~~~DIANA~~~

I’m sitting right beside Mom’s bed, brushing my fingers gently through her thinning hair.

It’s so brittle now, like it might just pull off her scalp if I brush too hard.

“You’re okay, Mom. I’m right here. You’re gonna be okay,” I whisper.

Her eyelids flutter a little and my heart hits the roof real quick.

“What? Mom?”

Her eyes open slowly. They roll around for a second like she doesn't even know where she is, then they finally find me.

Her dry lips tremble with a weak smile that breaks my heart.

“Diana…” she calls out. Her voice is so hoarse it’s barely a sound.

“You’re awake. Oh...