KELLEN WOODS - THE ROAD TO GOODBYE

Kellen Woods is from a small town called Henderson in New York. Loves to plays guitar, writes short stories, songs, among other things. He also served four years as a United States Marine. 
Follow Kellen Woods on Twitter @WoddsKellen.

The Road to Goodbye
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​         Janice was walking down street already miles from home trying to get to the hospital to see her dying mother one last time and hopefully be able to say goodbye one last time before she passes on. Her legs were aching with pain and she could feel her feet starting to get blisters as she continued to walk towards town still miles away. She knew if she couldn't catch a ride she wouldn't make it on time and her mother would be long dead by the time she got there. Just when she felt as if her legs were about to give out a Chevy Silverado slowed and stopped next to her. She looked at the driver with a pleading look as she asked "Can you please give me a ride to Crouse Hospital in Syracuse?"
         The Driver opened the door for her and said "Sure, get in."
         Without a second thought she got in the passenger seat, closed the door and buckled her seat belt.
         The driver started driving forward towards town. "My name is Charles, what's your name?"
         "It's Janice"
         "So Janice why are we headed to the hospital?" he asked as he turned on his head lights to see as day was begging to fade into night.
         "I need to get to the hospital to say goodbye to my mother one last time," she said as tears started to fall from her eyes.
         Charles reached over in the glove box and pulled out a box of tissues, "I'm sorry to hear that," he said handing the box to her.
         "Thank you," she said as she wiped her eyes with the soft tissues "She got a brain tumor a few years back and the doctors have been doing everything they can for her but now they saying there is nothing more they can do and advised that I should come to say my goodbyes."
         "And your father where is he?"
         "He died two years ago in the war over in Afghanistan serving his country, I miss him and now I'm losing my mom too, I'm only fourteen this shouldn't be happening," Janice said as she grabbed another tissue from the box.
         "Wow, that," he paused " that must really suck," he said. He stopped for a red light and looked over and asked "Do you have anywhere to go?"
         "My brother is 19 and has his own place with a spare room so he said I could stay with him, I told him I would meet him at the hospital tomorrow because his flight from Florida got delayed so he can't make it tonight."
         "Well don't worry, I make sure you get there," Charles said as he stepped on the gas a little to get the truck moving now that the light has turned green.
         "Thank you, I just hope we make it on time so I can see her alive one last time before I say goodbye."
         "Well it looks like there might be a little delay," Charles said as he pulled the car to a stop again."I hate cities, the traffic is always terrible, we are barely moving at all. Siri how much further is Crouse Hospital?"
         "Ten miles straight from your current location and on your left," his phone replied.
         "Pfffff, well great at least it's not to much further now, by the rate of traffic we might be there in a hour, hopefully," Charles said
         "What if I'm too late, what if takes longer, what if?"
         "Janice even if it is too late your mother would understand, we will get there I promise," Charles told her. "I know this isn't easy, but soon your mother will be reunited with your father and the'll be in a better place, and one day you will see them again."
         "How do you know are your parents dead?"
         "Yes, they died a few years back in a car accident, The hope of seeing them again is what keeps me going, knowing that they are watching me and are proud of the man that I have become. The best thing you can do know is life your life as they would have wanted you to and make them proud, even though they may no longer be with you physically, they will always be watching you from the beyond and there you will see them again when it is your time."
         "Thanks that actually makes me feel better, I'm sorry I lashed out at you like that," Janice said grabbing more tissues to wipe the tears from her soaked face.
         "It's alright on the bright side we only have 7 more miles to go and traffic seems to be letting up, we should be there soon."
         "Could you possibly come in with me and stay with me until my brother shows up, I don't want to be alone."
         "Sure, I'll stay as long as you want me to."
***
         Twenty minutes later they arrived at the hospital and Janice walked up to the reception desk and asked what room her mother was in. After receiving the information she sprinted as fast as she could to see her mother. Upon entering the room with Charles close behind he she asked  him"Could you wait out here please?"
         "Of course." he said as he took a seat on the bench outside her mother's room.
         Janice closed the door and looked her mom, the heart monitor still beeping. She took her mom's hand and said "I'm here mom."
         Her mother looked at here with a smile on her face. "I knew you would be." The monitor went flat as she passed still smiling at her daughter.
         "I love you, and I'll be alright, you don't have to worry about me anymore, I'll see you and dad again someday." Janice said as more tears fell from her face. She then went outside as the nurse came in to clear the room.
         "You'll be okay Janice." Charles said wiping her tears.
         " I know, Thank you."