C20 Memories 3

"Why should I? Clearly, all the fault lies with you. Why do I need to apologize?" I was so angry that I argued with my mom, feeling justified that I hadn't done anything wrong.

"You... you..." My mom was so upset that she had a heart attack, clutching her chest in pain.

I was sulking and didn't notice anything wrong with her because I had my back turned.

Hearing her repeat herself so many times, I thought she was just too angry to find the right words.

When I turned around again, I saw her body leaning forward.

"Thud." The sound of something heavy hitting the ground echoed.

My mom collapsed in front of me, and I just watched as she fell bit by bit, landing right at my feet.

I was shocked, but she was even more terrified.

After being stunned for a moment, I quickly rushed forward to hold her.

"Housekeeper, housekeeper, where are you?" I called out for the old housekeeper. He's been with the family for years, and I knew that despite his age, he was a careful and understanding person.

The housekeeper had always been patient with me, explaining things clearly, no matter if I was in the wrong, and helping me understand the consequences.

In some ways, the butler felt like a grandfather to me.

In the empty house, my voice echoed endlessly. I panicked as she held her unresponsive mother tightly.

I knew my mom's condition was critical, and we couldn't afford any more delays.

Feeling helpless, I shouted for help, "Is anyone there? Someone, please come!"

"Can someone help? Please, help!"

I kept repeating myself, my throat growing dry from the effort.

There was no one, not a soul around.

I looked at the emptiness surrounding me, then back at her holding mom. I realized I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

I knew the first thing I needed to do was calm myself down. Only then could I assess my mom's condition properly.

I forced myself to take deep breaths, recalling a glimpse of a biology book that had a section on first aid.

I had no idea where mom kept her medication. She had searched all the usual places on mom's person but found nothing.

I didn't even know why her mom was in this state. I felt so guilty, thinking that if she had learned a bit more, maybe this wouldn't have happened. At least, it wouldn't feel so hopeless now.

I remembered something the housekeeper once mentioned in passing: whenever dealing with her mom, I should try to be patient, no matter the situation, whether I was right or wrong. Now I finally understand why. Her mom has been sick for a long time, and it's serious. I never paid much attention to it because I figured with the family's wealth, they would have sought treatment early if it were that bad.

I was shocked to realize such a terrible illness was hidden within her frail mother. I kept attempting basic first aid measures, but I only had a vague idea of what to do. My actions were awkward and inexperienced.

I heard soft footsteps approaching and turned to see a kitchen helper I barely recognized.

"Quick, call 911," I urged, knowing every second counted. Her mom couldn't afford any delay.

"Oh dear, what's happened to her?" the kitchen helper asked.

"Call now, hurry!" I insisted. I couldn't allow anyone to waste time, even if they meant well.

"Okay, I'll go right away." After making the call, the aunt's voice trembled as she explained everything that had happened and my mom's current condition in detail. Once she finished, she rushed to my mom's side.

"Ma'am, what's going on?" The kitchen aunt asked, seeing how exhausted I was, barely able to catch my breath.

"Don't talk." I didn't have the energy to respond. All I could think about was making sure my mom held on until the ambulance arrived. I just needed her to be safe.