Another day in Singapore with mom. She is still weak which is one of the side effects of the chemotherapy. Hopefully, with the help of the two nurses mom will gain her strength back before her next chemotherapy session.
“Good morning, mom. Rise and shine.” I roll the curtain on each side to let the sunlight in. Mom covers her face to avoid the glare of the morning sunlight.
“Good morning, Angel.”
“Would you like to stay on the balcony? The sun feels nice on your skin,” I said, opening the glass door.
“Sure.”
“Wait. Let me help you.” I walk over to mom’s bed and help her get off the bed.
“You’re right. The sun feels nice on my skin. It’s a beautiful morning.” Mom said, her eyes on the sunrise admiring the beautiful colors on it.
“It is. Mom, have a seat. How are you feeling today?”
“A little better than last night. I slept a few hours but I still feel weak. I guess I should get used to these chemotherapy side effects.”
“Are you experiencing other side effects besides weakness? What are those?”
“Yeah. Besides the loss of appetite sometimes I feel like vomiting. I kind of expected it though. I know it is one of the side effects, I have to adjust with the food I eat.”
“Yeah, mom, it will be gone soon, don’t worry, I said, squeezing mom’s hand. Mom nods.
“Sweetheart, how was your study going? I’m sorry about this big adjustment you had to do for me. This is taking too much of your time and disrupting your education.”
“Mom, please…we’ve talked about this. My studies are fine. I can cope with the class online. My teachers are very communicative and I submit my exams and activities on time. So, there’s nothing to worry about. Leave it to me. All you have to do is get well soon. Okay?”
“Alright. How about your friends and Maddox?”
“They’re fine, mom. We have constant communication, they even ask about your condition every time they call and message me on social media. I feel supported by my friends.”
“How sweet of them. Send them my regards, especially Maddox.”
“Sure, mom. Hmm…Can I get you something? Are you hungry already?”
“Just water, get me some water.”
“Alright, water coming up,” I said as I rushed out of mom’s room.
Mom kept staring at the sunrise when I came back to bring her water. Ms. Lucy with me to bring mom's breakfast and meds.
“Mom, here’s your water. And also, Ms. Lucy got your breakfast and meds.”
“Isn’t it too early for breakfast and meds?”
“Mom, no, it’s almost 8. You need to have breakfast so that you can take your meds afterward.”
“Fine. Lucy, please put the tray here. How about you Lucy?”
“Athena, never mind about me. We will have breakfast later. I hope you have a good appetite this morning. Candace and Roland helped me in preparing this breakfast.”
“Thank you, Lucy.”
My phone rang as mom started her breakfast. Lucy sitting opposite mom.
“Mom, I have to take this call, I need to go to my room. Please finish your breakfast.”
“Hello, what's a surprise you have for me?” I took the call in my room. It’s like I waited for a week to get Maddox’s surprise for me. I’m so excited.
“Hey! Is that all you want to hear right now? How about you ask how’s my morning?” Maddox teasingly asks.
“Well, I know you’re fine but yeah. How are you? How would you like to spend your weekend?”
“Baby, I don’t have any other schedule besides visiting the shelter later this afternoon. How about you? How’s your mom? How’s Singapore?”
“Singapore is beautiful, I had a short walk yesterday admiring the city. The place is super clean, people here are disciplined.”
“True, I’ve been there twice with mom and dad. We visited Universal Studios, Botanic Gardens, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer, and other tourist attractions. We stayed in Marina Bay Sands, the service was great. I couldn’t forget it, it was one of the last trips as a complete family.” Maddox's voice broke a little remembering those beautiful memories.
“Sounds like you missed those days. I’m sure you guys had a great time.”
“Absolutely, sadly, those things will never happen again,” Maddox said and then heaved a sigh.
It must be hard for Maddox. I know it even if he wouldn’t tell me. I know how much he loves and misses his mom.
“You can always create new memories with your friends now. Baby, I’m sure your mom will be happy to see you enjoying your life. You are young and you deserve to live a good life.”
“I know, Angel. And do you wanna know what made my morning?”
“What?” I asked, chuckling.
“Morning is great, waking up with my two babies.”
“Two babies?” I asked, quite disappointed.
“Yeah, you heard it right. We have to face time so that I can show you. I already scratch you out of the picture since I already have two babies here,” Maddox said, giggling like a child. He clearly wants to annoy me.
“Is that so? Let me see what babies you got there. Show them on the camera.”
“Okay, here,” Maddox said, showing Logan who is sitting beside him. “The first is cute and the second is similarly cute but a small member of the family.”
“Show it to me right now,” I demanded.
“Here, hi Angel,” Maddox said, waving the puppy’s paw.
“God, that furbaby looks familiar. Isn’t he the one from…”
“You got it,” Maddox said, cutting me off. “The one we had during our last dog rescuing. He is the smallest puppy among our rescues that day. I personally took care of him and wanted to surprise you as the new owner of this furbaby right here.”
“Are you kidding me? Show me the puppy clearly, face him on the camera.”
“Here, look at him. Isn’t he cute?”
“My God, those eyes. I can’t believe how much cuter he is that you have taken care of him. What is his name?”
“Well, you tell me. Since you are the fur mommy, you should be the one to name your furbaby.”
I pause a little, and a name pops up in my head.
"Bruno, we should call him Bruno. Does it sound good? What do you think?"
"I think it fits perfectly for this cutie. From now on, your name is Bruno. Do you understand?" Maddox waves Bruno's paw again and he seems to like it.
“Baby, thank you so much. I love you. You made my day.”
“You’re welcome, baby. I miss you so badly. I want to come to Singapore to visit you and your mom.”
"Baby, no, I already told you. You can't, please..."
"I know you'd say that. By the way, did Cassy and her friends still disturb you?"
"Oh, baby, never mind about them. I can handle those assholes. Baby, I can't stay long. I have to check on my mom. You have to take care of yourself there. I miss you so much. I love you."
"I love you too, baby. Bye, mommy." Maddox waves Bruno's paw.
"Bye, baby Bruno!!"