“How are you feeling?” Amanda asked. “Are you in pain?”
Brenda shook her head. “Tired.”
“You gave us all a big scare.”
“What happened?” Brenda asked, sensing that the surgery hadn’t gone as planned.
“The tumor was bigger than they had thought. You lost a lot of blood. They’re still very concerned about your condition but you improved enough to come out of sedation.”
“Well, you know me,” Brenda replied with just barely a whisper. “Always seeking attention.”
Amanda laughed and dried a few tears. “Yeah. You’re such a spotlight hog.”
Brenda chuckled and closed her eyes again. She looked like she was going to drift back to sleep so Amanda kept quiet. A few seconds later she opened them again and took a deep breath.
“How are you doing?” Brenda asked.
“Oh, I’m fine,” she assured her. “We’ve just been worried about you.”
“Well …” Brenda smiled. “I’m still here.”
“I’m really glad.” Amanda choked up as she spoke.
“Oh, honey. Come here.” Brenda opened her arms to hug her.
Amanda quickly sat on the edge of the bed and nestled herself in her mother’s arms while trying not to cry but slowly failing.
“I’m sorry,” Amanda said as she pulled herself together. The last thing she wanted to do was upset her mother. She wiped her tears and forced a smile. “I’m just so happy and relieved.”
“Oh sweetheart. Don’t be afraid.”
“Easy for you to say,” Amanda said with a nervous chuckle.
Brenda offered an understanding smile. “I suppose that’s fair. I love you very much, Amanda.”
“I love you too, mom.”
Brenda squeezed her hand. “Is Viktor here?”
“He’s in the waiting room. They only allow one at a time. He flew in two days ago and has been here the whole time.”
“He’s a good man,” Brenda remarked.
“He is … Would you like to see him?”
“Yes. Please. Send him in.”
“Okay.” She stood and kissed her forehead before leaving to send Viktor in.
Moments later, Viktor entered with a wide smile. “You two girls are going to be the death of me,” he gently teased as he sat in the chair next to her and squeezed her hand.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she softly replied. “I didn’t want to ask Amanda, what are the doctors saying about my condition?”
The look on his face told her what she already knew.
“How bad is it?” she asked.
“Could go either way.”
She didn’t look surprised. She was probably too tired to be surprised, Viktor thought.
“I don’t know if Amanda told you, but I live here now. Well, Boston,” Viktor said, hoping to refocus her on something positive.
“You moved? When did this happen?”
“My things should be arriving in a few days.”
“You two are so madly in love, Viktor. Just marry her already.”
A proud grin crossed his lips. “I already bought the ring.”
Brenda perked up. “You did?”
“Yeah. She doesn’t know yet. Don’t tell her.”
“Well what are you waiting for?”
“You, silly,” he playfully replied.
“Oh phooey. That’s nonsense. You’re not proposing to me.”
Viktor chuckled and then gently placed his hand on the side of her face. “You know that you’re all she can think about right now. You need to get better.”
“Viktor …” Her eyes teared. “If I don’t make it ...”
“Stop. Don’t talk like that,” he said firmly. “You’re not leaving Amanda. You’re going to fight and you’re going to recover and then I’m taking you both to Europe.”
She smiled as a tear fell. “You’ll take care of her?”
The thought of Brenda passing made his heart ache and his smile slowly faded. “You know I will.”
“Thank you,” she tearfully replied.
“But so will you,” he added as he gently stroked her hair. “Don’t give up.”
“Okay,” she agreed. She closed her eyes, feeling her energy quickly fading.
He waited for her to drift back to sleep before getting up. He returned to the waiting room where Amanda sat looking completely worn out. She quickly stood when she caught sight of him.
“How’d it go?” she asked.
“Good. She’s in good spirits. She’s asleep. We probably should let her rest as much as possible. The more she sleeps, the faster she’ll recover.”
“Yeah, okay.”
“Why don’t we get something to eat and let her rest for a few hours?” Viktor suggested.
She knew Viktor was probably right but the thought of leaving her mother alone in the hospital was unappealing.
“Amanda,” Viktor said calmly. “You need a break.”
She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“Amanda.” He gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. “Your mother is resting comfortably. She needs to sleep. You need food and you need a break.”
“I’m scared to leave her, Viktor.”
“I know … I won’t make you. But I'm afraid you're going to burn out.”
Amanda looked torn as her heart and mind wrangled to make a decision.
“Why don’t we just sit for a minute in the waiting room?” he suggested.
“Okay,” she agreed, feeling like that was a compromise she could live with.
They sat down next to each other and held hands. She leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Chapter 37
Brenda continued to make slow improvement over the next few days and they were eventually able to move her out of ICU. No longer requiring such close monitoring, Brenda was actually able to better rest since there were fewer intrusions from nurses and doctors. With her mom no longer on death’s door, Amanda was getting better sleep as well.
A week and a half had passed since her mother was admitted to the hospital. Amanda woke to the smell of fresh coffee and Viktor sitting on the side of the bed, stroking her hair.
“Good morning, my love,” he greeted her.
She groaned and rolled on her back. “What time is it?” she asked as she rubbed her face.
“Just after 9:00.”
She sat up and took the coffee from his hands.
“I spoke with your mom already. She is doing fine. She’s having breakfast right now.”
She closed her eyes and savored her beverage. “Thank you for checking on her.”
“I ordered breakfast. They just delivered it. You want to eat at the table or here?”
“Table is fine.”
