Mom would probably be thinking I was speaking directly with her. I also maintained my smile.
"Her heart isn't too well, Ms Faye. The cardiac output is low, about 30%. It means with every pump of the heart, the volume of blood that is supposed to circulate the whole body is not enough.
And, the stroke affected the left side of the brain that controls language and communications." She paused for me. I knew she was just pausing, I did not break the silence but waited for her to continue.
"The recent brain scan shows that there is a massive swelling in her brain. If she lost consciousness or if the swelling gets bigger, she would need a brain surgery." The nurse paused again.
Now I closed my eyes. I had stopped smiling. I waited in silence again, hoping that was the end of her report.