Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 559

"Alright, you get some rest tonight too, and we'll head to the hospital tomorrow to speak with the doctor," I said softly, wrapping my arm around my mom's and leaning on her shoulder for comfort.

Mom nodded, managing a faint smile. Together, we slowly made our way upstairs. After ensuring she was settled in her room, I headed to mine, where Serena and Brandon were sleeping soundly in their cribs, looking so innocently beautiful.

Gazing at their peaceful faces, it hit me hard—they were already without a father, and their grandparents were strangers to them due to circumstances beyond our control. Being blessed with loving grandparents was something not to take for granted, and the thought of losing my parents too was unbearable.

"I promise, we'll get through this, won't we?" I whispered, kissing Serena and Brandon lightly on their cheeks.

Brandon's lips curled into a smile as if he was having a delightful dream, bringing a sense of calm and strength to my heart.

After a shower, I tried to force myself to sleep, but worry kept me awake. I managed only a few hours before dawn broke.

"Serena, Brandon, you're up early too?" I chuckled, watching a pair of chubby little hands reach out from the crib, followed by tiny feet kicking playfully.

I looked over, and the moment Serena and Brandon saw me, their eyes went wide, a mix of recognition and curiosity lighting up their faces, but they seemed happy.

The nanny came in, greeting me before lifting Serena from her crib. I picked up Brandon, and together we headed downstairs.

After a diaper change and their morning milk, the nanny took them out to the backyard for some fresh air. Despite the chill, they were bundled up well, so there was no need to worry.

My parents came downstairs, and perhaps it was psychological, but knowing my dad had lung cancer made him appear to have a shadow over him, an unsettling feeling.

"It's been a while since we were together, but it's hard to believe how much one can change in such a short time."

"Rena, when did you get back?" Dad seemed surprised, not realizing I had arrived the night before.

"Just last night, but you were asleep, so I didn't wake you," I replied, then went to link my arm with his. The strong man who used to lift me effortlessly was now visibly aged, his strength diminished.

Despite the inevitable toll of aging, it pained me to see my parents like this.

I had to keep my emotions in check to avoid adding to my dad's stress. "You could have woken me; my sleep isn't that deep anymore," Dad said, patting my hand, attempting a comforting smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"I heard you weren't feeling well, so I wanted to come and check on you. Let's go to the hospital together later," I said, trying to keep the mood light. "You've always been so strong; there's nothing to worry about."

Back home, Mom asked about the visit. I was about to express my frustration about Dad's refusal to stay when I caught sight of him, a defeated figure on the sofa, lost in thought.

"It's okay, the doctor was optimistic. Surgery should do the trick," I lied, offering a smile to ease Mom's worry.

Dad glanced at me, sighed, and headed upstairs, leaving me with a heavy heart.

"He still doesn't want to stay in the hospital?" Mom knew, recalling previous attempts to convince him.

"Why is he resisting so much?" I wondered aloud.

"Maybe he's scared. Remember Harry? The chubby guy who used to come over when we were kids?" Mom tried to find an analogy to help me understand.

I have a vague memory of him, but since I started middle school, I haven't seen him at all.

Mom let out a deep sigh. "Harry passed away from lung cancer," she explained. "It was at an intermediate stage. Medical technology wasn't nearly as advanced back then as it is now. Your dad was right there in the hospital with him when he passed."