Vicky arrived at the school gates just as the final bell rang. Emily came skipping toward her, her backpack bouncing, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"How was school today, sweetie?" Vicky asked, taking her hand.
"Awesome! The teacher asked me to count from one to a hundred, and I did it without stammering once!" Emily beamed with pride.
"That's my Barbie!" Vicky laughed, gently tickling her side. "Now let's grab some juice and head to see mom."
"Yes! I want orange!" Emily shouted with delight.
"Faith… what about you?" Vicky turned to the older girl beside them.
"I'll decide when we get there," Faith replied coolly.
"Alright then—let's go, girls!" Vicky declared, lifting Emily's bag from her shoulders as they headed toward the market.
Later, they stepped into the hospital room. The scent of antiseptic hung in the air, but Magano's tired eyes lit up the moment she saw her daughters.
"My babies… oh, my gosh," she whispered, reaching out her hands as best as she could.
"Hi Mom," Vicky greeted warmly, setting the juice on the bedside table.
"We're fine. How are you feeling today?" she asked, brushing a strand of hair from her mother's face.
"I'm managing… Emily, how's school?" Magano asked.
"Mom, school's great. Vicky takes care of us so well. My bag tore, and she even fixed it for me," Emily said proudly.
"She gives detailed updates, this one," Vicky chuckled.
"I miss all of you so much… Faith, darling, how are you holding up?" Magano turned her gaze to Faith.
"I'm fine, Ms. Magano," Faith responded respectfully.
"We miss you too, Mom. But you've got to focus on getting well, alright?" Vicky said, taking her mother's hand.
"Where's Evan?" Magano asked, scanning the room.
"He's got afternoon study sessions. He'll be back by four," Vicky explained.
"Don't worry about anything, Mom. Vicky's got us," Emily added confidently.
Magano smiled faintly. "I'm trying not to worry. Do you have enough food at home?"
"Yes, Mom," Emily answered before Vicky could. "We're doing just fine."
Vicky leaned forward, her voice softening. "Do you feel any pain? How are you really doing?"
"As long as my children are okay, I'm okay," Magano said, her voice strained but full of maternal strength. "But I don't know how long they'll keep me here… Just promise me you'll take care of them if anything happens."
"You don't need to worry, Mom. I'm trying my best… I just hope you get discharged soon," Vicky whispered, her throat tightening.
"What did the doctor say?" Magano asked, her tone shifting.
Vicky paused, her thoughts drifting back to the doctor's words. "He said they want to keep monitoring you… until you fully recover."
"That means I'll be here longer," Magano sighed. "My child, I'm sorry you have to go through all this because of me. I curse the people who did this to us—"
"Mom, don't curse anyone. That kind of stress isn't good for you," Vicky interrupted gently. "Let God handle them. The doctor said your stress levels will slow your recovery, remember?"
"You're 24, Vicky. You should be focused on building your life, finding a stable job. Instead, you're stuck doing what should be my duty," Magano said, her voice breaking. "Just look at Emily… You take care of her so well, she doesn't even miss me."
"Mom, this isn't just your duty—it's mine too," Vicky said firmly. "We're in this together."
"I remember when you were in your first year at university," Magano said, a nostalgic smile ghosting her lips. "You had your life all mapped out—graduate, get a job, buy me a bigger house than the Samuels', be married by 24 and start a family by 26…"
"I'll still buy you that house, Mom," Vicky said, her eyes misty. "Bigger than Dad's. I'll prove to them that we don't need their name to build something greater. I still have a plan… but it's up to God to bless it. It's just a matter of time."
"I keep praying for you, my child…" Magano whispered as the doctor entered the room.
Vicky stood, wiping her eyes quickly. "Get well soon, Mom," she said with a smile, ushering Emily and Faith toward the door.