Numerous other attachments were seen on her arms. Some were drips, some were wires monitoring her vital signs.
The screen behind her beep softly and rhythmically. Although noting the regular rhythm of the heartbeat was somewhat comforting, seeing my mom in such state was simply heartbreaking for me.
I stopped right beside her and gazed down at her lovely face. Another tear escaped and trickled down mine.
I reached for her hand, warm the way I used to know it, and squeeze gently.
Mom responded immediately by opening her eyes, to my delight. I quickly wiped that prodigal tear away from my face, gave mom a smile and whispered "Maman, je suis ici." I am here.
She closed her eyes again and there was a pained expression underneath the mask, tubes and stuff partially obscuring her face.
She opened her eyes again and saw me.
She smiled.
I asked, "How are you feeling,mom?"
"Ms Faye... at the moment, your mom could not understand the words that you said, and she couldn't speak," the voice of the nurse jolted me surprised, as much as the information that she had just given me.
She had come closer to both of us, ready to assist or explain or answer all my questions.
"I... how bad is it? What is her current condition...?" I asked the nurse, without breaking my eye contact with mom.