'I am here for ward number 301,' a soft, informative voice of a guy wearing a yellow oversized tee, which is Probably worn a million times, paired with grey track pants and flip flops.
'You're a regular visitor for Mrs Rose; I remember you, Mr Kevin, ' the nurse replied with a smile as she made the entry into her register under the date 05 May 1990.
'You may go ahead', the nurse makes a point with her pen towards the ward's direction.
Running his finger through his curly mid-length hair, he starts walking towards the ward with a basket of fruits in his hand. He takes a deep breath, adjusts his glasses, which is one of his pet peeves and knocks on the door.
'Amma!!!' Greeting his grandmother as he walks closer to her with his arms open wide.
'Kevin! You are here, my child' Amma responded with relief.
Kevin was 19 when he came to live with his Grandma, whose daughter was Kevin's mom. Kevin's mom asked Amma to take care of him when she was gone. He started to work with Amma in the fish market, she used to hold a big shop in the market.
After finishing his schooling, Kevin planned to stay with Amma and help her with the shop; he used to go to the sea to fetch the fish for the shop.
Everything was peaceful until Amma started to fall ill often and they started to have multiple hospital visits which turned into admitting her for long time.
It's been 3 years today ever since Amma diagnosed with cancer and admitted to only Central hospital which is 1 hr away from his Amma's house as the town they live in have no amenities.
Over the years Amma's health is degrading day by day and Kevin is aware he'll lose her as well someday.
'Amma are you taking your medication on time are they feeding my beautiful lady good food? Huh!' Kevin jokes with Amma as he starts cutting the fruits he got for her.
'Kevin are you eating properly you look slimmer compared to your last visit aon, don't lie to Amma!' Amma pats Kevin's head.
Kevin adjust his specs and hands Amma fruits he just cut for her,'Ammmaaa! I am all healthy and fit ,don't you know your grandson is handsome and got all strength because he get huge fishes everyday and makes profit in the market.'
'I know son you are the strongest and I am afraid who will look after you when I am gone' Amma rubs Kevin's arm.
'Amma nothing gonna happen I am here with you na!'Kevin knew deep down that Amma was right about her leaving him alone.
'Son I know your life have been tough , losing your whole family one by one is threatful and I know my time is up too' Amma looks Kevin with watery eyes.
Nurse knocks on the door and interrupts their emotional conversation ,'Mr.Kevin the doctor has requested your visit'
'Okay Amma I'll be back meanwhile finish those or else your beauty will not charm me anymore' they both giggled and Kevin takes the exit from the room and the nurse checks Amma's vitals followed by the regular routine checkup.
Kevin's Amma own a big fish shop for which he daily fetch fishes . He is pale and 5'10 tall with a lean body not slim but more with muscle which is due to him fetching fishes on the boat everyday.
Kevin knocks on the door 'Yes please come in' Doctor calls Kevin inside
As he enters the room he sees a skeleton hanged on the corner of the room , you can smell the strong sanitizer used on the floor and the room.
As this is the only hospital in this small village the room is small as you enter there are two chairs followed by the table on which there is paper weight looks like a big transparent marble.
'Hi buddy how are you today?' a rough sound comes behind the computer.
'Hey how are you Dr.Joe?' Joe was my senior in school we have known each other since childhood. Joe used to come from a wealthy family and he used to live in a huge bungalow with his mom and dad.
I remember me and my father when he was alive we used to deliver huge fish order at their home. Joe and me used to play a lot as kids, as he was 4 years elder to me he left the place for further education. Now he is working here back in the village and handling my Amma's case.
'I don't know how to tell you but Amma is on last stage of cancer' Joe responded with pain in his voice.
'How worse is it? How much time does she has?'Kevin rest his hands on the table as he speaks
'Not much ,1 month am sorry Kevin' Joe rest h hands on Kevin's hand looks at him with sorrow.
'okay! Got it!' Kevin revert back his hands and cross them
'Thanks doc! I'll head out' Kevin drinks his tears up and leaves the room.
Reaches to ward and tries to peak amma from the small glass window she is asleep. He starts heading out of the hospital and goes to the port where the boats are tied up for their fishing business. Sits there with his own thoughts .
Kevin starts heading towards his comfort place that was the port where he used to go with his father. Grabbing his boat shaped pendent necklace that his father gave him when he was a kid.