The doctor leads the way, and we follow closely behind. I’m excited to see her, but the sight that greets me is not what I expected.
Mom is almost unrecognizable.
Tubes run from her body to various machines, looking terrifying. A mask covers her face, helping her breathe, with each breath loud and heavy. Her hair has been cut. The doctor walks to where she is, takes the mask off and then walks out, leaving us.
Her eyes move to where I’m standing, and she smiles. I smile back, despite the tears welling in my eyes.
I had no idea they had done this much damage to her. I sit in the chair beside her bed and take her hand in mine. Adrian stands at the foot of the bed.
“Mom?” I whisper as tears roll down my cheeks.
She tries to speak but can’t.
“Why can’t she talk?” I ask the doctor standi
