Chapter 5

As we waited at the red light, Rene jokingly pulled out a hundred-dollar bill to smile. Her silly antics made me laugh, easing my tension. She noticed that it helped lift my mood slightly and asked, "Are you staying for good this time?" "Yes. I'm not leaving again." "Have you found a job yet?" I gazed at the familiar yet strange scenery outside the window and replied, "Not yet. But I'm not in a rush. I want to make sure my mom's settled first." When we arrived at the hospital ward, Mom was still resting. Aunt Betty looked surprised to see me and asked, "CeeCee, why did you rush back overnight?" "I was worried about Mom," I explained. Aunt Betty patted my shoulder, calling me a good kid. Her words made me feel guilty—I didn't feel like I deserved that praise. "Aunty Betty, where can I find my mom's attending doctor? I'd like to talk to them." After that, I walked down the hallway following her directions. After confirming the name on the office door, I knocked a few times. "