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..

7:00 am, Monday morning. I just arrived at my workplace. Heading straight to my department. Other staff have arrived too. Everyone is going to their place of assignment.

"Hi Sofia." A voice echoed. I quickly turned to my right as Jessica, my colleague in the office, hollered again enthusiastically.

When I got closer, we embraced each other excitedly. Other staff were just eyeing us with smiles on their faces as they walked through to their various departments.

"How have you been, Sofia? I have made so much effort to get in touch with you, but each time I dial, it proves abortive." Jessica voiced, with a glaring look.

"It could be a poor network," I responded.

The smile I put on didn't let her notice the agony and pain bleeding through my heart.

"Was there any complaint about me from Mr. Charles?"

I threw up the question, trying to prevent her from asking me about my wedding with her questioning attitude.

"Not really". She responded.

"Let's get inside Sofio, I can't wait to glance through your wedding pictures." She spoke eagerly.

I feel so pained. I almost lost control of my mind hearing that from her. Tears threatened to leak out of my eyes. I made every effort to be in control of my emotions

I no longer feel secure with friends. Considering Linda's brutal betrayal.

How she snatched away my world from me.

But then, I can't hide it from her. If I decide to keep it to myself, she will definitely hear about it one day.

I couldn't, at the moment, dictate the exact thoughts I am dealing with.

I don't know the drama Mr. Charles could come up with. However, my mind is very much prepared for any eventuality.

Charles, is too pompous of himself. His condescending attitude stinks!

If he decides to fire me for not resuming earlier, it is perfectly okay.

Jessica has been a very nice colleague.

Very jovial. You could hardly notice when she is angry. Always wearing a smiling face. Dark in complexion with glaring teeth and charming structure.

She is loved by almost all the staff. Her smile and charming look will always force a smile from you. She always appears hot and s*xy.

Always in a short skirt and top, which kept part of her hairy chest open.

She couldn't make it to my wedding. Because she was newly employed to be my assistant in the recording department.

She holds my bag as we walk into the department. She can't just hide how she feels. The ecstasies surround her whole body.

"Gist me, Sofia, how was everything? Oh, sorry, Mrs. Sofia, I meant to say. Excuse my French." She burst into uncontrollable laughter.

My heart skipped. I felt my heartbeat go from 0 to 100 just by hearing Mrs. Being mentioned.

My response will certainly dismiss all smiles on her face. Such is never what she would expect to hear from me.

"As I couldn't make it to your wedding, can I take a look at some beautiful pictures on your phone?" She asked tenderly, looking directly at my face. While thrusting out her right hand. We are already seated in the office.

"Jessica, I don't know how it is going to sound to you. The truth remains, I'm not married. The wedding was cancelled under weighty circumstances."

As if I knew, her facial expression reduced drastically. The little smile on her face is now mixed with a touch of shock! She still couldn't believe what echoed out of my mouth.

"Did I hear you correctly? What did you just say?" she asked, shockingly!

There was no atom of a smile on her face again this time around.

"Jessica, you heard me right.

The man who kept my hope high above the earth. A man I so much cherished and loved. All my body and soul were upon him.

A day without a hug and kiss from him is a total starvation to me. A night without his love text keeps me awake all through the night, like a watchman at the security post!

A man highly loved and respected by my parents.

A groom sent from celestial glory to come and shape my future finally dumped me for another woman!

I don't want to start reminiscing about my past ordeal, Jessica!

Miguel really dealt with me. He held my emotion and smashed it on the ground, he crushed my feelings and even trampled upon it when I least expected it."

Jessica was just staring at me in utmost shock. Still having some doubt, as though I am trying to play with her intelligence.

"Are you serious about what you are telling me?" She asked curiously.

"Sofia, come on! Be serious!" her tone rose above usual.

"Did you see any wedding ring on my finger?"

I lifted my two hands and projected them to her face. She was rolling her eyes across my fingers. Not knowing what to say next.

We were busy discussing things as though we were not in the office.

"Jessica, let's end this discussion. It's too early for this! Tell me how the office has been since my absence." She was still wrapped up in shock, staring at me in surprise.

From where I sat, my eyes flicker through the window. Lo and behold, Mr. Charles was driving in. At once, I started hearing the sound of my heartbeat. As I watch him trying to park at the car lot.

I started putting myself together for whatever outcome.

As soon as he walked past, heading to his office, Jessica echoed out morning greetings to him. Immediately, I offered mine. He didn't say a word. He only lifted his left hand and waved. With his black suit across his right hand.

He was so mean, without a trace of a smile on his face, like someone being provoked by his wife at home.

"Someone might have triggered his anger while coming to the office this morning." I guess.

Jessica had already turned on the system in front of her. I moved and sat in my own position and turned on the system in front of me.

After the system booted, thousands of unfinished tasks popped up. I went through the information one by one, and I realized that Mr. Charles has been the one forwarding that information even when I am not around.

"I hope this is not a format he will like to hold onto and fire me? He is fully aware that I am not around. What stops him from forwarding that data to Jessica to process?" I spoke silently.

"Sofia, Mr. Charles is requesting your presence in his office!" I held my breath, which almost carted away from my body when I heard such information from the security man.

A crushing weight coming from my chest threatens to suffocate me!

I quickly release a weighty breath and balance my emotions.

Still, fear gripped me. For I know for sure the hour of reality has come. Either I face a query or am fired.

Whatever the outcome, my mind is very much ready for it!

Jessica was busy on the computer, not knowing the emotional battle I was going through.

I stood up immediately from my bench.

"Jessica, let me go and answer Mr. Charles!"

"Alright, dear," she responded, as I left her presence..