Sofia

The doctor started moving around, checking other patients and finally arrived at my mom's location.

I was leaning on a wall. I pulled, went and met him. A very young doctor, dark in complexion, with a stethoscope hung round his neck. He was carrying a file.

"Good afternoon, doctor," I greeted.

He never bothered to listen. He was busy trying to put on his stethoscope to check on my mom.

He never altered a word.

I wasn't myself

"Doctor, is she okay?" I asked calmly

He raised his head and couldn't say a word for some seconds.

I became terrified!

"Your mom will be okay, but you have to act very fast, so that her condition doesn't get worse. He purred.

"Doctor, do everything you can to save my mom. Money can't be the issue! " I spoke calmly. Knowing full well I don't have enough money.

But I can't let my mother die! Something has to be done!

"I can't lose both parents in one year, no, doctor, please save my mom's life!" I echoed tenderly.

He brought out a receipt from the file he was holding and gave it to me.

"Deposit the money you have there on the receipt to enable us to commence with other treatment her body needs urgently." He spoke calmly.

He never waited a second for me to look into the receipt; he turned and left.

The amount was huge and shocking!

"Where can I get this huge amount of money from?" I was asking this question inside of me. Not letting Lizzy notice how I am feeling inside.

Lizzy collected the receipt from me and looked at the bills intensely. Her face veered as she scanned through.

"We are to deposit half the total amount before he can continue with the treatment?" Lizzy burst.

Still staring at the receipt.

I don't want to let her spirit down, so I quickly collected the receipt from her.

"It's okay, Lizzy, Mom will be fine. Nothing will happen to her. Look after her, let me go and see how to get the money." I encouraged her and left.

"Where do I get such a huge amount of money to foot my mom's medical bills?" I asked, silently standing on the roadside with random thoughts flooding all over me!

Miguel, who has been supportive before and after the death of my dad, has deleted himself from my life just because of Linda!

"Who do I meet to assist me?"

"I don't want anything to happen to my mom. Who do I run to?" I was contemplating not knowing the next step to take.

My five months' salary put together is not even up to the amount requested, and I have to deposit half the amount before he can commence with the treatment.

Pinatech lubricant company, where I work, my boss gave me only a week to resume back after my wedding! We are in the second week today!

"Is this not an ample opportunity for Mr Charles, my boss, to fire me?"

What excuses will I give that will make him believe me? He is such a wicked boss and an asshole, too pompous of himself.

Ever since I refused to yield to his sexual demands, he has become a thorn in my flesh. A demon who is after my life.

A boss who wouldn't want to listen to others complain. At the slightest mistake, you are fired. Unless you agree to sleep with him. A married man with children.

Most of the female staff always fall prey to him

No matter what, I will never open my legs for Mr Charles, never! I muttered.

Then I looked around, and no taxi was seen.

Most of the staff are due for promotion

But Mr. Charles has refused to acknowledge that. Once you get down with him, your promotion is certain.

Always seen issuing orders, making policies that will never favor the staff.

Not as if the salary is encouraging.

If I see a more preferable place, I will write my resignation letter.

I sighed as I snapped out of my reverie.

"I must resume work tomorrow!" I muttered.

While waving down a taxi that would take me home.

When I got home, my eyes went straight to where my dad's bus was parked and covered with a tarpaulin. One of the tires has deflated.

A thought flashed in.

"Since I can't afford such a huge amount of money to foot my mom's hospital bills, I will look for a buyer and sell it off.

"This is a wonderful idea," I nodded my head.

"Let me go in and search for the documents."

I took a picture of the bus, an 18-seater blue bus.

I will be posting it out there on social media with a tag, "For Sale."

"My mom had wanted to give it out for commercial purposes. So that the bus can continue generating money for us."

I can't watch my mom die without making an effort. I became so restless. My wounded soul flamed up!

"This is a very hard decision I am about to take!" I spoke calmly.

"Lizzy won't support it!" I murmured.

"I must save my mom's life, yes, I must save her life!" I spoke courageously.

