Chapter 1
Pov: Avira
It has been a year since Mom had been diagnosed with cancer.
I had tried, and still, I tried my hardest to find money for her treatment, but it hasn't been easy. I was only 20 with dreams that I doubt could ever come true but at least I was determined.
Early in each morning, I'd go out to the building construction around the corner to help carry buckets of sand. Bags of cement. And even blocks and gravel stones, for a little sum of money.
With that money, I buy food for both my mother and I for the day, and the change will be used for her drugs.
Then, a few minutes before the it's 12pm in the afternoon, I'd make my way to the supermarket across the road.
There, I would clean up the whole environment. Wash each washroom and sweep the floor.
After I'm done with all that, I'd help with bringing in goods into the supermarket, which helps me with enough cash to at least pay for the outstanding fees of the local hospital.
From the corner, I always watched students from neighbourhood university as they walked in and out of the premises with envy in my eyes.
I've always wished for the opportunity to further my studies, but unfortunately, it wasn't part of the plan God had for me.
And as for those students, they were lucky. Not everyone had that privilege.
Then, at night, I worked a shift at a bar, not too far from home. I worked there for about 4 to 5 hours before returning home from the day's work.
That's how it had always been, but today I couldn't.
The doctor called me during my afternoon shift, so I had to give away my work to someone else.
The doctor had made it clear that it was important for me to come immediately, so I had to.
I rush down to the hospital to go speak to the doctor.
"Payment has been slow, Avira. You have a lot of outstanding, and time isn't on our side," he explained.
I immediately pleaded with him, explaining how hard I'm trying to raise the money for her treatment.
"I understand, but you need to try harder. Your best isn't enough," he paused.
I understood him clearly, but now his words just feel like I'm not even trying at all.
"Also, your Mom... well, she has reached stage 4. She is dying, and if we don't start the necessary treatment right for this disease, then I'm sorry to say, but we might lose her," he sighed heavily.
My vision blurred. I couldn't hold back my tears. The thought of losing the only person left in my life felt like a stab in my chest. I couldn't allow that to happen.
I nodded to the doctor and assured him I'll raise the money.
After the talk with the doctor, I went to see Mom.
I handed her the food I had bought her.
"My dear daughter. The little starlight. My strong and powerful breath of life," she paused, then coughed.
I rushed and patted her back.
"Avira, don't... don't hurt yourself for me. Don't strand up yourself. This is my destiny, my child. So it's bound to happen. You are trying... trying way too hard. You are even working as much as a man, if not more. Don't worry, my child, it would all be fine," she cried out, cupping my face.
Her words hurt. I wanted to break down, but I had to remain strong for her.
"Mom, I get this damn disease out of you. You'll be safe. I promised. Your strong breath of life would save you and get you out of here."
After returning from the hospital, I made my way to the bar for my night shift. I was devastated all night.
"What more can I do that I am not doing?" I asked myself. I didn't even know what to do or where to start from. Everything in my life confused me.
But no matter what it takes, I would have to save mom, even if it means involving myself in immoral acts.
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I ran down to the hospital as rain poured down heavily.
Tears rolled down my eyes.
My short, overly revelling wine-red dinner gown was soaked.
I was on my way to my night client from the bar whom I was doing to spend the night with, but I got a call from Mom.
She sounded miserable. She sounded dead in the soul. She was devastated. Her words hurt more than a breakup.
"Avira, my daughter... I am so tired. I can't put you through more pains. I can't fight anymore. It's my time to go, to finally rest. But I couldn't leave without seeing you once more. Just this last time, let me see you so your mother could finally rest in peace,"she said.
Her words broke me.
I had to turn back and run to the hospital to see her.
When I finally reached the hospital and then her ward, I broke seeing her.
She coughed as blood rolled down her mouth.
She clutched to the bedsheet tightly, and her
Stomach, too.
My eyes watered seeing her in such a state. I wish I could take all her pain away. I really want to help my mother.
Her eyes fell on my revealing clothing, but she said nothing about it.
I sat close to her and held her hands tightly.
"Mom, I'm here. Speak to me. See, I'm raising the money, and it's almost complete. Your treatment would start soon. Please, Mom, don't die on me, please," I cried.
Her eyes welled up with tears as she spoke, "Avira, My strong and powerful breath of life. You've been the reason I stay alive. The one who gave me a reason to rise day by day, but now Avira, I ... I can't wait anymore. You are going through a lot. Facing pain and hardship all for me. No, no, enough is enough. Let me go now to my God in heaven. Thank you for granting my wish and letting me see you."
I cried nonstop on the sound of her voice and the hurts in her words.
I can't lose my Mom.
I was about to speak, but Mom cut me off.
She took a folded paper from beside her and placed it on my hand.
"Avira, my love, take this. In it, the truth lies. In there is an address. The address of your father...." she said, but before she could finish her words, I felt her hands turn cold.
It slipped off my grip and fell to the bed. It went limp.
I was lost at first. Her breath became shallow, and then it was gone. She didn't take the next one.
Her eyes slowly closed and didn't open again.
Then the machine... it gave one long, flat sound.
My chest tightened when I figured out what had happened.
"Mom," I yell.
I held her tight and begged her to wake up as tears rolled down my cheeks.
I shouted for the doctor, and he came to examine her.
"I'm sorry, Avira, but we couldn't save her. Your Mom is gone,"the doctor said.
My knees fell to the ground. I clutched my gown tightly as tears flowed rapidly.
"Mom," I yelled.
Now, I was alone. All alone.
My mother died, leaving with a secret in my hand. The address of a father I never knew existed.
