Tears welled up in Emma's eyes as she tried to find the words. "Ryan, it's my mom. She has a brain tumor. I just found out yesterday. Everyone in my family had been lying to me, trying to protect me,i had to find out from the doctor."
Ryan's heart sank. He reached out, taking her hand in his. "Emma, I'm so sorry. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Emma shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I didn't know how to. It's been so overwhelming. I feel so helpless, and knowing they kept it from me just makes it worse. I feel betrayed, and I don't know how to handle it all."
Ryan squeezed her hand gently. "You don't have to handle it all on your own. I'm here for you, Emma,he said and she stared at him weirdly .
I mean,We all are. You're not alone in this."
"I wish someone had told me sooner,it wouldn't have being this bad," she said, her voice trembling. "All this time, they've been hiding it from me. I don't know how to process it."
Ryan moved closer, his eyes filled with empathy. "It's okay to feel hurt and confused. This is a lot to take in. But you need to take care of yourself, too.
How will you care for your mother when you're down too?.
Emma nodded, trying to take comfort in his words. "Thank you, Ryan. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Ryan leaned in and patted her head gently . "You don't have to worry about that. And if in any way you feel you need help do not hesitate to come to me."
After Emma felt a lot better She went back to her office to continue work even after Ryan told her to take the day off.
It was mid afternoon and Emma felt hungry, shutting her computer off and arranging her work space, Emma walked out and bumped into someone.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, looking up to see a familiar face.
"Sam?" she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
Sam flashed a charming smile. "Hey, Emma. Fancy bumping into you here."
"Why are you here?" she inquired, curiosity and a hint of awkwardness in her voice.
She remembered how she had bluntly rejected his offer to help her mom last night because she thought he wanted to sleep with her.
Ah what was I thinking to have said that,She thought inwardly.
"Remember the new project? It's a collaboration with my company. Plus, Ryan and I are friends," he explained, his smile never wavering.
Emma nodded, a bit flustered but managing a smile. "Oh, right. I forgot about that."
Sam's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Where are you headed?"
"To get some food," she replied, her stomach growling at the mention of food.
Sam chuckled. "How about we go together? My treat."
Emma hesitated for a moment, but the thought of having company sounded appealing. "Alright, I could use the break."
They left the office together, walking to a nearby café. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with the rich aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries filling the air. They found a cozy corner table and sat down, ordering sandwiches and drinks.
"So, how are you holding up?" Sam asked, concern evident in his voice.
Emma took a sip of her iced tea, contemplating her response. "It's been tough. But I'm managing. Your help with my mom's treatment... I can't thank you enough for that, Sam."
He waved her thanks away with a dismissive hand. "You don't have to thank me. I'm glad I could help. How's she doing?"
"She's better. The new treatment seems to be working, and the hospital is much nicer. It's just... hard seeing her like that," Emma admitted, her voice cracking slightly.
Sam reached across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I can't imagine how difficult it must be, but you're strong, Emma. And you're not alone."
Emma felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thank you, Sam. I don't know what I'd do without your support."
"Hey, we're friends now," Sam said with a grin. "And friends look out for each other."
Emma smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they enjoyed their meal, sharing stories and laughter. Sam's easygoing nature and genuine kindness made her feel at ease.
As she walked through the hospital's sterile corridors, the beeping of machines and the muted conversations of doctors and nurses filled the air. Emma took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She reached her mother's room and gently pushed the door open.
Her mother lay in the bed, looking frail but peaceful. The sight tugged at Emma's heartstrings. She approached quietly, not wanting to disturb her mother's rest.
"Hi, Mom," Emma whispered, pulling up a chair beside the bed. "How are you feeling today?"
Her mother's eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile spread across her face. "Emma, dear. It's good to see you."
Emma took her mother's hand, squeezing it gently. "It's good to see you too, Mom. I've missed you."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the bond between them palpable. Emma took the opportunity to update her mother on the latest happenings, hoping to lift her spirits.
"Work's been busy, but good," Emma said softly. "I've made a new friend, Sam. He's been really supportive."
Her mother's eyes sparkled with interest. "Tell me about him."
Mom it definitely is not what you're thinking,Emma said with a laugh.
He helped with transferring you to this hospital and also osud fir your treatment, Emma said.
I didn't want him to do it,but I was down and pathetic,I needed a firm if stability and he was there to help,so yeah..he indeed is a good friend,Emma added.
So you're not in a romantic relationship with the young man, Emma's mom asked hopefully.
Sorry to burst your bubble mom,but No,Emma said with a laugh.
**
Meanwhile Jake who has been thinking of a way to way to get back together with you seemed to have found THE PLAN.