"An hour later, Lizzy called."

"Sofia, do you want to sell Dad's bus?

That is wicked if you do that!" She burst!

She has come across the post I shared.

"How do we foot mom's medical bills?" I asked her calmly.

For more than a minute, she couldn't say a word.

"Go and take loads." She finally speaks!

"Give them the bus as collateral." She suggested. And hung up!

"Loan?" I murmured.

"The only bank capable of offering such an amount of money is the ETC Bank, where Linda works.

"I don't want to see Linda with my eyes again," I screamed.

The last time she visited me, I treated her with contempt! Drenching her whole body with water!

"How do I go and face someone who betrayed me, who shattered my heart and my dream and put me in the condition I am in?"

"My mom's illness is a result of her treacherous action! No, I can't go for such a load." I winced.

"Once I see someone willing to buy the minibus, I will go ahead and sell it. I muttered.

My heart is pounding, clashing against my ribs.

Oh my goodness!

My situation is dire.

"I can't watch my mom die without doing anything!" I hollered.

I scrolled through my phone. Lizzy has commented on the post I shared many times, repeatedly writing and reposting with a tag, "This bus is not for sale.., this bus is not for sale.., It is a family bus."

When I saw it, I became so infuriated. What is Lizzy up to? Did she desire Mom to die?

I am just stuck and totally confused, not knowing what to do next.

"I can't go back to the hospital empty-handed!" I speak tenderly with a frown all over my face.

"How do I get someone to sell off this bus?" I questioned quietly. Looking so frustrated.

"I'm willing, as a matter of fact, to sell off my personal belongings just to save my mom's life!" I voiced within.

"Yes, I am very much willing!" I purred in a tone filled with inclination.

Going to the ETC Bank to take a load is totally unacceptable. Just as Lizzy had suggested.

"How do I withstand Linda, the very person who hurled me into this mess?" I winced with an aggrieved heart.

A heart so depressed and devastated. Shattered as though I bear the burden of everyone.

From all indications, there are no other available means for me to raise this huge amount of money, and the money that I have left wouldn't be enough. Not even half of what is demanded by the doctor can I boast of.

The only options left are to sell off the bus or seek help from Charles, my boss. And I'm pretty sure he can afford such an amount of money countless times.

But he won't risk such an amount of money to anyone without you first being willing to do your share. By offering your whole body to him to consume!

Mr Charles has a history of sleeping around with staff. Going to meet him for help would be unwise. It is as good as offering myself to him to prey upon.

In the same breath, I can't go and stand by Linda either; she doesn't deserve my attention anymore. She threw me into what I am going through.

"No, I can't!" I muttered. My face is consumed by anger and frustration!

"F**k," I hollered!

My friendship with Linda is over!

She can go and get along with Miguel all she wants.

"This isn't what I should be talking about now!" I purred. While scrolling through my phone, hunting for any available merchant.

"Linda will pay dearly for the furnace she ridiculously placed in my heart." I tendered sorrowfully, biting my lower lip in anguish.

Since the medical bills were urgently needed, I had to go and withdraw the last money I had and quickly rushed back to the hospital to deposit it.

Knowing fully well, the doctor might not accept such a low deposit. But I have to give it a try.

"This is not the time for me to dwell on assumption and thought, but rather to take action. Whatever be the outcome, fate will make it known to me." I encourage my weary soul wrapped in doubt.

I went and boarded a taxi and headed to the hospital.

When I arrived at the hospital, I met Lizzy resting her head on the edge of the bed where our mom was lying down. She looked so tired; exhaustion was seen all over her.

I went closer and tapped her on the shoulder. She stood up sluggishly, stretching her body exhaustedly with her face squeezed.

I offered her some of the fruit and juice I bought while coming.

"Has the doctor come to check on her ever since I left?" I calmly asked. Staring directly at our mom lying helplessly on life support.

"No, he only came to check on others while waiting for the deposit." She responded calmly and pitifully.

Tears almost leaked out of my eyes when I heard that. My heart beat almost seized. I started feeling pains all over my chest.

