The night was chilly cold. As if the angel of death would ascend from the sky. The night sent chilly feel to human skin animals play hide and seek to escape its torturing presence. Thunder claps strikes through the air, making it feel like the other work fired at the Earth, a thunderbolt, but the sky protected it from touching the earth. I looked through my window hoping the rain would stop soon or probably, and help would come. Turning back to my sick, asthmatic mother. I watched how she struggled to live. All thanks to the inhaler I had pumped down her singing throat.
It sounded like the fading sound of a whistle. I just had to watch as sleep took over her heavy eyes. About to stand again, I felt a tightening in my guts. My head felt heavy, my eyes went shut and then blurry. As if everything reeled before me, I placed my hand to my head, trying to stand, at least.
I stood and the feel of bitterness twisted my tongue, like the taste of camphor; the sour spit that hunger released into my dry mouth drizzled around in an uncontrolled manner.
"Mum-" I called, but she had fallen asleep.
I'd spent three hours stilling by her bed, watching her sleep. And now I had to wake her because I was in so much pain.
"Mother!" I tapped her hand lightly.
Her red, swollen eye opened to mine as she turned her head to the other side. As if she wanted to say, don't disturb me. But instead of words, a spiteful hiss escaped her lips. I know she didn't hate me. My mother was the best in the world. She'd always told me that... I was a princess in my little world. And I believed her. That wasn't until I got pregnant with Mateo. My highschool boyfriend. Life could change in a split of seconds. You wouldn't know what happen until it hit you hard to your face and vanishes like a dream.
"Mother!" I called aloud this time.
"What's it Alexa? Aren't you asleep?" She asked me in her most lazy, yet motherly, voice.
"I think it's time. The baby is coming."
"What?!" She rushed to me, still in pain. Hand me the touch, let me find my purse.
"No, mother. You can't go out in this condition. Your breathing might just get worse. It's icy cold outside." I begged, but she paid deaf ears.
"Come on, lean on me, I'll help you out." She persuaded, finally finding her way up, to stand. Leaning my tired body against hers, I could still heart the noisy breath she had. My mother walked even though she wasn't very stagnant. I grabbed my purse too as we walked outside. Side by side.
"Ugh! It's hurting!" I cried.
"Take one step at a time, my dear. You'll be alright." She persuaded once more.
My stomach churned, and it felt as if they strangled my intestines, as though a snake had twirled around them and slit them with its sharp and jagged teeth, releasing a potent poison that irritated the surface of my innards. But despite it all, we made our way to the gate until mum held her head again.
"Please mum. Go inside... Don't worry about me. I'll find help outside." I begged.
The drizzling rain poured heavier. I could feel my mum shivering like a convulsing child.
"L...let's go...Allie." She held her chest and suddenly collapsed.
Lost on what to do. I helped her back inside. If felt as if I’m already having contractions and before the next, I'd want to reach the road to get a taxi, maybe.
My EDD should be next week but now, this. Walking out of the compound, my eyes blurred for what seemed eternity leading me to the subconscious of my mind. Staggering and dripping wet, I pulled myself to the pole stand. Looking down the street, everything was dark and silent. Like scenes of a horror movie. I made my way northwards, towards where the busiest area along the streets.
***
20 Minutes Later.
I saw a taxi and tried to stop it but it zoomed away, with water splashed on my body.
Looking down the road, I noticed all the shops were closed. I didn't need anyone walking along the street as usual, except black stay cats and mice squeaky sounds from the dustbins.
"Ugh!" I gritted my teeth to the pain engulfing my body.