1 sat with Charlie in the hospital waiting room, waiting for our turn to be called. The atmosphere around us was calm, although there were a few other patients also waiting Charlie looked relaxed, swinging his legs that dangled from the chair.
I felt relieved that his crying had subsided, and he seemed to be starting to forget about the earlier incident. Seeing him cheerful again lightened my heart. Occasionally I stole glances at the wall clock, counting the passing time.
In my mind, I hoped everything would be alright. Charlie could often be sensitive, but right now, he seemed stronger. I tried to cheer him up by talking about fun things hoping to divert his attention from the situation that made him anxious.
However, suddenly Charlie stood up from his chair quickly, startling me.
“Mommy Sabrina!” he shouted loudly.
1 froze for a moment, not believing what I had just heard. My head quickly turned in the direction of Charlie’s gaze, following his bright eyes filled with hope. At the end of the corridor, a nurse was pushing a hospital bed. On it lay someone with a very familiar face–Sabrina.
My heart raced. A mix of emotions flooded my mind. Charlie stepped forward, eager to approach Sabrina. I felt torn between anxiety and hope. What happened to her? I hoped everything was alright.
I tried to calm myself and prepare for whatever might happen next.
“Charlie, wait!” I called, but Charlie had already dashed off
I immediately stood up, chasing after him with quick steps. My breath quickened, and my chest suddenly felt tight. How could Sabrina be here? And why did she look so weak on that bed? Those thoughts raced through my mind, but I quickly refocused on stopping Charlie.
“Charlie, wait!” I shouted, trying to keep my panic in check
He kept moving forward, his eyes full of hope. I knew how important Sabrina was to Charlie, and my worry grew seeing Sabrina in such a frail state. With one leap, I grabbed his shoulder, trying to assert some control.
“Charlie…” I called.
He looked at me, as if questioning my reason. I could feel the tension in the air, and I hoped I could provide some calm, not just for Charlie but for myself as well.
“Charlie! Come back here!” I shouted again, but he didn’t hear me. His small body ran eagerly, his hand reaching out toward the bed that was moving further away.
“Mom! Mommy Sabrina!” Charlie yelled again, his voice echoing down the long corridor.
My heart trembled at that cry. I knew how deep Charlie’s love for Sabrina was, but I was also concerned about what was happening here. I quickly ran after him, trying to catch his arm before he got too close.
“Charlie, stop!” I yelled, trying to hold back my emotions.
-Finally, I managed to grab his shoulder, pulling him back to my side. “We need to respect the space around
Mommy Sabrina,” I said gently, even though my heart was screaming in panic.
Sabrina looked so fragile, and I didn’t want Charlie to see her in such a bad state. I tried to calm both of them,
hoping I could explain the situation in a way that wouldn’t make Charlle more anxious.
+25 BONUS
The nurse pushing Sabrina’s bed hurried past, as if she didn’t hear or didn’t care about Charlie’s cries. My heart raced more seeing Sabrina’s pale face and closed eyes; maybe she was too weak to respond to the calls. Or perhaps she didn’t even realize we were there.
“Charlie, we need to be patient,” I whispered, trying to soothe my anxious child.
I could see the worry in Charlie’s eyes. He desperately wanted to approach Sabrina, but I knew this wasn’t the right time. The nurse continued walking, and I prayed Sabrina would get the care she needed.
I quickened my steps, but before I could catch Charlie, he slipped and fell to the floor. His small knee that had been hurt before hit the ground again, and he cried out loudly.
“Mom! Mommy Sabrina! I want Mommy Sabrina!” he walled between sobs.
My heart broke seeing him in pain and confusion. I quickly knelt beside him, reaching for his trembling little body. “Charlie, sweetheart, I’m here,” I said softly, trying to comfort him.
I noticed blood trickling slightly from his scraped knee, and my concern rose again. “Come on, let’s clean your wound first, okay?” I said, trying to distract him from Sabrina for a little while.
Charlie shook his head, tears still streaming down his face. Mommy Sabrina…” his voice was faint, filled with hope and sadness.
I squatted down and held him close. Gently, I stroked his back, trying to give him some comfort.
“Charlie, calm down. Don’t cry, sweetheart. Mommy is here.” I whispered, trying to soothe him while holding him tight. But he kept squirming, looking towards the elevator that had just closed, taking Sabrina out of our sight.
The pain and uncertainty haunted us both. Charlie looked utterly crushed, and I could feel the weight of the emotional burden he was carrying.
“Charlie, listen to Mommy,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “We can’t see Sabrina right now. She’s sick, sweetheart.”
Charlie looked at me with tears flowing down his cheeks. “Why can’t Mommy Sabrina hear me? I want to see Mommy Sabrina!” his cries grew louder, echoing in the hospital corridor.
Seeing him like that, my heart felt shattered. Anxiety and despair enveloped us. I took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to spill.
Gently, I stroked her hair, trying to provide some comfort. Each second felt heavy, and I wished I could change the situation. Right now, all I could do was wait and hope that Sabrina would recover soon.
I bit my lip, trying to hold back the wave of emotions that was beginning to take over. It felt like a harsh slap to hear Sabrina’s name come from Charlie’s lips so full of hope. I was her mother, the one she should seek comfort from, yet she continued to call for that woman.
Feelings of jealousy and betrayal surged within me, even though I knew Charlie was just seeking love and attention. Everything that was happening felt increasingly confusing.
I held his tighter, trying to calm myself and provide the reassurance he needed. “I’m here, Charlie. Mommy will always be here for you,” I whispered, though inside, doubt gnawed at me.
