d

ptical, thinking why she would want to help me? I immediately didn't turn around and was biting my lower lip, contemplating

ch do y

sulting her by not graciously accepting her help instead kept mum. When s

ded by my silence, or perhaps she was playing a prank with me. But her silence di

She replied. I was annoyed at her reply; if she didn't have t

ked away from her. I know what I did was rude, but it was necessary. To some

and and said, "I know what you are thinking?

derstand my unspoken question, "Do you think I started doing it for fun?

as all that I c

ncer I started doing the job," she said, ges

, but I still had to take care of m

her, her face fell, and I never felt the need

say, but Nilo com

end to share my problems. I don't know where my father i

a father," Nilo replied, but

greed in a

rprised when she pushed her card in my hand and walked away. When I was abou

inside. I already decided I will never call her; something inside me to

her warm smile, but her eyes we

I asked even though

't hear her phone call, I know she was lying. Mom never makes eye

sy since last night to care for food," the moment I gave

nd I placed a hand over my mouth. I walked back, and when my back hit the wall, I slouched on the floor, feeling helpless. My body was shaking as I cried harder,

take him for an operation, and then he will be back," Mom was rubbing my back to console me even though she was afrai

fine," saying that

going, but according to her, I didn't know. After giving a longing glance

er what felt like hours, Jawad came, and he looked tense. I immediately realized something wa

led him to get

hich came his quic

hen I asked, I wa

oice made him punch the n

d pounding in my chest; I refuse

p and went along with him; however, he

cared about was us," Jawad broke down

. I can't even help he

there was still hope, but with it, that hope was also gone. The only option left for me was to call Nilo. I will

ll and scoot toward Jawad, who w

rden on my chest. I wanted to run to Dad and, like always, ask him to solve the problems. But this

re you going?" He asked, and I know Mom

caught his attention, and he immediately

e asked with

mention of hiding from Mom. I never hide anything from my parents,

not take care of her injury," I told the partial truth and hid the fact t

me go and reminded me to be ca

ital, I called Nilo; however

again called and got the same response. My hands trembled, thinking, what if Nilo didn't answer the call? I was s

e, "Hello," my throat was a

eply, and it was then I

of my dress, realizing what she was busy w

breathing was normal, and I could he

your friend," I gulpe

l assurance matters a lot. The fear of meeting a stranger lessened a bit when she assur