“I apologise, Mami,” she whispers while caressing the woman’s cheek. “I sincerely apologise for distancing myself from you over the past year.” “I ought to have endeavoured to comprehend you better, as I recognise that your intentions towards me were always benevolent.” She pauses to regain her composure and dry her tears. “I am aware of your disdain for him, yet Aldo is a commendable individual…” she states with a strained smile. “He will provide me with adequate care.” I am aware that he will…. You need not concern yourselves with me any more. You may now repose with Father. “I will be fine,” she leans over her mother and kisses her on the forehead. “Te aprecio enormemente, madre.” I adore you. “Siempre te amaré.”
She remains momentarily with her cheek against her mother’s till her phone alerts her with a notification, prompting her to glance at the message.
“Mami,” she whispers, kissing the woman’s hands. Nina is nearly present, understood? Just a moment longer, and then I shall release you, understood? she smiles despite her tears.
Her lips quiver as she sweeps aside the woman’s hair. “A slight increase.”
The cardiac monitor emits beeping sounds, while the woman remains unresponsive.
Suddenly, the door swings wide, and the same woman from Ricky’s previous recollection enters beside her ex-husband.
That appears to be Nina, I observe, as she disregards Ricky and hastens to the woman’s side to kiss her forehead. Aldo, nonetheless, approaches Ricky from behind and embraces her tightly against his chest.
Although it is unwarranted, I feel resentment upon witnessing my companion in his embrace.
Nina says, “Ay, Mami,” as she gently touches her mother’s hair, her voice transforming into a sob. “¿Qué ocurrió?” ¿Qué te ocurrió? What transpired with you? What actions were taken against you?
She faces Ricky, her visage marked by tears. “Are you certain she is…”
Her voice diminishes at the conclusion, nevertheless Ricky comprehends and nods as she dabs the tears from her face.
“And Father?” ”
Ricky shakes her head, a new cascade of tears streaming down her cheeks. Christian embraces her firmly, while Ricky conceals her face in his chest as he replies for her.
“They were unable to assist him.” “He perished upon impact,” he responds softly. “He departed swiftly, however.” Absence of pain.
A faint moan emanates from Ricky’s throat as Nina tenderly strokes her mother’s cheeks. The medical team comes, with Ricky weeping more intensely as the conclusion approaches.
“Is she experiencing discomfort?” Nina enquires. “Is she in pain?” ”
One of the nurses advances. “No, dear.” She is not experiencing any discomfort.
Nina affirms with a nod. “And… how many…?” How many lives is she preserving?“
“Four,” replies the nurse. “She is conserving four.”
“O-Okay,” Nina murmurs to herself, kissing her mother’s cheek. “How long will it take before she…”
“Not for an extended duration,” the nurse stated. “In just a few minutes, we will ensure her comfort.”
“Very well,” Nina responds, glancing at Ricky. “Understood.”
Ricky disengages from Aldo’s embrace to position herself by her sister, clasping her mother’s hand.
“Farewell, Mother,” Ricky sobs, grasping her hand tightly as the nurse prepares to deactivate the equipment.
Nina observes intently as the nurse extends her hand to detach the ventilator from her mother’s lips, prompting her to abruptly weep.
“I am unable to,” she breathes softly. I am unable to accomplish this. I am unable to observe.
Ricky attempts to soothe her by embracing her. Nina-
“Negative!” Sina retorts sharply, exiting the room and proceeding into the corridor.
The nurse halts and gazes at Ricky, who merely grips his mother’s hand.
“Continue,” she whispers, as the nurse acknowledges and commences the extraction of the tube.
“It is acceptable, Mami,” Ricky murmurs, removing the final traces of her tears. “She is merely apprehensive, but I will ensure her well-being on your behalf. Proceed directly to your father’s residence. We will be OK.
As the nurse assured, it requires only a few minutes before Ricky’s mother is taken home, with the medical team transporting her to surgery. Aldo embraces Ricky for a brief period as she weeps quietly before she hastens to locate her sister.
She quickly locates Nina, who is curled up on the floor, embracing her knees to her chest. Ricky exhibits neither anger nor distress, quietly seated next to her sister.
“I apologize,” Nina sobs, her body trembling with sorrow. “I was unable to accomplish it.” <text”I was unable to witness them… terminate her,” she stammered, as Ricky draped her arm around her sister’s shoulder. “I was unable to… I was unable to…”
She erupts into another sob, while Ricky embraces her tightly, allowing her to put her head on his shoulder.
“I am aware…”
The hospital corridor vanishes into the void, transforming into an office.
