CHAPTER FOUR :Tobias

It's been 6 whole years. I still remember the day I bumped into Tris. I thought maybe that she would walk off, but she actually stopped and talked to me. And so much has happened since then. It surprises me every time I think about it.

I walked to the hospital with a huge smile on my face and my chest puffed out. On the way I heard Mr. Smith calling my name," Tobias, Tobias!"

I turned around and ran towards him. "Hi, good morning Mr.Smith," I welcomed him.

"Oh hi kid, I just needed some help with these sacks to be loaded up in the truck."

"Yes, sure!" I loaded the remaining sacks onto the truck.

"Thank you my child, "said Mr.Smith.

"You are welcome, I am actually going to meet mom, and give her some breakfast," I said hurriedly.

"Oh yes, I hope she is doing good, goodbye…," the voice got cut off due to the truck's engine.

When I reached the hospital 's door. It was huge, made up of glass. I could see the doctor with a light gray coat coming towards me. He opened the door, smiled and asked me,"Tobias! Good morning, how are you? You are always on time to serve breakfast to your mom, huh?"

I proudly answered, "Yes sir, I mean how could I not. She was always there for me whenever I needed her. She wasn't just my mom but my mentor, teacher, and a friend when I was homeschooled. Unfortunately, God didn't like her and that's why she is suffering from cancer. I blame him for this and for everything he has done!"

Doctor interrupted and corrected me, " No, Tobias! Everything happens for a reason. Today, as far as I know Tris is your best friend, right? He was the one who made that happen, now would you blame him? He is taking care of your mom when you and I are not here, will you still blame him? He is the creator and will always do good. I am not sure if you are understanding what I am saying. Anyways, your mom might be waiting for you and I have to see another patient. We can catch up later. Just don't worry a lot, okay?"

I replied with a yes, because he was right on the subject of Tris. I waved goodbye and entered the hospital door. I took the elevator and reached the 6th floor, first room on the right. My mom was already awake and when I opened the door, she peaked out and said, "Hey! Come in."

I stepped inside, took the wooden food - tray and handed it to her. She balanced it on her laps with the tiffin opened on it. I took the first bite and offered it to her. I remembered what that doctor told me about being grateful to Him! In amazement she asked, " Umm...you seem different today" eating the bite. " What happened?"

I stared in her eyes and said," Nothing, just….nothing."

Doubtfully she asked, "Okay, if there's anything you want to share, you know I am there. Just feel free to ask or tell me anything. So, how are you? How's Tris?"

"I am good, mom. Thank you but it's nothing. I just casually talked to the doctor. And then...um….yes that's it. Oh yes! It's Tris's birthday today! I am meeting her after this. I hope she too is excited for tomorrow. However, I am a bit scared of the aptitude test. I mean what is there in it?"

"Oh god, don't worry. It's going to be easy. At least easier compared to slapping lipstick on a gorilla," she replied with a giggle.

I replied,"Okay mom, I don't know but something feels wrong, I can't explain it in words but I can feel it."

She leaned near my right ear and said, " It's normal, that's how I felt when I was your age. Just listen to your heart. No matter what people will say or think about you, you just do what seems right to you . Believe in yourself and no matter what you choose tomorrow, I am with you in your decision."

My eyes got watery and I replied wiping them away, " I love you mom. I will always choose what makes us stay together."

She smiled again, didn't say much but after 15 seconds, she said, "I love you more son. I will always be there in your heart."

I didn't understand why she said it and neither did I ask her later.