3

I never tire of detailing him. He's gorgeous, his hazel eyes and brown hair stand out too much. I've always thought he looks more like me.....

"Do I have to eat this, Mom?

"Yes, honey." I caress her cheek. "It's good for your health, even though hospital food tastes a little weird, it's still good for you.

I get a smile out of her.

"That's good.

I help him wipe his lips with the napkin. Seeing him weak makes me weak. However, I can't show weakness in front of him, I want him to keep in mind that his mother is capable of anything for him.

"When can we leave here?

His question breaks my heart.

"Soon. I promise.

I just want to see him well and there is no worse helplessness than this. He's probably the strongest boy I've ever met.

I hold out the glass of water for him to drink.

"I can only drink water?

"It's for you to get better.

Louis' diet consists of red meat, lean meats, chicken, turkey or fish. In addition, he should consume plenty of fluids, ideally six glasses of water in a day, and he has to give up soda or sugary drinks.

"And then will I be able to drink some more, like before?" he asks.

"When we get out of here, yes. "I smile at him." But now, I need you to put your effort into getting out of this and drink the glass of water, okay?

He nods, and I hold the glass out to him, which he eventually lifts to his lips.

"It's for my sake.

"Exactly.

I caress him and deposit a kiss on his cheek. After sending an application to Hills Corporation, I return to the hospital to stay with him. While Carol and I have some conflict, Harmony is in charge of coming to visit him. She's a nice woman, works with us at home and when I had work on top of it, she took care of Louis. However, now I'm not in much of a position to pay her and even so, we've known each other for a long time and she's willing to stay with him at the hospital if we ever have any kind of conflict, which I appreciate.

"Are you going to stay with me? "she interjects, shrugging me off.

"Of course I do. "I settle down on the little black couch. "I'll be here all night with you.

I stand up to take the tray I leave on the table from him and take a seat next to him on the bed.

"You rest.

"You too, Mommy.

I place a kiss on her cheek and finally, I fall completely asleep. The next day, I wake up in the morning, text Carol that I'll be back at my apartment in a little while, and as I leave the hospital room, I see Harmony walking toward me.

"Eva. "She gives me a kiss on the cheek as a greeting." How are you doing?

"Fine... Trying to deal with the problems. How are you?

"All in order. How's Louis?

"For now, fine. He's still sleeping.

He's smiling slightly. Harmony has always struck me as a very humble and kind woman.

"I got your message, do you need me here?

"I don't want to abuse your help....

"Not at all, Eva, Louis is important to me. I can stay for a while.

"Thank you, Harmony, I don't know what I would do without you.

"It's nothing, Eva. "He gestures to me by way of greeting. "I'll see you later.

"Sure.

I leave the hospital and get into my car. I'm only three weeks old. I can't help but remember that constantly. I have support from Carol and Harmony, but I don't have the financial support to be able to pull this off. Carol has been there for me from day one, while Harmony I hired one day to be home with Louis while I worked.

I never had a high financial status, I just had what I needed. Harmony supported me from the first moment Louis was diagnosed with leukemia and that's why she stays with him in the hospital when I can't be there. Louis can stay with the nurses, they are nice, but I think it is best to have someone like Harmony to keep him company. We've been up against it for a while now and I just want it to be over soon.

I start the car and head for home. When I arrive, I wash the remaining dishes left over after sharing lunch with Carol.

Later, night falls and I return to the hospital. As I enter Louis' room, I find Harmony at his side.

"Eva. "She stands up and comes over to greet me." How are you?

"Fine. Thanks for staying.

"It's nothing. "She pulls the handle of her purse toward her shoulder and walks over to greet Louis, who smiles at her." Have a good night.

"Likewise.

Harmony leaves and I sit on the bed next to my son.

"How are you feeling? " I inquire.

"Fine.

"I'm glad.

I stroke his face. He's a little pale.

I stay by his side until he is completely asleep. I cover him a little with the blankets and lie down "as best I can" on the small sofa, although I don't manage to fall asleep so easily. I still continue to think about a little bit of everything.

Louis, the transplant, Erick....

My head is so busy that I can't think so much about him anymore, about how much he was willing to give up everything to have a life with me, about his words.... It still hurts to know that didn't happen. I still remember everything, especially that heartbreaking moment when I woke up in that hospital; the doctors told me that not losing my pregnancy had been a miracle. To my sixteen-year-old head that was the least of it, I just wanted to know where he was and why there was no trace of him. The news completely destroyed me when it was reported to me. It was a blow to the stark reality, because Erick was dead and all our plans had just gone down the drain.

I still don't understand why.

Things would be a little different if he were here, maybe we would be in London now, together....

Amidst so many thoughts, I notice that, little by little, sleep begins to take hold of me and I let myself fall into it freely. The next day, the nurse brings breakfast for Louis to the room, I thank her and she leaves.

Louis eats breakfast with my company. For a moment, he feels a little... different. I wish we could be like this in complete normalcy at home; eating breakfast on any given day like a mother and child would.

"Mommy.

"Yes? "I look up at him.

"Could you read me a story today?

I smile, or at least, I make an effort to.

"I'll bring one tonight and read it to you, sweetie.

I watch him smile.

"Thank you, Mom.

"You don't have to thank me, I'm your mother. "I kiss her cheek." Soon, this will be over and we will leave here and go home.

"Do you promise?

"Of course I do.

After spending the better part of the morning with Louis, it's time for me to leave the hospital and once I'm safe, I get into my car. I start the engine, but before I can start driving, the ringing of my phone diverts my attention and makes me pick up.

"Who is this? "I say.

"Good morning. I'd like to know if I can reach Eva Miller.

It's a woman's voice. She sounds sophisticated and speaks calmly.

"It's me.

"Ms. Miller, I'm glad to have contacted you. I understand you sent in an application for the secretary position at Hills Corporation, or am I mistaken?

"Not at all.

"Your interview appointment was scheduled for tomorrow at nine o'clock, is that right?

I'm speechless.

I can't process it.

"That's fine. "I accept, holding back the happiness that wants to overflow. I don't want to get my hopes up. I don't even know if I'm going to get the job, it's just an interview.

"If so, we'll expect you tomorrow. Have a good day.

"You too. "Hang up the call.

I don't know if what I'm feeling is excitement or anxiety about getting this call. But, one part of me is excited about this, while the other, used to reality, wants to avoid any kind of expectations.

It's just an interview.