Chapter 43 Come Back to Me, Mom
Chapter 43 Come Back to Me, Mom
**Mia’s POV**
+25 BONUS
The elevator doors opened to reveal a corridor that looked nothing like the sterile hospital hallways below. Rich mahogany paneling lined the walls, and original artwork hung in carefully curatedings. My heels sank into plush carpeting as I made my way to Nate’s office, my portfolio clutched like a shield against my chest.
I paused before the heavy double doors, taking a steadying breath. Through the frosted glass, I could see movement figure pacing, gesturing as he spoke on the phone.
a tall
Before I could knock, the door swung open. Nate stood there, phone still pressed to his ear, but his face lit up when he saw me. He gestured me in, mouthing “Just a moment” as he wrapped up his call.
“No, tell them Thursday won’t work,” he said, his voice carrying at easy authority I was beginning to recognize. “The equipment needs to be calibrated by someone who actually knows what they’re doing, not just the lowest bidder.” He paused, listening. “Exactly. Have Dr. Chen handle it personally. Thanks.”
He ended the call and turned to me with a war.
smile. “Mia, right on time. Come in, please.”
The office took my breath away. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, but it was the space itself that commanded attention. Contemporary sculptures dotted the room, their clean lines contrasting beautifully with the organic shapes of what looked like handcrafted furniture. A massive abstract canvas dominated one wall, its swirling blues and greens creating a sense of movement.
“This is…” I trailed off, taking it all in.
“A bit different from your typical doctor’s office?” Nate’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “I believe our surroundings affect our state of mind. Why should healing spaces feel clinical?”
He gestured to a seating area where sleek leather chairs surrounded a coffee table that looked like it might be a Noguchi original. “Please, make yourself comfortable. Coffee?”
“Yes, thank you.” I settled into one of the chairs, setting my portfolio on the table. “I have to ask – how did you transform this space so quickly? You’ve only been here a few weeks.”
Nate moved to an elaborate espresso machine that would have looked more at home in a high–end café than a doctor’s office.” Let’s just say I travel with my essentials.” The machine purred to life under his expert handling. “Medicine might be my calling, but art feeds my soul.”
He brought over two perfectly crafted cappuccinos, the foam decorated with intricate designs. “I hope you don’t mind – I took the liberty of reviewing your preliminary sketches last night. They’re extraordinary.”
“Thank you,” I said, surprised by how steady my voice sounded. “But I’d like to walk you through the full proposal, if you have
time.”
“All the time in the world.”
I opened my portfolio, spreading out the detailed renderings. “The site’s natural features really guided the design. Those old trees aren’t just beautiful – they’re natural anchors for creating protected spaces.”
Nate leaned forward, studying the drawings with genuine interest. “Tell me about these curved pathways.”
“They serve multiple purposes,” I explained, warming to my subject. “Practically, they provide accessible routes throughout the grounds. Psychologically, they create a sense of discovery rather than confinement. Each turn reveals a new view, a new possibility.”
“Like healing itself,” Nate murmured. “Never a straight line, is it?
Our eyes met briefly over the drawings. Something in his expression made me look away first.
“The central courtyard,” I continued quickly, “features a multi–level water feature. The sound helps mask hospital noise while
1/3
Chapter 43 Come Back to Me, Mom
→ +26 BONUS
creating a peaceful atmosphere. These alcoves here,” I pointed to several secluded areas, “provide private spaces for therapy sessions or just quiet reflection.”
And these terraced gardens?”
“They’ll be planted with specific therapeutic purposes in mind. Sensory gardens for younger children, meditation spaces for teenagers, areas for horticultural therapy.” I pulled out another sketch. “Each level connects visually to the next while maintaining privacy.”
Nate sat back, cradling his coffee cup. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“I try to,” I admitted. “These children deserve spaces that support their healing, not just contain it.”
“Have you considered building this into a personal brand?” he asked suddenly. “Your understanding of therapeutic spaces, combined with your artistic background – it’s unique.”
I felt heat rise in my cheeks. “I haven’t really thought about it. Until recently, I was just…”
Kyle’s secretary. His convenient wife. The words stuck in my throat
“Just finding your way back to your passion?” Nate suggested gently.
“Something like that.”
He gathered the drawings with careful hands. “Well, consider this project a new beginning. I’ll have contracts drawn up by tomorrow.” He paused, then added, “Speaking of tomorrow – your mother’s latest tests came back very promising. I’d like to schedule her first surgery for the morning.”
My heart jumped. “Really? Is she
–
are you sure she’s ready?”
“Her indicators are strong,” he assured me. “And with your permission, I’d like to try a slightly modified approach. There are some new techniques I’ve been developing…”
He explained the technical details, his hands moving expressively as he described surgical procedures in terms I could barely follow. But his confidence was contagious.
“I trust you,” I said when he finished. The words surprised us both.
“That means a lot.” He checked his watch. “Would you like to see her? I was heading to do rounds anyway.”
Mom’s room was quiet except for the steady beeping of monitors. Afternoon sunlight slanted through the windows, painting golden stripes across her still form.
“I’ll give you some privacy,” Nate said softly, closing the door behind him.
I moved to Mom’s bedside, taking her cool hand in mine. “Hi, Mom.” My voice cracked slightly. “I brought something to show you.”
I pulled out one of my sketches – a simple rendering of a healing garden. “Remember how you used to let me help in yo garden? How you said growing things was good for the soul?” I traced the lines of the drawing. “I’m trying to create spa that for children who need healing. I think… I think you’d be proud”
The monitors beeped steadily.
like
“Nate – Dr. Pierce – he’s going to operate tomorrow,” I squeezed her hand gently. “He seems to really know what he’s doing. Different from other doctors, but in a good way.” I paused, then added softly, “I need you to wake up, Mom. I need your advice. Everything’s changing so fast…”
I told her about Kyle’s acceptance of the divorce, about Catherine’s dinner invitation, about the children’s center project. The words poured out, all the things I couldn’t tell anyone else.
“I’m trying to be strong,” I whispered. “Like you taught me. But sometimes I wish…” I wiped away a stray tear. “I just miss you
so much.”
2/3
Chapter 43 Come Back to Me, Mom
+25 BONUS
A knock at the door made me straighten. Nate stood there, his expression gentle. “Sorry to interrupt, but we need to start prep work for tomorrow.”
I nodded, gathering my things. At the door, I turned back for one last look. Mom lay peaceful in the afternoon light, looking like she might open her eyes at any moment.
“Please,” I whispered, not sure if I was praying to God or the universe or just the quiet hospital room. “Please let her come back to me.”
The door closed softly behind me, leaving my prayer hanging in the golden air.
