meet again and provide an explanation

I sat in the waiting chair, unable to calm my restless thoughts, picturing my mother's pale face and increasingly frail body. Despite her good medication, her health continued to deteriorate. It seemed as though cancer couldn't be eradicated from her body; instead, it relentlessly gnawed at her, leaving me worried about her dwindling strength.

"Oh, no..." I closed my eyes, placing both palms on my face. "I should be optimistic that she'll always endure... she must. I can't live without her."

"Has her condition worsened recently?" Darren's question next to me diverted my attention. I glanced at him, noticing his changed demeanor, grateful for his assistance despite my unconcern.

"Sorry, I just want to know," he said again.

"It's okay," I whispered, then looked towards the emergency room door, imagining my mother. "She hasn't had a relapse since we parted. This is the first time... I hope it's not a bad sign."