"Matching complete. Donor stem cell collection can proceed," I overheard the nurses saying. Rage surged through me as tears filled my eyes.
Tamara, Mommy is here. Don't worry, I'm going to save you.
I burst into the operating room like a madwoman, startling the nurses.
Emerald stepped out, her face calm. "Oh, it's Celestine. Don't worry, Tamara will be fine—"
Before she could finish, I pulled a half-empty drink from my bag and splashed it right in her face.
"Ah! What are you doing?" Emerald shrieked, her mask of calm slipping.
I stood there, unflinching. "Nothing," I said quietly, "just getting revenge for my daughter."
"Celestine, this is a hospital! What are you going crazy for?" Emerald's voice, usually soft and gentle, now cut through the air, sharp and furious as she stood there soaked in the cola I had thrown at her.
"My daughter is about to undergo surgery and have blood drawn," I replied, my tone calm but firm. "As her mother, shouldn't I be here to sign the paperwork?" I locked eyes with her. "Let me see just how serious her allergy is. If they truly need to draw blood, I can help, too."