The hospital smelled faintly of antiseptic, with the constant hum of machines and the low murmur of nurses moving from room to room. Mia walked quietly down the corridor, her bag slung over her shoulder. Every step felt heavier than the last. Her heart ached as she approached her mother's room, knowing she was about to see the woman whose life had been stolen in an instant.
"Mom…" Mia whispered as she pushed the door open, her voice trembling.
Her mother lay in the bed, pale and fragile, her face still bandaged from the accident, her eyes blind. Though she could no longer see, Mia often imagined her mother sensing her presence, feeling her touch, and recognizing the love that hadn't wavered despite everything.
"Mom, it's me," she said softly, taking her mother's hand in hers. "It's Mia."
Her mother's hand moved slightly, brushing against hers. "Mia… my sweet girl," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "You… you're here."
Mia took a deep breath, fighting back tears. "I'm here, Mom. And I… I have news." She paused, letting her mother adjust, her fingers trembling over the cold hospital sheets. "I… I found a job. It's… it's a good one. A real chance to make enough money for your surgery. And not just that… I'll be able to pay it soon. You'll see again."
Her mother's lips moved, though her eyes remained unfocused. "You… you promise?"
"I promise, Mom," Mia said, determination hardening in her chest. "Every naira I earn, every hour I work… it's for you. I'll make sure you get your sight back, that you can heal completely, and that nothing ever stops us again."
She swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice steady. "The place… it's big, fancy. The pay is more than I've ever earned in a day before. And… I'll work hard, I swear. I won't let anyone—any obstacle—stop me from giving you what you need."
Her mother's fingers twitched lightly in her grip. Mia smiled softly, tears threatening to spill. "And… I will find the person who caused the accident. Three years ago… the person who ruined our lives. I'll make sure justice is served. I won't rest until I do."
A quiet pause filled the room. Her mother's voice came, soft but resolute. "Mia… my brave girl. You… you'll do it. I know you will."
Mia leaned closer, pressing her forehead against her mother's hand. "I'll do it, Mom. I promise. And I'll take care of everything else too. You don't have to worry about a thing."
For the first time in months, Mia felt a flicker of hope. The weight on her shoulders felt slightly lighter. She would succeed. She had to. For her mother. For herself.
And as she sat there, holding her mother's hand, she silently vowed that nothing not fear, not anger, not even Aiden's icy demeanor would stop her from giving her mother the life she deserved.