Kindred Hearts

CHAPTER 6 CRISIS POINT

CHAPTER 6

CRISIS POINT

Johnson answered the door. “Come in, Daniel.” Daniel’s smile highlighted his dimples. His blue eyes darkened when Johnson didn’t reciprocate the gesture.

They sat on the stools in the kitchen. Johnson took a breath and peered at the bench, thinking about his mother. She lacked energy these days, so he had to help her in the shower and dress. He swallowed and looked up when his friend spoke.

“How’s your mother doing?” Daniel asked him.

Johnson shrugged. “No change. The doctor came in earlier this morning and said he didn’t hold out any hope for her. He’s making her comfortable.”

Daniel furrowed his brow. “I’m sorry, man. No-one should have to go through what you’re going through. What can I do to help?”

Johnson’s shoulders deflated. “Nothing. My aunt’s been a godsend coming in while I work. It’s only the weekends that are gruelling, but it’s really hard seeing her get weaker each day. I wish there were more we could do.”

Daniel nodded. “I know and I’m here for you. The whole group’s here for you.”

“I appreciate that, but I just have to plod along and make her as pain free as possible. I don’t want her to suffer. I mean, she’s always been a bit depressed and fragile, but that was nothing compared to this.”

Daniel shifted in his seat. “Have you thought about trying to find out where your father is?”

Johnson’s throat tightened. “Are you kidding me? That bastard doesn’t deserve to even be called a father. Not once did he try to make contact. Not bloody once. If I never hear from that piece of s**t, it’ll be too soon.”

Daniel said nothing. He rose and grabbed two glasses of water and set one in front of his friend.

“I understand that Lisa came by to visit?” Daniel asked.

Johnson got a twinge in his stomach and nodded. “She is amazing.”

“You know she really cares about you,” Daniel said.

“As does the whole group,” Johnson said.

Daniel’s eyes turned serious. “I mean, really cares about you.”

Johnson cleared his throat. “And your point is?”

Daniel picked up his glass and took a sip. He held a smirk. “Don’t let her get away. She might not stick around, you know. Josh has always liked her.”

Johnson winced and his shoulders dropped. Damn, Josh. Johnson knew Lisa had gone out with him a few times years ago, and he hoped she wouldn’t turn to him again. “I take it you still keep in touch with Josh?”

Daniel nodded. “He’s a good friend and reliable when I need to research something.”

Johnson rose. “Let me check on my mum. She was sleeping before you came.” He walked upstairs, dragging his feet. He huffed as he reached the top of the stairs. He’d need to do something about his fitness once he had more time for himself. He had put off some of his swimming sessions while caring for his mother these past weeks.

He tiptoed into his mother’s room, spotting her thin, black hair with her head turned to the side and eyes closed. Her breathing sounded normal. Her hand was cold and he placed it under the quilt to keep it warm. Watching her at peace comforted him. When she was awake, he could see her pain. No medication worked completely, rather just took the edge off. It was hard watching her in pain. She tried to hide it, but he knew.

She was selfless to a fault. She’d worked two jobs to support them, but she’d always been too tired and depressed to really spend time with him. Instead, his aunt was always there for him. In many ways, she was more like a mother to him than the woman lying in the bed. Not that he resented his mother. He knew she loved him and had worked hard to provide for Johnson. It was his father’s fault that she had to work hard without ever being able to enjoy her life. Johnson would never forgive him for the way he’d left without any help or contact.

As he was about to step out of the room, Johnson heard his mother gasp. He turned back towards her and noticed her dark eyes fluttering. She opened her eyes and turned towards her son. “I’ve always loved you, Johnson. Please know that.” She sighed. “And whatever I did in the past, I did it to protect you.” She closed her eyes again to rest. He relaxed for a second, thinking how calm she looked. He wondered what she was even talking about. Then a sudden change occurred in her body so he got closer to her. A stillness and silence.

His heart froze as he neared her. With each step came an uneasy, dreaded feeling. The air in the room was thick and stifling. The room was too silent for his liking. The ground felt hard underneath his feet as he stepped closer towards his mother. He reached out to touch her wrist for a pulse. He let go and tried again, a chill permeating his body. He checked her pulse for a third time. This had to be a mistake. There was no pulse. Nothing. Was there no more sign of life? Is this it?

Reality sank in. He screamed, “NO! Please don’t leave me, Mum! NOOOOO!”

Daniel rushed into the room. “Johnson!”

Johnson looked up with grief-torn eyes. “She’s gone!”