An anniversary gift

OPPORTUNITY

The next day, Louis continues to stay with his grandmother. His wife is at home taking care of Rous, managing to get a special permit to stay with her while her husband tends to his grandmother. However, her situation worsens. If she doesn't undergo treatment soon, she could die. Unfortunately, the treatment is too expensive, and Louis can no longer afford it. A doctor approaches to discuss Florentina's situation with him.

"Mr. Keast, I'm the doctor in charge of your grandmother. I need to talk to you."

"Yes, please, doctor."

"Your grandmother's condition is quite advanced, and her pain has become unbearable. There is a treatment available, but it's not covered by your medical insurance. You must pay for it, and you must do it soon."

"Yes, doctor, I knew that a long time ago, but I haven't been able to gather the money."

"Well, we'd like to help you, sir, but the hospital's resources are limited. If she doesn't start her treatment within three days, she could die within a month, or at most two."

"What? Doctor, it can't be." Louis breaks into tears. The news of losing his grandmother doesn't sit well with him. He has three days to save her life, and if he doesn't, he knows he may never forgive himself.

Louis leaves the hospital in search of his wife. She would know what to do; Lara has always supported him through everything, and this time, he is sure she will be the same. When he returns home, his wife and daughter are waiting for him.

"But, my love, what happened to you?" Lara asks when she sees her husband's face.

"My grandmother could die in a month or two if we don't start her treatment in three days. I want to know if you have any money, Lara."

- "Where would I get money, Louis? Everything goes into this house, your grandmother's medicine, Rous's school, the bills..."

- "I know all of that," Louis interrupts. "I just thought you might have some savings. I'm sorry, love, I just don't know what to do. The banks won't give me loans, and I don't know what to do about my grandmother's health."

- "Well, maybe you should reconsider things, Louis. Lately, Florentina has only been incurring expenses. She's very old, and what if we just let her rest?" Lara says with a rather unsympathetic look.

- "What the hell are you saying, woman? My grandmother has helped us as much as she could. She's like my mother. You know what, forget what you just said. Goodnight. I'll sleep in her room."

Louis heads to his grandmother's room, quite upset by what his wife just suggested. He can't believe that the person he has shared the last few years with is turning her back on him. He needs to find a solution urgently.

The Next Day

Alessandro

I'm quite annoyed with what Catalina is asking of me. I don't know how to tell Louis what we have in mind for him. He might accuse us of s****l harassment, and it would seriously tarnish our company's reputation. It's insane. Catalina will have to give up on that idea...

"Mr. Mar, good morning," Louis snaps me out of my thoughts.

"How's your grandmother, Louis?" I ask, trying to start a conversation.

"Well, honestly, she's not as well as I would like. She's pretty sick, but don't worry, sir. It's not a topic I think would interest you," Louis says with his head down.

"Why wouldn't it interest me? You're my assistant, and in my company, all employees should have a good quality of life; that's my motto."

"Well, it's just that she's suffering from an almost terminal illness, and yesterday the doctors told me she needs to start treatment in three days, or she could die soon."

"I'm really sorry to hear that, Louis. Tell me, is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, Mr. Mar, other than giving me the opportunity to work in your company without even knowing me. That's more than enough."

"Well, if you need anything, please inform me."

"Thank you, Mr. Mar," Louis heads straight to his office.

It seems he's facing some financial problems. This could be an opportunity to take advantage and buy his services. He might say no, but if he accuses us of anything, we could be in worse trouble than he is, so he doesn't have a choice.

I notice all day that Louis is quite distracted; it's affecting his work. However, he keeps doing what's required for his position. I decide to talk to him. I need to finalize this with him today, or Catalina will kill me if I don't get her toy. I approach his desk.

"Louis, you seem very distracted. Your situation might be affecting your work. Is there anything I can do?" I ask.

"Mr. Mar, I apologize sincerely. My grandmother's situation is weighing on me. I'm thinking about what I can do for her. Believe me, I would do anything for my grandmother."

"How much is your grandmother's treatment going to cost?"

"Over ten thousand dollars, sir. I don't know what to do. I have three days for her to start it."

"Hmm, that's quite a sum of money. I understand. But perhaps we can help here..."

Catalina interrupts the conversation, entering the office without knocking, as usual.

"Darling, I noticed you weren't at your desk, so I assumed you were here. I overheard some of your conversation," she says, exchanging glances with both of us.

"Yes, Louis's grandmother was in a bad condition. I was considering offering him a loan from the company, but I'm not sure if the fund allows it. You know, he's just been hired, and he's still an apprentice with a relatively low salary," I explain.

"Darling, I know, but I heard Louis say he's willing to do anything to save his grandmother, am I wrong? Catalina's eyes seemed to turn into those of a cat in heat, they had become lighter, showing wickedness.

"Yes, I would do anything for her. I'm really desperate," Louis replies, holding his head in both hands.

Catalina and Alessandro lock eyes, and that's when they know they've got the green light to propose to this young man something that could possibly fix all his problems.