The hospital room was filled with the soft, continuous beep of machines. On the bed lay a woman, her eyes closed, her face unnaturally calm as if she were in a deep, endless sleep. Tubes and wires surrounded her fragile body.
Two people stood beside the bed. A young girl Shreya. And a middle-aged man her father.
After a moment of silence, the man spoke in a low voice. "Shreya… did that boy not come on time today either?"
Shreya let out a tired breath,"Dad, let him sleep," she said quietly,"And even if he comes here… what will change?"
Her voice trembled,"Will Mom really get better?"
She looked at the woman on the bed. "She's in a coma today," Shreya continued softly. "No one knows when she'll regain consciousness."
Then, almost in a whisper,"We don't even have enough money left for her treatment anymore."
The man remained silent for a few seconds. Then he steadied himself.
"Don't worry about your mother," he said,"Focus on your studies."
Shreya looked at him.
"I'm arranging the money," the man added,"Someone will help… somehow. And if not, I'll ask my brothers. Maybe they'll give something."
Shreya slowly nodded,"Alright, Dad. You handle it. I'm leaving now. I'll send big brother here as well."
"That's fine," the man replied,"Go carefully. And don't forget to send him."
Shreya glanced at her mother one last time, then walked out of the hospital room. The door closed. Now, only the man and the unconscious woman remained.
He slowly sat beside the bed and held her hand cold, lifeless. Tears slipped from his eyes.
"If only I had enough money, Alice," he said in a broken voice,"If only I could have treated you properly."
His throat tightened,"I'm a useless husband… and a useless father."
He pressed her hand against his forehead and broke down. And there, in that hospital room one life was hanging on machines,
one man was completely shattered,
and somewhere far away a boy was still sleeping, unaware.