I didn't know how long it's been since I brought mum in, I was about to go ask if there's any news form one of the nurses from earlier when the theatre door open and a man in white overall came out. He nodded at the nurse and smiled at me. I didn't smile back.

"How's my mum? Is she alright?" I asked forgetting my manners. 

"Yes, she's in a stable condition" The doctor replied in a calm and comforting voice.

"Thank goodness. Can I see I now?"

"Yes, but she needs to be moved to a room first. Come with me". He walked down a corridor and I followed suit. We rounded a corner and came to a door, it has a name plate on it. He pushed open the door and motioned for me to follow him.

"Have a seat, please"

"Thanks doctor. What is wrong with my mum?" I asked eager to get to go see her. The doctor's face was solemn and I fear the worst.

"Miss Jane, your mother has been diagnosed with heart problem"

"Wait, what! Oh my God". Heart problem. Mum.

"I'm sorry, miss Jane"

"Thanks Doc. She's not going to die, right."

"Right now, she's stable but it won't be for long".

"What can I do?"

"She has to undergo heart transplant in the next two months. I would have suggested we do it immediately, but we need her to recovers fully from this first. Once she is hale and hearty, we can then go on with the transplant surgery". 

"Heart transplant!" Why mum? Why now? Why ever?!

"Miss Jane, are you with me?" The doctor asked, bringing me out of my reverie.

"Hm, sorry doctor. I was just wondering how much it'll cost to get her a new heart"

"You should deal with that later"

"What was it you said, doctor"

"Your mum has to remain in the hospital for adequate treatment pending the time of her surgery. We need to start finding a donor as soon as possible. I am sorry about this, Miss Jane". The doctor said, trying to console me in his own way.

I nodded, shorts of words. I don't know much about heart disease, but I know it won't be cheap.

"Thanks doctor. I'll go see her now". I said, standing up.

"Yes, do that. But before you leave, make sure you see the receptionist."

"Thanks doctor". I said and went back to the receptionist. It was the woman that consoled me earlier.

"Sorry about your mum" she smiled at me, showing sets of perfect white teeth. I know she's just trying to be nice, but the way she spoke is as if my mum just died. I shuddered at the mere thought of it.

"Thanks ma'am. The doctor said you have something for me"

"Yes" she shuffled the files on her desk before handing me one, Its my mum's file. My mum has a file because this is the only hospital she uses and she is well known here.

"Thanks" I mumbled. I flipped the pages and saw today's entry. I skimmed through till I saw the figures. One million dollars! Blood drained from my head and I slumped, dropping the file in the process.

"Are you alright, dear" the woman, asked concerned.

"Yes ma'am, I just need a minute" I replied without looking at her.

"Okay" she said. I stood there for a while longer before I finally pick up the file and check mum's room number. 24. I returned the file. All I want was to be my mum and see for myself that she's okay. I remember seeing 20 on my way to doctor Smith's office, so I went the other way. I entered without knocking. Mum was lying down with oxygen over her nose and mouth. A drop of tears rolled down my checks and I let out the pent up tears. Mum. She murmured in her sleep and I cried harder. How could this have happened, just hours ago we were together with neither of us knowing any of this would happen. Mum please don't leave me, be strong for me. Please, mum. I sat beside her bed, holding her hand in mine. 

My life would lose meaning if mum were to die. No, she won't die! I will not allow it. What am I supposed to do now? How do I raise a million dollars for a heart transplant? Where do I get the money? What job would pay that amount in months? I broke down in tears again. I couldn't control the sib that wracked my body and the nagging question that refused to go. What do I do now?