Even though Blaze had registered his mum in one of the best private hospitals in the city, Maria always preferred using Salvine General Hospital for her monthly diabetic check-up. She has developed a cordial and close relationship with most of the staff at the hospital and felt at home with their professional services.
Like other past check-ups, she arrived at the hospital on time for her fasting blood sugar test. Afterwards, she was allowed to take a little snack and made to wait for a while before the next series of tests were conducted.
With samples of her blood collected for the random blood sugar test and glucose tolerance test, Maria left the medical lab to go use the convenience at the reception.
She was seated inside one of the toilets when she heard the heels of a lady clicking sharply against the marble floor. She listened as the toilet cubicle beside the one she was using opened and then closed. She was about to stand up from the toilet seat when she heard a sniffle followed by muffled crying.
"Oh no...did she get a bad report?" Maria's heart sank, taking her back to the day when she was informed that her husband had passed on.
However, when she heard the lady's gentle voice and her self-motivational affirmation, Maria was moved to see this strong lady's face. She waited patiently for the lady to leave the toilet cubicle before doing the same.
When Maria stepped out, she saw a slim young lady on his heels, crouched by the washing basin, splashing water on her face. She assumed it was the same lady since it was just the both of them that were in the restroom.
Hoping to find out who this lady was, she quietly approached her from behind when the lady suddenly straightened up. She observed the pretty lady's startled expression and asked in a friendly voice.
"My dear, are you alright?"
But Instead of getting a reply, the alarmed lady moved away from her, her expression cold and suspicious.
Amelia glared at the gentle-natured pretty blonde woman in a classic lilac summer dress. This woman had a striking resemblance to someone she knew but at the moment Amelia was more focused on finding out what this woman's mission was.
The woman didn't look like someone capable of inflicting harm on someone. But then, Amelia had learned the hard way that looks can be deceptive.
"Who are you and what are you doing behind me? Amelia asked in a stern and authoritative tone.
"I'm sorry, my dear. I didn't mean to startle you. I'm a patient here at the hospital. You can be rest assured that I mean you no harm." Maria said in a calm and reassuring tone. She equally assessed the pretty lady, wondering where she had seen this face before.
"Are you all right?" Maria asked again, observing the way the lady slowly relaxed.
"Why do you ask?" Amelia replied to her question with a question, not entirely trusting her. For all she knows she could be working for her stepmother, her greedy uncles or Lin.
"Well...I was in that toilet cubicle next to yours when I heard you crying. I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I heard what you said. It seems like you got a bad report but I want to reassure you that you'll be fine."
Amelia's hardened gaze softened a little at the woman's kind words. She squeezed out a little smile and said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, dear." Maria walked over to the basin to wash her hands, while Amelia pulled out two scented face wipes from her bag and dabbed at her face carefully.
From the corner of her eyes, Amelia silently watched the woman wash her hands and dry them. She remembered the woman said she was a patient. But she did look one bit like a patient. Or didn't she hear clearly?
As her curiosity got the better part of her, she decided to ask.
"Did you say you were a patient?" Amelia asked tilting her head in the direction of the woman.
"Yes," Maria replied guessing what Amelia was thinking. "But I don't look it right?"
Amelia shook her head in response. "You look very healthy to me."
"That's because I'm well taken care of. I'm diabetic."
"Oh..." Amelia cupped her mouth, and her eyes widened. "I'm so sorry."
"You don't have to be my dear." Maria waved her hands as if her sickness was a mere headache. "If I didn't tell you, you wouldn't know right?"
"Right." Amelia was impressed by the woman's positive attitude toward life.
"That's because my son is always there for me. He ensures that I take my drugs, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly."
"That is such an amazing son. But what about your husband?"
Maria's smile faltered a bit as she replied, "he died."
"Oh my goodness! I... I'm so sorry ma'am. I shouldn't have asked that question." Amelia turned her embarrassed face away, lowering her gaze in shame. "Excuse me." She gathered her stuff intending to leave the restroom, but Maria's serene voice stopped her.
"You don't have to feel bad my dear. Death is inevitable. Everyone dies someday. I bet I'm not the only one who has lost someone."
Amelia turned her face to look at the woman tears falling down her eyes. "You're right, I lost my mom when I was in my early teens and it still hurts so much." She said in a trembling voice, covering her face to hide her tears.
"Oh my dear..." Maria approached Amelia and patted her gently on the shoulder. "Losing a mother at such an age could be really hard. I understand your pain."
"Thank you, ma'am," Amelia replied, wiping her tears with the back of your hand.
"Maria. You can call me Maria." She said, holding back her own tears from falling.
"Okay, Maria. I'm sorry you had to see me like this. I'm usually very strong and in control of my emotions."
"I perfectly understand. Is only natural to cry when you're feeling hurt. But after a while, you will get better. May I hug you?" Maria asked, her heart longing to console this broken lady.