Mary Margaret Park | Shadow Cure (#1) | a Martial Arts (Psychological) Drama

a Mary Margaret Park original

She needed a new heart – As the night progressed, Xiu’s coughing grew louder. The harsh rattling sounded like an old radiator. In the next room, Lao felt lost and afraid in the persistent reminder of his sister’s failing health. He tossed and turned, burrowing further underneath the covers, trying to block out the sound of her struggle to breathe. He heard their father’s footsteps outside the door and felt relieved -- Once their father was with Xiu, she’d be alright.

Lei went into Xiu’s room and gazed at his daughter. The ashen color of her lips alarmed him. Lei rushed to his daughter and pulled her up into a sitting position, thumping her back to help loosen her congested lungs. Xiu’s chest hitched, and when her breathing settled down into a more normal rhythm, he lowered her carefully back on the bed, making sure she was propped up with enough pillows. His daughter’s suffering caused him much pain and anguish. The muscles in his jaw tightened at the thought of the insurance company’s refusal to help finance a new heart. Coming up with that kind of money was an impossible feat for this modest family of four, even for his precious girl. His head ached from the burden. After seeing to his daughter, Lei decided to head toward Lao’s room. He knocked twice before entering.“Lao, are you sleeping?”

Lao burrowed deeper into his covers then looked at his father, “No. I stay awake, making sure she takes another breath.”
“You need to rest; she’s peaceful now.”

Relief washed over Lei’s weary eyes.

“She’s lucky to have a big brother like you; now go to sleep.”

Lao sighed and resigned himself to his father’s wishes. Even as he tried to push thoughts of his sister from his mind, listening to her rattling coughs was like having a death march in the next room. Finally, her coughing fell silent, and soon, he was fast asleep.

Lao joined his mother at the breakfast table. His father had already left for work, and Xiu was drawing.in her room.
“Lao, did you hear back from Mr. Jameson about the filing work?”
“He didn’t hire me, Mom.”

He sat at the table and ate a bowl of cereal before school to keep his stomach quiet.

Terri’s eyes narrowed. She looked at her son in disbelief. “Why not? You’re perfect for the job.”
“Well, he heard from his son, Gary, about the trouble I had with Mr. Miller at school. Said he didn’t think I was suited. But Mom, I don’t think it has anything to do with skill. It’s more like he doesn’t trust the troubled Asian kid, at least that’s what I think.”
“Your reputation precedes you, I guess.” Terri exhaled deeply. “It doesn’t matter, you’ll find another job.”

Lao grabbed his book-bag, giving his mom a kiss on the cheek as he headed out the door.

As he hurried toward the bus-stop, he felt care-free. When he arrived, his friend Johnny-O was already there.“Hey Chino, what’s up?”
“Oh, you know, just left your Mom’s house.”
Johnny-O cracked a smile. “Oh yeah? She didn’t mention it.”
The two broke into laughter, and then Johnny grew serious for a moment.“How’s Xiu?”
“She had a bad night.”
“Well, but she’s okay though, right?” Johnny nodded. “At least for now?”
“Not really.” Lao shook his head. “But until she gets a new heart, I couldn’t say anyway.”
Johnny patted Lao on the back. “Hey man, I care about her too, so don’t feel bad that I asked.” He looked down at his shoes.“I just don’t get many chances to ask you about her.”
Lao bowed his head, a faint smile crossed his lips - The bus lumbered up, extending a red stop sign; the boys quickly hopped aboard.

Lao sat in his chemistry class and doodled on his notebook. Mr. Walters frowned in his direction. “Lao, is the equation on the board oxidation or reduction?”
“Misdirection…?”
The room filled with laughter - Mr. Walters laughed along, but his expression quickly grew serious. “Lao, oxidation or reduction?”
Lao paused thoughtfully, hoping to recall the answer from his jumbled thoughts.“Reduction?”
“Good job.”
Mr. Walters continued with the day’s lesson -- The bell cut sharply through the quiet room, “You’re not paying attention.” Mr. Walters called out to Lao as the boy made his way toward the door.“I know you know what we’re doing, but where are you?”
“I dunno’.” Lao sheepishly grinned.
“Well, I think you do.”
“Things are just tough right now.”

Lao shrugged his shoulders and glanced down at the floor.
“Hang in there.”

Mr. Walters recognized Lao’s hesitance to discuss his problems.“Things are bound to get better. Until then, know that I’m here if you ever need someone to talk to, okay?”
Lao nodded gratefully then headed off for his last class of the day.

^GO BACK

More coming, stay tuned!