a's

d to focus, I kept getting drawn back to the same thing-my father's reckless behavior. Ever since he married

f nowhere, he meets Helena. A woman who's practically dripping with wealth and status. The change in him was instant. Suddenly, he's this

nd" starts an affair with a married man? And not just any married man, but one who's still in a relationship with his dying wife

he betrayal-it was all too much. As I focused back on the road, I thought about how my father had done the most absurd th

d got a promotion, a "better job." All the perks, all the luxuries. And me? I was left out of it all. All th

And just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, cutting through my thoughts. I reached for it, already knowing it

ed from everything going on in my life.

on the other end made my stomach drop

e," I stammered, my voice

re's something you need to see." She didn't say more, a

rt skipped a beat, a sinking feeling consuming me

that I needed to go to the hosp

ready made. I would explain to him later. For now, I needed to focus on my

hospital. My thoughts were clouded with anxiety, each passing second making it harder to brea

rs, but all I knew was

sprinted through the sterile hallways, the bright lights above flickering slightly, but all I could focus on was

he pointed to the left without saying much, but I was already moving before I could thank her. My mind raced w

sweaty. I pushed open the door without hesitation, bu

she used to be. Her eyes were closed, and the sterile hospital room seemed to s

ard in her hand. When she saw me, her expression softened, but there wa

?" I asked, my voice trembl

ith concern. "Emma, I'm glad you made it," she said, guiding me out

situation. What could possibly be so urgent? My mind kept circling back to

managed to ask, my voice barely above

, it's not great news," she said carefully, her words making my stomach churn. "Your

been sucked out of the room. Type 1? Stage 2? The wo

the words barely leaving my lips. My m

er's body is no longer able to produce enough insulin on its own. Stage 2 is when the condition be

o keep myself together, but I could feel the tears welling up. This w

now?" I asked, my vo

need regular monitoring, medication adjustments, and a change in her diet. It'

ocating. My mom... my mom had diabetes. And the thou

sked again, my voice barely above a whis

ease the panic rising within me. "We'll do everything we

sorry, you have to pay for some bills."

s it?" I as

you have to drop it today so her treatment can s

wasn't how I'd imagined my life turning out. My mother was sick-sick in a way that wasn't just going to go away with a little

s," Dr. Lydia added. "But for now, le

rds sinking into me. Every part of me wanted to

o be stron