WHEN TIME RAN OUT

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As I worked on my task, my phone rang, interrupting my focus. "Hello?" I answered.

"Hey, sis. Can I call you back? I'm in the middle of something," my sister said.

"Okay, no problem. I'll talk to you later," I replied before hanging up.

A few minutes later, I called my sister back. "Hey, sis. Sorry about earlier. I was in the middle of something, but I'm done now."

"No worries, sis. I understand," she said.

"I just sent you some money. Can you please fix the refrigerator today?" I requested.

"Okay, sis. I'll take care of it. I'll be home soon," she replied before we ended the call.

When I arrived home, I received a video from my mom showing her in the hospital. I immediately called her.

"Mom, what happened? Why are you in the hospital?" I asked, concern etched in my voice.

"I woke up this morning and felt a sharp pain in my waist. It spread to my leg, and that's how I ended up here. The doctors have run some tests, and your father and I are waiting for the results," she explained.

"I'm so sorry, Mom. I'll pray for you," I said before ending the call to let her rest.

My mom lived in a different state with my two younger siblings. After her hospitalization, my siblings and I decided to bring her to our location so we could take care of her.

I was excited to have my mom come home, but I was also worried about her health. I prayed for her recovery, believing in God's healing power.

My sister Bella called me to inform me that she my mum would be arriving home that day. "Nma, please go to the market and buy some plantains, vegetables, and fish to make Mom's dinner. She'll be arriving this evening."

"Okay, sis. I'll go to the market now," I replied before ending the call.

At around 7 pm on November 21st, I was cooking dinner when my neighbor from upstairs came down to inform me that my sister had called. "She told me to tell you to stop cooking. Your mom stopped at a nearby hospital because she's very weak."

At that point, I felt restless, as if something had left my body. Growing up, my mother was always there for me. My mum is literally the strongest woman I know.

At around 9 pm, I was still awake, patiently waiting for Mum and my sister. Then, my sister walked in and broke the sad news to me. It felt like my whole world had ended. I couldn't get the chance to say goodbye.

All the plans I had for Mum, I couldn't fulfill them. Death took her away from me. Since that day, I have learned to cherish every little moment and create good memories with loved ones.