But I pretended to be strong. To avoid weakening her already weary state.

"Why did you want to sell Dad's bus?" Lizzy asked, staring me directly in the face while holding the fruits I offered her.

"Please let's discuss that later. Let's think about how mom can be treated." I responded calmly. Not knowing what could be her next question.

"Did you apply for the loan, Sofia?" Lizzy asked, staring directly at me skeptically. Such a question got me pissed. But I never made it known to her.

I was bearing all pains and heartbroken silently. Wearing a faint smile, but deep inside of me, I am losing it.

The pain and anguish I am going through is becoming unbearable!

To cut her off from such discussion, I requested to go and see the doctor in his office to offer him the little money I came with.

Plead with him to commence treatment immediately while I go in search of the remaining balance.

"Let me go and see the doctor to present the little money I was able to get from my little savings. I hope he will accept and commence treatment immediately."

I spoke calmly and exhaustedly, yet acting strong and vigoratively in pretence.

I left Lizzy and moved towards the office of doctor. When I got there, at the door of his office, my heart was beating very hard and fast. My two legs were somewhat vibrating enormously, afraid of what the outcome could be.

I began prancing around, unable to knock at the door, afraid he would reject the little money I came with. If he rejects, then I'm finished.

I was moving about with a pounding heart, trying to summon the courage to take hold of that knob!

People were passing by, some with a disturbing outlook to go and see their sick ones, when suddenly I summoned courage and struck at the door gently.

"Who is there? Please make your way in." A voice echoed tenderly from inside.

I held the knob and pushed the door in with my face half buried to the floor, hopelessly.

I went in, shutting the door behind me.

"Good day, sir." I greeted.

He lifted and nodded his head and returned it, glancing at the file in front of him.

I stood there for a few seconds watching him while he flipped through files and also confirmed some information on the system.

He appeared so busy. I stood quietly, rolling my eyes across the walls.

With his dark hair and beard properly shaved. His stethoscope was on the table with a glass of water close to where he dropped his handset. Files were piled up at the edge of the table.

A lot of pictures and frames hung around the walls with different paintings, each bearing a unique description.

At the extreme, a fancy table could be seen with lots of international awards and medals arranged in rolls.

I wasn't too comfortable there. I was feeling cool since the AC in the office wasn't too good for my health.

After a few seconds, he lifted his head, and our eyes clashed.

"Please be seated." He offered. He wore a friendly smile on his face, which revealed his dimples.

I went and sat in a chair directly opposite him, which he pointed to.

He brought out a file, opened it and showed me some of the drugs that will be needed urgently. Telling me how urgent it is to prevent her illness from deepening or growing severe.

I was just glancing at the information, nodding my head while he spoke.

When he finished with his explanation, he asked if I had made the payment...

Sofia.

I brought out the 300 dollars I came with. Holding it in my right hand.

"Here is 300 dollars that I was able to raise. Please, Doctor, do well to commence with the treatment. I don't want to lose my mom!"

Fear gripped my whole body as I gazed in, waiting to get his response.

His face paled with a faint smile. As soon as the amount filtered through to his ear, the faint smile suddenly disappeared. His face blurred.

I offered the money to him. I stretched my hand towards him.

"No, no," he repeated.

Payment is not made here; you have to go and deposit it at the appropriate unit," he voiced discreetly with his right hand pointing towards the direction where deposits are made.

I felt a bit relieved, believing he had accepted the amount mentioned.

"You are to deposit half the total amount you have on the receipt, which is 1,500 dollars, before treatment can commence; that is the standard here!" Dr. Davi poured.

Snapping his eyes across my chest like someone who noticed something peculiar.

"How do I plead for his understanding?"

Such a question crossed my mind, but the seriousness he wore on his face wouldn't let me voice out. I held back my peace.

I became so deeply disturbed and troubled, drowning in a sea of pain. Not knowing what to do next. I became so downwhelming.

"Dr., please help to save my mom's life. This is all I have, I promise to go and get the remaining balance, yes, I promise!"

I pleaded calmly.

