1 Rock-a-bye

The cold breeze ruined my hair while I and my daughter Taly crossed the bridge away from our home. My husband Greg died because of drunkness. He falls on this bridge while going home. He left us with nothing but his huge debt from two lending companies. Taly was only one year old and the only thing that covered her body was the thick jacket I bought one year ago.

I cough with colds and my legs and arms feel numb with these winter days. Taly started crying and I don't know what to do. I had one backpack with me and I forgot to get her milk on the table when they started pushing and destroying our things. I ran as fast as I can to save my daughter.

The heaven became darker and creepier. I didn't realize we made it to the town of Dallas with my feet only. My poor Taly, she fell asleep while crying.

I felt relieved that we arrived here safe and sound. I roamed my eyes around to find a new place to settle. I sigh with frustration when I realized I got fired from my previous work because of Greg. He ruined my life. He took my freedom and happiness. Man is the same. Their heart belongs to everybody, not to somebody.

I'm Max Lopez, a single mom now, jobless and broke. My daughter's name is Taly Lopez, one year of age, cry baby, and a mommy's girl.

Seven years later

I'm running errands today since I have three jobs waiting for me. I hastily got up from my mattress and I directly went to the bathroom to have a quick shower.

As the cold water swiveled down my body, my eyes started to close and my mind began to drift away to the life I wanted.

Taly is becoming bigger and taller but I can't afford to buy her a new bag and uniform. It's been seven years since my husband died but the life I wanted for my daughter wasn't achieved yet. I can't hold my tears anymore to think that we're still living in this cruel and miserable world for seven years. I didn't even have a decent job to be proud of in front of her.

I wrapped my body with a towel when I heard the loud cries of Taly. I hastily walked outside and when I came to check her, she feels hot. My daughter had a fever.

"Don't cry, baby. Mom will get dress first." I said and she waited for me.

I think I had to sacrifice my jobs today to take care of my sick daughter.

I called my bosses that I can't work today and all of them drop me. They fired me for not reporting. What a heartless person. My daughter is the greatest gift I had in my life. She's very precious to me and even I had to sacrifice my work for her, I don't care. I can find a new job anytime.

"Mommy, I'm hungry!", it's Taly calling me.

" Okay, baby, mommy will make you your favorite soup. Just lay down and you will be okay, right?", I said while caressing her little face. She's still a baby for me even she's in 1st grade already.

I kissed her on her forehead before I got up and prepared her soup. I'm glad there's medicine inside the cabinet. Of course, I keep extra meds and even foods for us if things get complicated. I was a girls scout back then when I was in my elementary days.

I made a carrot soup, her favorite. I came back with a thermometer in my hands to check her body temperature. It's 38°C and it's not a normal body heat.

I began to panic again.

"Mom, why you're nervous?", she asked me because my hands started to trembled again.

I can't stop it every time I'm scared. I tightly closed my eyes and opened them again. I took a deep breath. I smiled at my daughter with my calm face.

" I'm okay. Wait here and I'll get a wet towel to lessen your fever." I mumbled.

I came back and put it on her forehead.

I help her get up to eat her soup. My poor little angel had to go through all of this because of my incompetence. I wish to find a better and regular job soon.

"Wow, this tastes yummy! Mom, I love you. You hit my taste buds!", Taly giggled while filling her stomach with the soup I made.

I'm smiled back but my head wanted to explodes with many bills to pay this month. I need to beg Mr. Kim to give me a chance this time because I badly need a job. I will call him.

" Sir, please, I need this job. Give me three days until my daughter gets well and I promise to work hard." I said on the other line begging for him.

He was a Chinese businessman who runs a small restaurant in this town.

"No, no more work for you. I need single ladies. No child, less burden. Bye!" He shouted back at me and turned off his phone.

Taly saw me crying. I didn't want her to worry about me. I tried to keep from her my difficulties and miseries. I can see in her eyes how she worries about me. I know at her young age how hard to live without a father on her side. I know Taly is longing for a daddy to call but I'm not yet ready to fall in love again. Men are all the same. They will find your weakness and make you fall for them but in the end, they will only hurt your feelings.

"Mom, are you crying?", she asked me while I'm walking towards her. I quickly wipe the tears streaming on my face.

I sat beside her and it's a relief that her fever is almost gone.

" Im not crying. I had something in my eyes, baby." I told her and she just closes her eyes and fell asleep.

While Taly was sleeping, I decided to buy a newspaper outside the house. There was a store nearby that had a stall full of magazines and newspapers. I have to look for a new job as soon as possible until my savings gets empty.

I went back to the house and my eyes widen when I saw Taly's pale face calling for my help. I ran and check her and her skin was hot as fire.

"Oh, Jesus, you're burning hot, baby! Help! I need an ambulance!", I went outside to call for my neighbor's help but nobody came until one guy offer his help.

" I have a car. Come, quick!", he said and Max didn't care if she barely knows him because what matters to her most is to saye her daughter Taly.

He carried my baby inside his car. I was surprised to see an expensive car here inside our area. Squaters people were all lucky enough to buy a bike, but a car, I think he's not a resident here.

What is this guy appointment here?