Andrew was lost in thought as he headed down to Bay Street. He just had a long day but he had no idea his day was about to become longer.

He paused and thought about his life. Adulting is hard but what’s harder is shouldering a mountain while trying not to fall apart. Who even created the concept of work? It had little to no regards for human feelings or sufferings. Earlier that day, he had to deal with a health crisis that almost took his mom’s life. Somehow,  he managed to drag himself to work but now, he needed money to save his mom’s life.

He had called everyone who, on the surface, seemed to be thriving. Everyone looked buoyant and flamboyant yet, they had no means to help. This job was his last hope to get money but he couldn’t even concentrate.  His feelings felt double edged because he needed to work to get money but how would he get money if he couldn’t concentrate at work?

He eventually reached the subway station and got on the train. He looked around and wondered if people around him had issues similar to his. His emotions overwhelmed him.

“I have failed mama” he thought. He remembered growing up. His dad had passed away early, when he was just a child. Mama had struggled alone after she fled the war and sacrificed life as she knew to preserve their future. Now, he couldn’t save her. Mama was dying, and he’s watching helplessly.

Suddenly, the train jerked to a stop. What was happening? He needed to get to mama. The train started to move and he noticed someone run into the train as if he were being chased.

He wondered if the stranger brought chaos with him. Then the lights began to flicker. He heard the faded announcement.

Then his phone rang.

“Hello? Is this Andrew?”

“Yes. Who’s this?”

“It’s Dr. Edwin. It’s about your mom. I need to update you but before I do,  she wants to speak to you. “

He waited and heard his mom.

“Mama?”

” Where are you, Andrew?”

” Hold on mama, I’ll soon be there.”

“There’s something I need to tell you…”

“Mama? Mama?”

The train stopped…

Hurry up, he heard his mom say before the connection went off.

There was something about the man who just entered because the train had stopped and the door was sliding open. Something was coming. But all Andrew could hear was his mama’s voice. Hopefully, “hurry up” wouldn’t be the last words he ever heard from her…