Rolling my eyeballs to the edge to picture his reaction.

"This is not a matter of pleading!" He raised his voice a bit aggressively.

"There's nothing I can do; this is the standard here. Your mom's case is never minor. You are to deposit half the amount you have on the receipt urgently."

He altered, flicking his eyes across.

The statement struck hard on me!

The echo made my heart skip.

The popped-up light, accompanied by vibration, caught my attention as calls flooded into Davis' phone. When he hung up the call, he told me he just had an emergency call.

Without allowing a second to strike, I stood up immediately from the swivel, went straight to my knees, pleading. Tiny tears leaked out from the edges of my eyes.

"It's okay, rise. You have to go and get the money. Your mom's illness is not beyond control. She would be fine. We need money to commence with the treatment."

He tendered warmly while he ogle at me

"As you can see, I am about to leave!" He pouted tenderly. He was already in a hurry.

I never stopped pleading. That was my only option.

I'll grant your request, but on one condition! He muttered, staring directly into my eyes. As he stretches his right hand to pick up the stethoscope.

I breathed out heavily, still wrapped in shock!

"What condition is that doctor?" I asked curiously

He stood up from the swivel chair, nodding his head gently, with his eyes fixed on me while he moved sluggishly towards where I kneeled and whispered into my ear.

With a shocking surprise, I flickered through his face,

I couldn't believe what I just heard.

He appeared so defiant and was busy trying to untie the twisted stethoscope. When he got it done, he placed it around his neck.

"Think about it, Sofia, that is all I have to say, the ball is now on your court. Whatever you decide stands! Dr. Davi, hoarse.

Preparing for the emergency call he got. He left my presence and was picking up some stuff, probably what he would likely need.

Without saying a word, I stood up immediately from the floor, hopelessly. I was totally dazed in shock. I picked up my bag angrily, carried the money and placed it inside the bag.

You mean you can't take the 300 dollars and commence with the treatment unless you have your way true? I'm so appalled and heartbroken. Dr. Davi, you are such an evil man! I coded silently within my mind.

Staring directly at him in dismay.

"I'm willing to help you if you are ready to do your share!" Davi, pour tenderly!

With bleeding hearts and disappointment, I left his office!

I became so inclined to sell off that minibus. But no buyer could be seen.

This is never the time for me to put into consideration or jerk to Lizzy's opinion. I must act very fast. It doesn't matter whose OX is gored. The chips are down already!

My head is full!

I was making an effort to manage and be in control of the thousands of thoughts flooding in at random, when suddenly the message of our late father surfaced.

His voice echoed tenderly as though he were standing beside me.

"If I can't make it through, make sure you take good care of my sweetheart, as he often refers to our Mom. And also your junior sister. Support her through her academy when you finally secure a good job. Live always in harmony."

My heart melted, and I became so tender. As his demeanor voice keeps echoing afresh. I blink my eyes continuously, trying to prevent tears from leaking out.

Every second, Mom's condition grew worse. Not enough money for her to be given proper attention. Her condition kept deteriorating.

"Nothing will happen to her!" I muttered courageously, as I snapped out of my reverie.

I realized I was actually standing in front of the hospital gate. Like someone who has missed the way, not knowing what to do.

Different people and cars were driving in and out of the hospital. Beautiful ornamental trees fill the perimeter fence. Swinging in the direction of the wind.

A friend of mine had suggested to me how I should go and meet with an automobile dealer. In such a way, I can easily sell the bus off. Provided the documents are intact.

I turned and went back inside the hospital.

When I got inside, Doctor Davi was standing very close to the life-supporting machine, making some adjustments to it.

When Lizzy saw me, she moved towards me, looking sad.

"Doctor Davi complained about not receiving any money to commence with the treatment. Weren't you able to get the loan?" Lizzy calmly questioned.

"He rejected the 300 dollars I brought. Insisting I pay half the total amount of the bill before he could commence. I winced. Staring in surprise if Davi has changed his mind.

Filled with inclination, Lizzy turned and went to speak with Davi..