Two days have passed since Mama was brought here to the hospital. Her surgery went well and was successful. By God's mercy, Mama woke up yesterday and she's slowly starting to feel better. I was relieved and the heaviness in my chest eased, but I still couldn't help but worry about her.
I'm here at the hospital now, watching over her. I took an absent from school so I could stay with Mama. I explained the situation properly to my professors, and they agreed as long as I make up for the assignments and activities I missed in school.
Kuya Michael already went back to work since he had been absent for two days, and he said he might get dismissed if he missed work again. Kuya Niko is here with me now, he filed a leave from work so he could also help watch over Mama. But he's not here at the moment, I sent him home to rest and catch up on sleep. We're both tired, but I can still manage since I'm able to get some naps here every time Mama's asleep.
"Lyannah, dear." I looked up at Mama. I was sitting a bit far from her, at the table, writing and working on my assignments.
"Yes, Mama? Do you need anything?" I asked, putting down my pen before standing up and walking over to Mama.
"Nothing, dear... aren't you sleepy yet? Why don't you get some sleep first? I can see in your eyes that you haven't had enough rest. You've been staying up late for three days now, and that's not good for your health," she replied while holding my hand.
"Don't worry about me, I can still manage. Didn't I inherit your strength?" Mama nodded and slightly laughed at what I said. I smiled because Mama was starting to regain her energy.
"I'm still pretty even if I look tired, right, Ma?" I teased, then laughed. Mama agreed with what I said and laughed as well afterward.
"I'm fine. I'll go home later anyway once Kuya Niko gets back here. Don't worry about me, just focus on yourself for now. Are we good with that?" I said before smiling at her.
"Alright, but promise me that you'll go to school tomorrow," she said. I nodded in response even though I didn't want to.
I didn't want to go to school yet because I wanted to wait until Mama was discharged from the hospital. But I couldn't disobey what she said because it might only make her worry about me. I didn't want Mama to get stressed because of that.
"I also don't want to stay here in the hospital any longer because the longer we stay, the bigger the bill we'll have to pay. And your brothers might also have a hard time, so tomorrow I'll be discharged," Mama said, with worry evident on her face.
She still doesn't know that her employer's son was the one who paid for all the expenses here in the hospital for her surgery and for her other needs. In fact, the amount he paid was even more than necessary, and the nurse returned the excess money to me yesterday. Once we get out of the hospital, I will return the extra money he paid.
"Ma, your hospital bill has already been paid," I said, which surprised Mama. She was puzzled by what I said, but I just smiled at her.
"Dear, where did you get the money to pay for that?" Mama asked, with sadness and worry evident on her face.
"To be honest, the one who paid your hospital bill was your employer's son," I replied, which shocked Mama. "He's the one who brought you here to the hospital, and he was also the first one the doctor informed about your surgery. After that, he paid for everything before he left," I added.
Mama couldn't believe what I said, but that was the truth. I had the same reaction as Mama when I learned about it from Kuya Michael.
"That child... is really kind," Mama said softly, but I still heard her. She smiled, but tears slowly welled up in her eyes.
"Did he visit here?" Mama asked. I shook my head in response, which made her sad.
"How can I repay that child? I don't know how I can make it up to him. What would have happened to me if he hadn't brought me here? I want to see him and I want to thank him, but how?" Mama said sadly. I sighed—I didn't want to say this, but I had already made up my mind.
"I'll take care of that, Ma," I said.
Mama looked at me with confusion. "I've decided that I'll take over your job for now so that we can repay all the help his family has given to ours," I added. Mama was shocked by what I said, and it was clear she didn't agree. But my decision was final—I would do this for her.
I've been thinking about it for two days straight, from morning until night. I really don't want to do it because I know my brothers, especially Mama wouldn't approve, but there's nothing they can do because I've already made up my mind.
I wouldn't even be doing this if it weren't for them. I also feel ashamed because all my life they've been working hard just to provide for my needs and to send me to school. So now, I'll take Mama's place at work for the meantime, and also to repay all the help the Sylvester family has given us.
"Dear, you don't have to do that. Once I'm discharged from the hospital, I'll go back to work right away. So you don't have to think about that anymore," Mama said, worry evident on her face.
"We won't allow you to go back to work right away. You need to rest, Ma. I don't want anything bad to happen to you again. I can do it. I can work," I said with certainty, but Mama still disagreed.
"I won't allow you to work. Dear, focus more on your studies than on me. I don't want you to worry about that too. We'll be able to pay them back, but I'll be the one to figure out how. I'll take care of it."
How can I convince Mama? She really doesn't agree with my suggestion. My brothers also didn't agree when I told them about it yesterday. But I'll think of a way to convince them.
"That will only affect your health. The doctor said you need to rest and avoid doing heavy tasks for now. You had surgery, Ma, maybe you've forgotten about that."
Mama let out a deep sigh, and I decided to hug her just to somehow lessen her worries. I know why she won't agree, it's because she's worried about me.
"Dear… y-you don't have to—"
"Ma, I'll take care of everything, just trust me," I cut her off. "I can do it, I'll endure it," I added, giving her a small smile.
"Is there really no way for me to stop you?" she asked sadly, and I shook my head in response.
"I'll do this for you and for my brothers. I just want to repay all the sacrifices you've made for me. I love you so much, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you," I replied.
The corners of my eyes grew warm, and after a few seconds, I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks.
"I love you so much too, my child. I'm so thankful that you came into our lives," Mama said, crying.
"And I'm also so thankful that you became my mother. Thank you, Ma, thank you for everything," I replied and hugged Mama tightly.
I will do everything for her and for my brothers. Nothing in this world comes easy—everything has to go through hardships before you achieve what you want in life. I know I can do it because I will endure it for them.
But the question is, can I handle being a housemaid for a family I haven't even met yet?