Chapter 60: Live Long
Marita had expected a jumpy reaction from Kylian when she had mustered the courage to tell him about the surgery. Since she would’ve to be out of touch with him for at least the next few days, it was a wise choice to give Kylian a small headsup first.
However, there was no way she would disclose the dark truth of the surgery that she was about to opt for. It was one of the grave secrets that was supposed to be hidden from her son forever.
Thus, she forged another lie while smiling sweetly over the call to make sure Kylian wouldn’t panic or get too skeptical about it, "Calm down, sweetie, it is just a small surgery. My stomach had been acting up for a few days so when I checked in with a doctor today, I was told to opt for a microsurgery to get my bowel movements under check. But still, I might have to stay in hospital at least for a few days, so I had to let you know first if you fail to reach my number, Kyle..."
"What? Y-You were having discomfort with your stomach...but why didn’t you tell me anything before I came here!?" As expected, knowing about the slightest inconvenience of his mother was enough to get him antsy. Swirling his orbs, he impatiently grunted, "Wait, I will come back home today. I can’t let you get over the surgery all alone...I will head to the station right now."
"Kyle, stop getting so overly cautious. It’s not that I am dying or anything...it is just a small surgery—"
"Mom, don’t talk about it like that! And how can I stay calm after hearing—"
"Kyle, I know I have been your first priority until now, but now you have enrolled in the Academy to shape your future. So, you have to focus there sincerely, instead of worrying too much for me."
Interrupting his fretful words, Marita’s voice sounded gentle but a bit commanding just as a mother should act firm while advising her child.
Despite bearing all her concerns alone, Marita exhaled a long sigh while trying to console him when Kylian fell silent, "I am not completely alone here, Kyle. Our neighborhood granny Elma will close her food stall and accompany me to the hospital for a few days. If there is any emergency, she will make sure to contact you. So, please rest easy, okay?"
While hearing her gentle consoling mumble, Kylian’s mind was getting riled with anxious thoughts as he couldn’t ease his mind. For a second, he even started regretting his decision to stay in the Academy when Dr. Albert had urged him to quit and go back home. If he had opted for that, perhaps he would have been able to accompany his mother to the hospital, during her surgery.