5

The bright headlights of the car came upon a green sign:

St. Luke’s Hospital

1 mile exit B2

My tears stopped suddenly, and I was filled with determination. Determination to get t o my mother and both of our hearts at peace before...before...well, before it wouldn’t be able to be done in the proper way.

"Hold on mom, I’m coming," I said decisively.

The hospital was pretty full for even this hour of the night. But that didn’t stop me from running up to the front desk.

"Hello. Can I help you?" said the nurse.

"Yes, hi. I’m looking for a patient of yours by the name of Cecelia DeMello," I said quickly.

"Please hold a minute while I check."

The one minute seemed like hours passing by my life.

"Yes, we do have a Cecelia DeMello. Are you family?"

"I’m her daughter," I said proudly. "May I see her?"

"Yes, you may. she’s in room AB6."

My heart began pounding again as I approached a large, brass door. My stomach began to turn again as my hand pulled the knob down. I took one last deep breath to calm myself a little then I slowly pushed the door open.

The room was no bigger than two jail cells. It was n obedient white color as were all the rooms. There were no curtains on the single window in the corner of the room. Big, black bars framed the outside. No decorations of flowers had been brought up to comfort her. I felt a bit ashamed that I, as well, didn’t bring anything for her.

Then, as my eyes fixated on the center of the room, I saw a long, square bed with many machines surrounding it. All of the different noises came together in one mesmerizing apparition. The sound was very loud. It was drowning out even my own thoughts. As I got close, I could see a small, fragile woman through the machines. She looked as if she hadn’t eaten or days. She was as pale as a ghost. Her eyes were glued shut. all of the machines were doing their jobs around my mother’s body. I almost cringed while looking at her.