Chapter 3

A mother's duty was to care for her children, ensuring they were fed, clothed, and loved unconditionally. She also took on the responsibility of teaching them important life lessons and instilling values that would guide them through their lives. We are here again in the four-corner white room, with the familiar smell of antiseptics and the sound of machines beeping in the background.

 I don't want her here, but she has grown up here, and she needs to be here for her health and well-being. She was a little fighter from the moment she was born, overcoming every obstacle with a strength that amazed everyone around her. I immediately came closer to her when I saw her waking up, her eyes slowly fluttering open as she looked up at me with a small smile. I gently hold her hand. As she squeezed my hand, I knew she was going to be okay. The bond between us was unbreakable, and I would do anything to ensure her happiness and health. "You are already late for your class," I jokingly said, trying to lighten the mood. She giggled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she replied, "I'm dreaming of cereal, and I can't waste it." Our laughter filled the room, a sign of the unbreakable bond we shared. I squeezed her hand. "When a man offers you a lot of cereal in your dream, turn it down! I can buy you a lot of cereal when you wake up," I teased, causing her to burst into a fit of laughter. Aoife has leukemia; it was in its last stage, but I still believe that she will be healed and make friends and play with them. I held onto that hope as tightly as I held her hand, knowing that our laughter was the best medicine for her. The love and joy we shared in that moment were more powerful than any illness could ever be. Our laughter stops when someone knocks on the door, bringing in a doctor with news about Aoife's treatment plan. I prayed silently for good news as we all waited anxiously for the doctor to speak. "Ms. Porter, can I talk to you outside for a moment?" the doctor asked, his expression unreadable. My heart sank as I followed him out of the room, fearing the worst but still clinging to hope for Aoife's sake. The uncertainty of what was to come weighed heavily on me as we stepped into the hallway.

"About Aoife's treatment," the doctor began, his voice serious. "Her treatment was just helping to stop what we didn't want to happen, but lately, her body has not accepted any treatment we gave her. I'm sorry, but we all did our best to help Aoife," the doctor explained, his tone filled with regret. "We have exhausted all options, and unfortunately, there is nothing more we can do for her." My worst fears were confirmed as I struggled to process the heartbreaking news. I felt a lump form in my throat as the reality of the situation sank in, knowing that we were running out of options for Aoife. The doctor's words echoed in my mind, leaving me with a sense of helplessness and despair. "Please, don't stop. Do everything for her, Doc!" I pleaded, my voice cracking with emotion. "We will continue to monitor her closely and provide the best care possible," the doctor assured me, his compassion shining through despite the grim circumstances. My daughter can't leave me; I can't imagine a world without her bright smile and infectious laughter. I held on to hope, praying for a miracle to save my precious daughter's life. I weakly sat down on the stainless steel chair in the hallway. Tears streamed down my face as I tried to gather the strength to face the uncertain future ahead. My heart ached with the fear of losing her, but I knew I had to stay strong for my daughter. I work multiple jobs for Aoife Treatment. I worked in the morning as a customer service representative on Z&E, while in the evening I worked at a cafe near our house. I also do online selling to make an extra for her medical expenses, but since she will be in the hospital, the medical expenses will pile up, and I don't have any savings left. Should I ask my bosses if they can pay me earlier and I will work double? I grabbed my phone, and I decided to approach my bosses with a plan to work extra hours and ask for an advance on my salary to cover the mounting medical bills. I knew that I had to do whatever it took to ensure my daughter received the care she needed. "Sir please, I'll work double for a month if you can provide me with an advance on my salary to help cover my daughter's medical expenses," I pleaded. I knew that my daughter's health was the top priority, and I was willing to make sacrifices to ensure she received the care she needed. "I'm sorry, but I can't guarantee an advance on your salary." "I understand your situation, but we have policies in place regarding advances on salaries," the supervisor replied sympathetically. I ended the call feeling defeated but determined to find another solution to cover my daughter's medical bills. As I was about to put my phone in my pocket, I saw a small piece of paper on the floor. I picked it up and saw the calling card Sean gave me earlier. I quickly dialed the number on the card, hoping that Sean could offer some assistance in my time of need. With a glimmer of hope, I waited anxiously for him to pick up the phone and provide me with a potential solution to my financial dilemma. He appeared in our lives again. Why not give him a chance to help us out? After all, desperate times call for desperate measures. He picked up the call and said, "Hello, who's this?" I hesitated for a moment before responding, "It's me, Mollie; I was hoping you could help me out with something." Sean's voice sounded distant as he replied, "What do you need help with?" I took a deep breath and explained that I needed money right now; I did not tell him it was for Aoife's medical bill. "I know I kicked you out earlier, but I need your help," I pleaded.

"I need some money right now," I begged,

Sean paused for a moment, "Where are you?"

"I'm in the Divine Mercy Hospital."

"I won't help unless there is something in return," he replied sternly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "I'll pay you back as soon as I can whatever it is," I promised desperately, hoping to convince him to assist me in my time of need. "I'll even sign a contract if that's what you need," I added, trying to show him how serious I was about paying him back.

"I'll be there in half an hour." He finally agreed to meet me at the cafe near the hospital. I quickly thanked him and hung up the phone, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.