Suddenly missing her mother terribly, Lindsey found sce in the knowledge that even in her current state, confined to a hospital bed, Juanita remained her sanctuary.


    A simple visit, a chance to converse, held immeasurable value.


    Upon reaching the hospital, Lindsey approached her mother’s private room, only to catch the murmur of a man’s voice from within.


    Since the door was slightly ajar, Lindsey positioned herself to the side, allowing the voices to filter through distinctly.


    Despite the tension knotting in her stomach, Lindsey resisted the impulse to retreat.


    Summoning her resolve, she knew she had to face this.


    Sensing the hesitant presence at the door and glimpsing a familiar garment, Leonel knew it was Lindsey immediately.


    It had been some time since their paths had crossed.


    He remained silent and waited until she gathered the courage to enter.


    When Lindsey walked in, Leonel paused briefly before breaking the silence.


    “You decided to meet us after all? I half-expected you to turn tail and run.


    ”


    “I’m just here to check on Mom.


    Why are you thinking like that?”


    Lindsey replied to her brother in a low voice.


    She then strolled right up to Juanita’s bedside, not backing down at all.


    After theirst fight, the siblings fell silent for a bit.


    Later, Leonel didn’t take any steps to ease the situation.


    Lindsey, worried about another argument over her rtionship with Domenic, decided to leave things be and never contacting Leonel again.


    After a long quiet moment, Leonel finally spoke, his words still carrying a bit of an edge.


    He nced at Lindsey, mockingly asking, “Just here for Mom, huh? I thought you were too busy with your love life to swing by the hospital.


    Why are you alone? Why didn’t your boyfriende with you? Aren’t you two deeply in Love?”


    Lindsey frowned at Leonel’s words.


    But today, she just didn’t have the energy or the desire to argue with him.


    She simply wanted to have a peaceful moment with their mother.


    “I’ve been crazy busy with worktely, and my boyfriend too.


    He took off on a business trip abroadst night,” Lindsey exined, trying to stay calm.


    Then, almost pleadingly, she said, “Leonel, can you not do this to me? I’m just here for Mom.


    If you don’t want me around, I’ll just leave.


    ”


    As Lindsey tried to leave, Leonel grabbed her arm from behind.


    His voice sounded stern this time.


    “If you’re here for Mom, then just stay.


    I’ll be the one to leave.


    Don’t make it seem like I’m the one kicking you out.


    ”


    Lindsey stayed quiet, standing there as Leonel left the room and shut the door behind him.


    Lindsey took a moment to gather herself, then went to the bathroom to grab a basin and fill it with water.


    She was nning to give her mom a sponge bath.


    After tweaking the water temperature a few times to get it right, Lindsey picked up a couple of soft towels.


    Carrying the basin to Juanita’s bedside, she plunked it on the nightstand.


    Then, she dunked the towels and squeezed them out until they were just damp enough.


    Juanita was wearing the hospital’s patient gown, and Lindsey was using a towel to gently wipe her bare skin.


    “Hey Mom,” Lindsey murmured, her voice cracking with emotion, tears welling up in her eyes.


    “I’m here now.


    Work’s been driving me insane, and it’s been so long since west saw each other.


    Did you miss me, Mom?”


    Her mom stayed quiet, but Lindsey kept going.


    “I really miss you.


    When are you going to wake up? There’s so much I want to share with you.


    ”


    Recently, things have been a bit tense between Leonel and me… I just can’t seem to find the right way to talk to him anymore.


    I get it, Mom.


    I know you guys aren’t thrilled about me being with my boyfriend, but… But I love him.


    It’s not simple to just let go of someone you love, you know? It’s kind of like when you finally walked away from Dad, dealing with all that disappointment and feeling let down.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Mom, Domenic isn’t like the rest.


    Sure, he’s good- looking and ambitious.


    He’s also a hard worker, putting in thosete hours at the office every single day.


    He treats me so well, and I’m honestly happy with him.


    I really hope you and Leonel can give us your blessing.


    I’m sure once you get to know him better, you’ll truly understand why I want to stay with him.


    Mom, I really wish I could assure you not to worry about me, that I’m doing great, but…


    I can’t lie to you.


    I’ve been dealing with some really tough situationstely, and it’s been a bit of a struggle.


    If you were here now, I’m sure you’d have some advice for me in this situation.