Chapter Two

The waves pushed us towards the docks of the island. I quickly grabbed the rope and jumped toward the dock. As I landed, I pulled the rope and fastened it. My mum started to pack necessary gears. I grabbed the heaviest backpack and waited for mum.

"Mum give me that." I reached for the bag.

She yanked the bag from my hand. "Don't worry about that. You already got the heavy one."

I rolled my eyes. Stubborn woman.

"I'm surprised that you didn't walk off". She raised one of her eyebrow.

"You already know I'm worried about you." I mumbled.

"Awww my adorable and cutest son is worried about his old mother." I blushed. She cackled and grabbed me and started to make kissie faces.

"Mum! Stop that!" I tried to escape from her solid grip. She grinned and stated "Never!"

"Hey you!" we turned around and saw a young man around late twenties. He had a cleft chin and wearing oval glasses. His beanie hid his black hair and wore simple cloths.

"Hello and Good morning!" My mum chirped.

The man blushed after taking my mums appearance. He shook his head.

"Good morning to as well, Madam. I am the Mayer of Foosha village, Wood slap. You both seem to be new faces around here." He pulled out his hand.

Mum shaked his hand. "Madam? There's no need for that. My names Maya, Mr. Wood and this adorable young man is my son, Buggy. Say hi"

I blushed and frowned. A pointed look from mum got me pulling my hand for handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Oji-san." I said blandly.

A tick appeared on his forehead. "You Brat!" .A bump formed on my head where he had hit me. My mother was in a corner in her depressed state, her point finger making a circle in the soil.

"When did I get a rude kid from?" she wailed. The mayor was already by her side trying to cheer her up.

"Come on, mum. Let's go to the doctor already." My mum priority was number one.

"Is one of you injured?" the mayor questioned worriedly. The woman and the brat seemed nice. And they didn't show any threat towards the village. Although the woman and brat had hidden knife holsters on their thigh and chest. "Maybe for self-defense." He deducted.

I looked at Oji-san. "None of us are injured. But my mum, she's sick."

"Come on. I'll give you a tour of this village." Oji-san told us.

I locked my eyes with mum and she nodded. Alright tour it is. Oji-san directed us through the village. The town had a homey feeling. Windmills was spread across the village. It had empty road which lead to goa kingdom. Little buildings and a bar was connected to the road. Oji-san informed that Mt. Colubo was situated in the mountains near the village. Mostly mountain bandits lived there. He told us to avoid the place. We finally reached the doctors building.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Mayor. And forgive us for taking your important time as a mayor." She bowed. I scowled. She slapped my head and I followed her lead.

He scratched the back of his head. "It was nothing, Maya. I hope whatever this disease is goes away. But if you need help, I will gladly help you both."

"You're not bad Oji-san" I smirked.

"You cheeky brat!" A vein popped.

"Bye Oji-san" I waved at him as my mother dragged me towards the doctor's office.

"I take back my words." My mother said. "But mum, I am your cutest and adorable son." she groaned. I grinned mischiefly.

We sat at the waiting room. After a while a nurse came and told us the doctor was waiting. I stood up but mum told me to wait. She went away with a nurse towards a room. I couldn't sit there patiently, the mysterious condition of my mum was intensifying my curiosity. So I stood up and placed my ear against the door. Muffled voices were received.

"Miss Maya, from this tests. I conclude that an abnormal cells are growing in your medulla oblongata. These abnormal cells are known as tumors. Medulla oblongata is an important system which helps in your breathing, heartbeat and many important functions. Your symptoms of shortness of breath and abnormal heartbeat conclude that there is cancer invading your brain." The doctor's voice reached my ears.

I stared at the door in shock. Mum didn't say anything. I knew mum was getting sick and I didn't comprehend that it was this serious. My mum who raised me and cared for me was going to be snatched from me. This woman who protected me from bullies and who held me in her arms whenever storms hit our boat. This strong and kind soul was going to die.

Suddenly a laugh echoed through the room. I recognized the laugh. It was mum.

"Madam do you even comprehend this delicate situation?" the doctor spluttered. He told this woman that she had a disease that was incurable. And she started to laugh.

"That crazy old goose won the bet! I won't die an epic death." She chuckled but later frowned. "Buggy will be upset."

"Woman! You're going to die! Don't you realize that? Nobody can save-" the doctor got cut off by Maya as she grabbed his collar and she brought him closer.

"Doctor." A cold look appeared on her face. "Don't think that I don't understand you. I'm not an idiot. You know Death is inevitable. I'm just accepting it. I have lived to the fullest of my life." She let go him.

Doctor Riku had many patients in his life. He had tried to save many of his patients to his fullest potential. But alas even he can't save all his patient. Those patients had fear, horror and despair in their eyes and tried to avoid death. But this peculiar woman, Maya's showed nothing but acceptance and understanding of her situation. This woman was admirable. A hint of respect was shown in his eyes.

"Doc. Keep this between us." Her gaze had him nodding his head. "This village is the place where I will die. Promise me to bury me somewhere peaceful. Will ya?"

Buggy was listening to them. Silent sobs wrecked from his body. Tears and snot was spilling on his shirt. His mom was going to die. His mom was going to die. This sentence was repeating in his mind again and again. No, She isn't going to. His eyes reflected determination and defiance. He reared back his leg and slammed the door open.

"You're not going to die on my watch."