Chapter 3 Emma's Ailing Mother

When Emma returned from work, she was greeted by a mess strewn across the floor. Walking over to her mother, she noticed how her mother's eyes had become clouded, bloodshot, and fragile. Emma realized that if she was away for too long, her mother might just slip away.

In the past, Emma hadn't enjoyed staying home, but now, she wished to be by her mother's side every minute. Never before had she felt such a deep love for her mother.

"Mom, how are you feeling?" she said, lowering her head, her forehead resting against her mother's cheek. "It's me, Emma."

"I'm sorry, Emmie, I've made a mess of everything," the fragile woman said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry for treating you like that. I should have loved you like all mothers do, making you the happiest child in the world, but unfortunately, I failed."

Emma froze. These were the words she had longed to hear, but not at a time like this. Her mother was on the brink of breaking, and she refused to hear a confession. It meant she would soon lose her.

"It's okay, Mom," she whispered. "I understand. You don't need to apologize. You're still so young; no one is born knowing how to be a mother. I forgive you, as long as you get better."

"I love you, Emmie," her mother's voice barely audible, Emma had to lean in close to hear. She suddenly resented her own lack of acute hearing. If she were an alpha, even if her mother could only manage a faint breath, she would hear every word clearly.

"I love you too, Mom," she said. Saying "I love you" wasn't difficult at that moment because the real challenge was her mother's refusal to take any medication, which would only intensify her pain. "Shall we take the medicine first, okay?"

Her mother's brows furrowed, her hands desperately pushing away the pill bottles, scattering the expensive medication across the floor. Emma once again felt a profound sense of helplessness.

"Why, Mom?" she tried to keep calm. "These medications can help you live."

The woman began to sob softly. It broke Emma's heart. She placed her hand on her mother's head, gently caressing it. "Tell me, Mom, why do you hate taking the medicine so much?"

"They make me numb, Emmie," her voice barely forming complete syllables, just fragmented sounds. "I can't feel most of my body anymore. These medicines, they devour my senses. I no longer feel like myself, and I don't want that..."

Emma had never been ill herself, she didn't know her mother was in such agony. She had to make a difficult choice; between keeping her mother alive and making her a little more comfortable, she could only make her as comfortable as possible.

"Okay, Mom," Emma kissed her mother's forehead again. "Let's not take them. As long as you're not in so much pain, we won't take them."

Even though she truly wished her mother would live and the medication was expensive, costing her nearly three months' salary, their household finances were already strained. But this was her mother's wish, and she was willing to comply.

Her mother gazed at her with difficulty. "When do you plan to go back to school?"

"I've told you, Mom, I'll go back to school when you get better."

"Don't say such impractical things," her mother's words were fleeting, like a passing breeze. "We both know that's not possible. Go to your father, he'll take care of you. Stop working. Go to school, Emmie."

Father, another elusive concept, just like her mother's current voice. Emma stood up. "I don't need a father. I've never seen him since I was born. If you want me to live according to your wishes, then try hard to stay alive."

She left the room, still holding the pills in her hand, her palm unconsciously clenched, sweat soaking the pills.

That absent father, she had heard a little about him; she heard that he had bonded with another pack's Luna a few years ago. Even though he wouldn't be an alpha, his treatment would probably be decent. A hint of a sneer crossed her face. This father was quite adept at finding an exit for himself.

Regardless, she thought, I don't need a father. Even if I want to go back to school, I don't need his help. She tossed the pills into the trash without a second thought.

Returning to her mother's resting room, she said, "I have to leave now, Mom. I'll be back soon. Wait for me, at least have dinner with me tonight, okay?"

Her mother looked at her for a long time before finally responding, "Alright, Emmie. But you'd better be quick. I feel like I'm about to fall asleep again."

They both understood what falling asleep meant.

Emma tucked her mother in gently. "Call me if you need anything."

The phone was by the pillow, within easy reach. Emma felt a pang of regret. "I don't have a wolf, maybe I never will. It's a shame. If I had one, I wouldn't need this cumbersome device; I could just find you with my mind."

Her mother closed her eyes softly. "Don't worry, Emmie. You're only sixteen. The wolf will find you, just like your destined mate. Don't rush it; you have to wait."

Emma remained silent. She knew her mother's destined mate was her father. But where was that man now? She didn't need a destined mate; it was as elusive as love. But arguing about this now was pointless. Right now, the most important thing for her was to come back early in the evening and have a rare dinner with her mother.

"I understand, Mom."

Her mother finally closed her eyes, and once Emma was sure her mother was sleeping peacefully, she quietly closed the door and left the house.

She checked her phone, reviewing the recent bills and her work schedules for her various part-time jobs. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Her mother's medical expenses were a major part of her bills, and the medications were expensive. The pack's doctor had suggested some alternative ways for her to enjoy benefits, but it was a drop in the ocean.

Emma reluctantly took on multiple jobs just to barely manage to pay these steep bills. But now, her mental state was dreadful. The pressure of work left her breathless, and her mother's illness was a heavy burden. On top of that, the enigmatic father—she felt like the world was falling apart.

She had no time to think about a mate. What was that anyway? A mate wouldn't make her bills disappear; she didn't need a mate.