The Cure

The night sky was looming over the entire household as I began to walk towards my father's office slowly. The darkness of the night reflected my family's current state. These were truly tough times.

Today was a very important day, my hands couldn't even stop shaking because of how nervous I am.

I walked through the hallway until I reached the door. I then opened the door slowly

*Creak..*

The door made a creaking noise as I slowly entered. The lighting illuminated the room's exterior as it displayed how well furnished the room was.

What greeted me was my father's usual cold face but this time, it had a trace of sadness. It's been just a month since I asked my father to retrieve the list of herbs. Today's the day I can finally cure my mother.

Sadly, my mother was not getting any better. This made everyone have a downcast mood. I mean who wouldn't grief at the fact that their loved one would pass away soon?

At this point, my mother was truly trying her best to spend the rest of her life with us. Throughout the month, I had never seen her more happier than ever. But hidden behind that happiness is regret. Regret that in the future she may never see her children grow up.

Regret that she'll never grow old with my father. Most importantly, regrets towards her unfulfilled promises in life. Right now, she's at the stage of acceptance. She's truly valuing every single moment that we share together as a family. What my mother needed was our support in these tough times.

Seeing my mother suffer like that; this made me truly realize how fragile human life really is. I clenched my fists even harder as I couldn't bear to see her like this any longer.

What kind of child wants their mother to suffer?

I snapped out of my thoughts as I had to ask my father for what I requested.

Surprisingly, my father opened his mouth and said,

"The herbs have arrived"

He pointed at a huge container, inside of that container were the herbs. Some were even packaged luxuriously indicating that they were of the highest quality possible.

I asked my father with a wry smile,

"Um, how am I supposed to bring that back to the basement"

My father also realized this as he realized this was a troublesome matter. Truth be told, he had no idea

....

30 minutes later inside the basement.

Me and my father were finally able to move all that stuff into the basement. Why I chose to be inside the basement was because it was basically functioned as a second kitchen.

My past father taught me two ways to make the cure: the first way was to create a pill while the second was to make a herbal drink. It sounded so simple but the way to make it required delicate actions because a single mistake can ruin the entire recipe.

Not only that, the herbs that were required are extremely rare and are always of the highest quality. I did not plan on making the pills because I didn't have the necessary equipment and second; I find the second method much more convenient.

*Huff* *Huff*

I took several deep breaths in order to calm myself and for me to get ready. I had one goal in my head right now; everything else was completely irrelevant at this moment of time.

'To make my mother's cure'

I grabbed the herbs and placed them on the chopping board. I made sure to only chop out the valuable parts while still leaving some for future use. After preparing the herbs, I began to grab a huge pot and filled it water, seconds later it reached the adequate amount it needed.

Seconds later, I put the first herb in and stirred it until it changed the water's color into a green hue. After that, I did the same process with another herb and another. If one herb were to get burned or undercooked, the whole drink would be ruined completely. I was so focused at the task in hand to the point I was sweating bullets. I had to keep in mind the cooking time for each herbs because I could not afford to make any mistakes.

I stirred and stirred until the drink was finally complete. After the drink was completed, I poured it into a mug and grabbed a plate as I placed the mug over the plate and grabbed the plate in my hands for easier holding. I left the basement carefully as I headed towards my mother's room.

...

After what felt like an eternity, I finally reached my mother's room as I knocked on the door and opened it carefully.

Upon entering, I was greeted by my mother who had heavy eye bags under her eyes. She looked like she hasn't got a wink of sleep lately. When she saw me enter, she gave me a gentle smile and said with a slightly weakened voice,

"Aki-chan, what are you doing this late at night"

My heart ached seeing her disheveled appearance.

I then said in a trembling voice,

"M-mother, I c-came t-to give you s-something"

I then walked towards her as I gently placed the plate and mug on top of her table.

I cleared my throat and then said

"Could you drink this for me, mother?"

My mother gave me another gentle smile as she nodded and grabbed the mug as she started drinking it.

*Gulp* *Gulp*

After a few seconds, the mug was emptied as my mother finished the entire drink. She gave me a reassuring smile as she placed my head into her lap and gave me head pats. I knew just how bad that drink tasted myself. The most effective herbal drinks were the ones that tasted the worst based in my experience. This made me appreciate my mother even more as there were no signs of her getting disgusted at all.

"My Aki-chan is so kind to his mother"

She looked at me with an expression that showed tenderness and affection.

I underestimated my tiredness as I drifted away to sleep.

Well, at least I got to cure my mother...