The airplane descend through a blanket of silver clouds, the ground appearing slowly beneath them like a strange world. Mary had only see in pictures. Steel buildings endless roads. A sky that looked colder than anything she had ever know. She closed her eyes briefly, letting the slow vibration of the ending aircraft steady her racing thoughs.
Next to her , her daughter shifted in her seat.
Not a child anymore
Not the fragile little girl she used to carry on her hip.
She was eighteen almost a woman_ yet pale, weak and tied from the long flight.
" Mom... are we here?" Her daughter whispered, her voice thin.
Mary brushed a hand over her forehead " yes, sweetheart. We just landed."
Her daughter tried to smile through the pain.
" Good. I'm tired of flying."
Mary's throat tightened. " I know... just little more, okay?"
The captain voice cracked through the speakers, but Mary barely heard the welcome message. All she could think about was what awaited for them_ surgery, hospital room, medical words she barely understood, and the terrifying uncertainty of whether her daughter would get better.
As the stepped out the plane , a cold gust of wind hit them, her daughter shivered immediately. Mary wrapped her scarf around Christine's shoulders. " we'll get inside soon. Stay close."
The airport was massive, filled with rushing foot steps and announcements in different languages, Mary held her daughter's arm tightly _ Not because christine was a child needing guidance, but because she was weak and moving slowly.
They passed through the arrival gates until reached a tall mam holding a sign with they names on it.
" Miss Mary?" He asked politely.
Mary nodded "yes"
" I'm David your drive . Mrs Carter arranged everything for you stay" he offered a gentle smile at her daughter " and this must be christine welcome."
Her daughter forced a small nod "hi"
David took their small suitcase and led them outside. The cold air a bit sharply at Mary's cheeks as they walked toward the car. She felt the weight of everything pressing on her _ new country, new responsibilities, no familiar voice , no old comfort.
Especially not Daniel
She swallowed hard. She couldn't let him into her thoughts now not when her daughter needed all her strength.
The city stretched endless. Clean sidewalks, tall glass towers that reflected the sky bases that tummed softly as the passed. Her daughter leaned back against the sear, her eyes half_ closed but trying observe the world outside.
" it's so.... different, " she murmured."
Mary looked at her" do you like it?"
" it's beautiful," her daughter said. " cold. But beautiful. "
Her voice wavered slightly, betraying, discomfort.
Mary reached for her hand.
" we're going to get you tread. Everything will be okay," Mary said firmly_ even though fear tightened her chest like a knot she couldn't loosen.
Her daughter gave her a tired smile " Mom, you keep saying that . But you're the one shaking. "
Mary quickly looked away from her daughter is knowing eyes." I'm fine. I just don't like flying.
David glanced at them through the mirror." The hospital is one of the best in the country. Your daughter will be in excellent hands."
Mary nodded without lifting her eyes. " thank you. "
The hospital rose before them like a white fortress _ shiny windows, wide steps, clean gardens filled with unknown flowers. A chill settled deeper into Mary's bones as she helped her daughter step out of the car.
They walked slowly inside.
The lobby was bright polished, almost luxurious, nurses spoke gently as they approached.
" welcome, Mary, and welcome to you christine, " one of the nurses said to her daughter with a warm smile.
" we have a room ready_ please follow me."
Mary kept close to her daughter's steps supporting her through the long hallway, her daughter's steps were uneven, her breathing shallow.
The nurse opened the room door.
It's was spacious, cleaner than any hospital room. Mary had never seen a wide bed, sulf lighting, a reclining chair for visitors, a large window overlooking the city.
Her daughter collapsed gently into the bed with a sigh.
" finally" she whispered " a bed."
Mary smiled softly." Better than the airplane seat?"
"" anything is better that those seat."
The shared a quiet moment of the laughter _ thin, but real, Mary held into like something precious.
Doctors soon arrived, introducing themselves one by one.
A neurologist
A surgeon
A specialist
A translator.
They checked her daughter with careful hands and calm voices, speaking in terms, Mary struggled to understand but tried desperately to follow.
" we will ru a few more test today," the surgeon explained. " tomorrow morning. We will finalize the surgical plan she is strong. That works in her favor."
Mary nodded, even her hands shook under the table.
Her daughter asked question with quiet bravery_ about risks, recovery, success rate. She was strong too.
Mary was grateful for that.
When the doctor's left, her daughter sighed.
" Mom," she said, looking at her seriously. " you don't have to stay strong all the time. I know your scared."
Tears burned behind Mary's eyes
"I'm scared because I love you," Mary whispered " I can't lose you."
Christine reached abd squeezed her hand
" you won't "
After her daughter fell asleep from exhaustion, Mary stepped outside the room to breath. The hospital camera was quiet filled with the smell of warm food and coffee.
She brought a cup of tea and sat by the window where the city lights shone in the night like small stars.
Her chest ached_ Not just from heat, but from memory.
Daniel's voice floated into her mind.
" Mary talk to me."
" why are you pulling away?"
" you mean something to me."
She pressed a hand against her heart.
She missed him
Missed the comfort of his presence
Missed they way he made her feel seen.
But she has no choice
Mrs Carter had made sure that.
A mother's love demanded sacrifice
And Mary had to sacrifice everything
When she went back , christine was awake and staring at the ceiling.
" Mom is everything okay?" She asked softly.
Mary smiled and sat beside her. " yes, I just needed some air."
Her daughter shifted, wincing slightly at the pain " you know.... I'm glad you're here. I know you're scared, but .... I m glad I'm not alone."
Mary brushed her hair gently." I'll never leave you alone."
Christine closed her eyes with trust that broke Mary's heart and healed it at the same time.
" we will get through this," Mary whispered leaning her head against her daughter's shoulder.
Outside, the cold foreign night continued quietly. Inside, a mother held her daughter and prayed to the morning would would bring hope.
A new country
A new fight
A new beginning
But the stars from the past _ and the man she left behind _ would not stay buried forever.