EPISODE 1
1020 Words
THE NIGHTMARE.
Isabella’s POV.
The room was dimly lit, the only sound was the soft beeping of hospital machines and the faint whisper of ragged breathing. Three-year-old Isabella sat on the bed, her small hand holding her mother's frail one. Theresa's weak eyes looked at her daughter's, filled with a deep longing. Her pale skin, almost white skin, and weak voice were the stark opposite of the vibrant, energetic mother Isabella once knew.
"Isabella, my sweet child... come closer," Theresa whispered, her voice barely audible.
Isabella leaned in, her ear close to her mother's lips, her big brown eyes filled with worry. "Yes, Mummy?"
"Promise me, Isabella... promise me you'll become a doctor. Help people, make them better... like the doctors who tried to save me." Theresa's eyes welled up with tears, her voice cracking.
"I promise, Mummy! I'll be a doctor and make you proud!" Isabella's face was filled with determination, her small voice trembling.
Theresa's gaze shifted to her husband, David, standing by the window, his eyes fixed on the floor. "David, promise me you'll support her dreams, no matter what. Encourage her, help her reach her full potential."
David's voice was low and hesitant, "I promise, Theresa. I'll do everything I can to help Isabella become a doctor. But, please, don't worry about this now. Just rest."
Theresa's eyes glinted with a mix of sadness and frustration. "No, David. I need to know that our daughter will be taken care of, and that her future is secure. Promise me you'll be there for her, always."
David nodded, his voice a little stronger, "I promise, Theresa. I'll be there for Isabella, every step of the way."
Theresa's gaze returned to Isabella, a faint smile on her lips. "And, baby, never forget how much I love you... and how proud I am of the kind, smart girl you are. Always remember, you can do anything you set your mind to."
Isabella nodded, her grip on her mother's hand tightening. "I love you too, Mummy. And I'll make you proud, I promise! I'll be the best doctor ever!"
Theresa's eyes sparkled with a hint of joy, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know you will, sweetie. Now, kiss Mummy goodbye."
Isabella leaned in, her small lips pressing against her mother's cheek. Theresa's eyes closed, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
David stepped forward, his voice gentle. "Isabella, sweetie, why don't you go play outside for a bit? Mummy needs some rest."
Isabella nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Okay, Daddy. I'll go play."
As Isabella slid off the bed, Theresa's eyes opened one last time, looking at her daughter's. "Remember, baby... never give up on your dreams. And always know how much I love you."
The machines beeped slower, the silence in the room growing thicker. Isabella's tears fell onto her mother's hand as she whispered, "I love you too, Mummy."
David led Isabella out of the room, his eyes brimming with tears. The hospital corridor was a blur as they walked hand in hand, the beeping machines and hushed voices fading into the distance.
As they reached the hospital playground, Isabella's eyes fixed on the swings and slide, her face still etched with worry. David lifted her onto a swing, his voice gentle. "Go ahead, sweetie, play for a bit. I'll be right here."
Isabella nodded, her small legs pumping as she swung higher, her eyes never leaving her father's face. David sat on a nearby bench, his eyes fixed on his daughter, his mind racing with thoughts of Theresa's condition and the promises he made.
After a while, a nurse called David back to the room. Isabella followed, her hand still clutching his. As they entered, they saw Theresa's eyes closed, her chest still. The machines beeped silently, but a straight line ran across the hospital monitor.
David's voice cracked as he whispered, "She's gone, Isabella. Mummy's gone."
“No!” Isabella cried, her arms and legs thrashing in the air.
“Put me down! You cannot do this to me, you have to bring back my mummy. She promised to see me become a doctor. Who will sing nursery rhymes with me? Who will hug me tight when I am scared? Who will make fluffy pancakes for me? No, papa. Go bring my mama. Papa goes there and tells the doctor to take my mama. She tells me she loves me, or I will die“, Isabella cried, throwing a tantrum.
David could only stand by and helplessly watch his daughter cry. ''I am sorry sweetie. Do not say you will die. I will watch you become a doctor, I will sing nursery rhymes with you, I will hug you when you are scared. I will make fluffy pancakes and cookies for you. I will make bunnies and everything that my daughter wants. Please do not cry.''
But then, Isabella let out a blood-curdling scream, and she sat up straight, soaked in cold sweat.
“Water, I need water,” Isabella mumbled and rushed to get water.
She drank a cup and sat back on her bed.
Her mind reeling, this same nightmare had haunted her ever since she was three.
She had lost her mother to cancer, and her father...her father failed to keep his promise. He had promised to keep her safe, but he broke his promise.
Her stepmother, Helene, is making life hell for her.
She looked at the time, fifteen minutes past five.
“I have to get ready for school.” Isabella mumbled and just then, a loud bang was heard.
“What is that!”
Isabella's face contorted in confusion and grief. "No, Daddy! Mummy promised she'd be okay! She promised!"
David picked up his daughter, holding her tight as she sobbed into his chest. "I know, sweetie. Mummy tried her best. But sometimes, even with the best doctors and medicine, people still leave us too soon."
As they held each other, the machines beeped slower, the silence in the room growing thicker, until the only sound was Isabella's soft sobs and her father's gentle whispers of comfort.
- Writer
