al visits. In and out, one sickness after another. Some whispered she had been cursed. Others

ucent, her eyes dull and tired. I could still remember how she used to talk about my father with longing. I remembered t

he night I rushed

he entrance. I was panting, my chest tight, my heart slamming violentl

to say, breathlessly. "She w

08, second floor, left wing. My hands trembled as I

e sh

ms. An oxygen mask over her face. The machines around her beep

iccupped and tears began to fall-hot an

tly. "But there's more. She's been ignoring some serious symptoms. We ran

o, that -- that

r too hard. I don't know what she's involved in, but it's kil

?" I asked, my voi

ct quickly. She'll need surgery, ag

though a part of me

handed me

obbled. I took two steps back unconsciously, dizzy. My heart pounded so ha

ndred

ps parted, but no words came out. My hands began to shake uncontroll

apped my

ou okay? I've been

d a weak smile. "Ye

her tone changed. "But her hospital bills are overdue, two months behind.

, but her words had sliced t

mom opened her eyes and asked s

tal bills are overdue. They need t

So what do we

om. I'm confused

out my f

y. The rest said they don't have anything, making excuses... and some even to

hest rising and fallin

rrible things, Mom. They say your past is hunting

That rant had been

, her eyes wet with tears. "I

down. An

s. No nurses came. No doctors interr

at and take her medic

gain?" she asked, alre

ok for

esterday. You didn't say an

ven quit the waitress job I had. The owner's son kept harassing

taurants today. Rejected at e

e last one, ready to give u

you

sp shirt and blue trouse

," I said, lowering

g lady? I have a j

If it's prostitution

ith Kingsley Empire. They're hiring maids. It pays we

rd of them... vaguely. A

t?" I asked

w date, and my number are all on there. It's

ny spark of hope lit in my chest. "

pital and told my mom, she

h we need, my daughter. May God

gain. This time, I pray I get employed so

,it was tired, but full of love. I smiled

oment did

ne rang. I p

r loads? You're blocking the roa

me, who

n your things out. With all the dirty work y

ne wen

urged through me. My

d, Lily?" Mom

things. He said the rent is overdue. Five mont

, Didn't he s

He had. cold

d

e else is ready to pay. I've finally sent the famil

until she clutched her stomach i

side. "You know you're not well.

. I'll take them to Dani

ighbor, and the man my mom was spendin

him. Let

xi. On the ride, I stared out th

e really wo

d be better than this noise, this pain. I'm jus

s only the beginn