CHAPTER EIGHT: SO CLOSE

ANNIKA'S POV

“Hey, Mom.” My tears fell when I saw her sitting on her bed, looking healthier than the last time I saw her.

I immediately closed our distance, and gave her a tight hug. “I missed you,” I whispered.

She gently stroked my back, I can feel her smiling as she hug me back. “I missed you too, honey. I'm sorry if I made you worried.”

“No, Mom. I'm sorry for not seeing through your pain. And I'm glad that you're awake now,” I murmured against her ear.

We continued hugging each other for a moment until Jade interrupted. And that's when I remembered that Caspian was outside the room.

“Thank you for taking care of Mom while I was away. You're such a big help,” I told her.

Jade grinned at me. “You know how much I love you. I always got your back, Annika.”

Indeed, I was so lucky to have her. I couldn't imagine what might have happened if I was alone as I go through it all. I would have crumbled down, or maybe I'd lose my sanity.

“Mom, I want you to meet someone. He's the one helping u