A Thousand Paper Cranes Walking towards his mother's bedroom, Mark slowed his pace. His heart ached and felt heavy. His mother's illness weighed on him like a shroud, darkening his life. He had lung cancer and he didn't know why or who to blame. She didn't smoke, so why did this have to happen to her? He questioned. He stopped in the doorway, collecting his thoughts. What would you say to your mother?. He took a deep breath, gathered his strength and silently opened the door. "Mom, how are you today? I'm sorry I haven't come to see you for a while." Mark said as he smiled at her trying to be cheerful. "Mom, I have a surprise for you today. I'm sure you'll like it." He held the surprise behind his back with his right hand, but he was so excited that he couldn't hide his feelings. He imagined her smiling as he revealed his gift to her. Maggie lay in her bed, lost in thought, and showed little interest. "Mark, is that you? Come close to me." He glanced at his son and tried to move his body to sit up, but he couldn't. She took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry, Mark. I don't feel well today." He knew he was dying. He had been suffering from lung cancer for a year. In the last two months she has undergone two painful operations that have sapped all her strength. He was getting weaker and weaker. Now he stayed in bed all day, reading, watching TV, seeing occasional visitors and reminiscing about his life. He found momentary relief with his visitors, but he always tired quickly and had to sleep. He could smell death around him. An independent woman all her life, she wanted to take care of herself, but was too weak to do so. His body died every day, but his mind remained clear, so he began to write his diary. She is... middle of paper... stands and marvels at the folding. I will treasure senbazulu for years. Thank your Japanese friend for me." Mark had forgotten about the thousand cranes since his last visit. It had been a wonderful gift for her. He didn't really believe the myth, but now he wondered if perhaps it could be true. Summer was It has been four months since he held a family reunion in his hometown. He sat on his mother's empty bed in the dimly lit room and looked at the cranes hanging on the wall. His mother was dead for a moment autumn breeze blew into the room through the slightly open window. He could hear his grandfather's old clock ticking loudly from across the room. He thought one of the cranes was smiling at him, broke free and flew into the sky. He cried as he watched it fade away. horizon. "Take care of my mother," he whispered.