As he spoke the words, she pulled her face away, sadly. "The doctor says I don't have much time left." She confessed. "I might die before you're able to fix things. I might not live to see your children, dear. Although I'd be so pleased if it were possible. Except what is the point in hoping, anymore?" A tear escaped her eyes and hit the pillow. "I'm so sorry."

He felt a sharp pain in his chest. One that ate deep inside him and made his hands feel cold and clammy. If his mother admitted that she was going to die, then it meant as soon as less than nine...