We arrived at the hospital, and I rushed straight to the Emergency Room. The doctor and nurses quickly took Saru to the ICU for examination. After what felt like an eternity, the doctor finally emerged. I hurried toward him, my heart racing. "What happened, sir? How is she?" I asked anxiously.
He looked grave and said, "I advised her not to get discharged; her condition is still serious." Confusion and worry washed over me. "What do you mean, sir? What's wrong with her?" I pressed for answers.
He replied, "I informed her fiancé that she is suffering from a meningioma." I was stunned, completely taken aback. "Her fiancé?" I echoed, barely able to process the words.
"Yes," he confirmed, "I gave him the report." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me in a state of disbelief over the unfolding situation.
I stood there, frozen, as the weight of her diagnosis hit me like a cold wave. Cancer. I could hardly believe it. My hands turned to ice, my body felt numb, and tears welled up in my eyes, my heart aching with a pain I couldn't express. Just then, a nurse approached and said, "Sir, the patient is calling for you." I quickly wiped my tears, forced a smile, and entered the room. There she was, lying on the bed, her gentle smile lighting up the space despite the darkness surrounding her. It shattered me inside because I knew she was in pain, yet she didn't want me to see it. I walked over, took her hand in mine, and said, "You will be fine." With her characteristic resilience, she smiled and asked, "Where is the invitation card?" I reached into my jacket pocket and carefully handed it to her. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she said, "She will be so happy." I replied, "She'll be even happier if you can be there with her." But I saw her smile fade as she whispered, "Nana didn't want to see my face." I leaned closer, my voice steady and reassuring, "Believe me, you will attend her wedding." The glimmer of hope returned to her eyes as she smiled softly. I encouraged her to rest, and as I left the room, a heaviness settled in my heart. I wanted to scream but felt paralyzed, and yet there was someone else I needed to see.
.