath I begin again, “When she wakes up, she’ll need you to be strong for the both of you. You can’t do that if you sit up here trying to sleep in these uncomfortable chairs. So come home, Gen,” I say gently.

She slouches down nodding her head. “Okay. Okay.”

She looks so small. Like the weight of the world is resting on her shoulders, and I suppose the weight of hers is.

No. I decide.

She doesn’t have to carry this alone; I won’t let her bear all the burden herself.

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