Aurelia, unaware of anything, woke up at six in the morning.


    It was Monday, the day of her mother’s surgery


    She felt nervous.


    Because of it, she got distracted when making breakfast, and her shaking hands almost burnt the eggs.


    It was only half past six after she ate.


    She didn’t want to bother Leslie and headed to the hospital alone.


    soon as she entered the ward, the caretaker saw how pale she was and hurried over to help her.


    “Ms. Simmons, you must''ve not slept wellst night?”


    “Yeah. I’m a little nervous,” Aurelia answered honestly.


    “It''s okay. I''ll be right here with you.” The caretaker tapped her on the back gently.


    “Thank you,” Aurelia said after taking a moment to breathe.


    Like that, Aurelia and the caretaker watched as her mother was wheeled into the operating


    room.


    Shortly after, a nurse came out holding a form.


    “Ms. Simmons, | need to inform you about the risks concerning the surgery. Watch closely where | point and make sure you sign


    after you take in all the information.”


    “Sure.” Aurelia nodded.


    “Your mom’s condition is quite unique and, considering her poor health, this surgery could potentially lead to paralysis or


    death...”


    The nurse was carried on, but Aurelia wasn’t listening.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    As soon as she heard the word ‘death’, her mind went nk.


    She recalled how much her parents cared about her


    What her father said to her in hisst breath.


    She thought back to how Seth told her to give up.


    Even Leslie''s face shed before her.


    She knew that she was too afraid.


    “Do you understand?” the nurse asked.


    “Yes.” Aurelia nodded dazedly.


    “Then sign, please.” The nurse ced the pen on the paper.


    With trembling hands, it took Aurelia two tries to pick up


    the


    pen.


    “Ms. Simmons, are you alright? Do you have any other family members around? It’s best to have someone else be here with


    you,” the nurse said worriedly.


    It was a high-risk operation. There was no guarantee as to what may happen.


    If something went wrong, Aurelia may not be able to handle it on her own.


    There were countless people in the hospital losing control when they heard of their loved ones ‘passing. Some even attempted to


    take their own lives.


    Aurelia shook her head with determination. “I can do this myself.”


    She didn’t tell Linda and Leslie that her mother was undergoing surgery that day.


    It was bad enough that she needed to deal with this fear, so why bother dragging others into this?


    The caretaker came and supported her gently. “Don’t worry. I''ll stay with her.”


    Aurelia nced at the caretaker gratefully and finally gathered the strength to sign the form.


    Once the nurse confirmed everything, she entered the operation room and the sign above the door lit up.


    Aurelia’s heart fell.


    She stood in ce for a while.


    After a while, the caretaker gave Aurelia a gentle nudge.


    “Ms. Simmons, your phone keeps vibrating. Is someone looking for you?”


    “Til check”


    Aurelia snapped out of it.


    She tried to move but even slight movements made her body go numb.


    The caretaker had to help her sit down to help soothe the numbing pain.


    She finally took out her phone.


    The constant buzzings were from thepany group chat.


    She initially didn’t want to look.


    But, she worried it might be work-rted so she clicked onto the messages.


    When she unlocked her phone, she saw photos of Millie looking like apletely different


    person.