A Holiday to Remember [18+] Chris & Valentine

CHAPTER-7

* * CONTINUED FLASHBACK * *

* * Valentine's POV * *

After few days of staying in the hospital due to my sister Heart's condition, she finally recovered. The doctor said we could take her home anytime, as long as we settled the hospital bills and purchased the medications prescribed for her.

As I watched Heart smiling at me with her usual cheerfulness, I couldn't help but sigh in relief. After all the worry and struggles over the past few days, it felt so good to see her healthy again. But alongside the joy, a heavy burden lingered in my mind—the hospital expenses that needed to be paid.

"Mama, I'll find a way," I said softly, glancing at my mother, who looked just as troubled as I felt. "I'll do whatever it takes to make sure we can leave here and ensure Heart continues to recover."

"My child, don't carry all the weight on your shoulders," Mama replied, gently rubbing my back. "What's important is that Heart is better now. Your father and I will find a way to help as well."

I closed my eyes for a moment, summoning the strength to push through. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but giving up was not an option. I had to find a way to provide for Heart's needs. In that quiet moment, I silently prayed, "Lord, please guide us through this."

The whole day, I racked my brain trying to figure out how to gather the money we needed to pay the hospital bills and buy Heart’s medication. Unfortunately, everyone I approached—friends and relatives alike—either couldn’t lend me anything or could only give small amounts. While some were kind enough to help, it still wasn’t enough to cover what we needed for the hospital.

Even Anne, whom I reached out to again, was dealing with her own problem. Her mother was also sick, and she was just as overwhelmed as I was.

sighed deeply, feeling the weight of our situation pressing down on me. It seemed like every possible solution had been exhausted, but the gap in our finances remained.“Mama,” I softly called out as I approached her. “I’ll step out for a bit. I’ll try one more time to find a way.”

“Valentine,” my mother said, her voice filled with worry, “please don’t push yourself too hard. We’ll find a way together.”

I gave her a faint smile before turning away. Deep inside, I knew I had to make something happen, no matter the cost. This wasn’t just about money anymore—it was about giving Heart a chance to fully recover and easing the burden on my family.

After saying goodbye to Mama, I decided to step out of the hospital for some air. Outside, there was a small garden with a few benches surrounded by blooming flowers. I sat on one of the benches, my hands trembling as I wiped away the tears streaming down my face. I couldn’t hold it in anymore—the weight of the problem I was carrying was too much. Crying was my only way of releasing the pain, even if just for a moment. I made sure to cry quietly so no one would notice. I didn’t want anyone asking questions I couldn’t answer.

I stared blankly at the garden, my mind racing with thoughts. Every possible solution I could think of seemed impossible. Suddenly, an idea entered my mind—one I had always sworn I would never consider: joining Anne in her part-time work. The idea scared me, but I was desperate. I had no other choice but to try. I needed to do something, anything, to get my family out of the hospital and secure the medicines Heart needed to recover.

Taking a deep breath, I reached into the pocket of my worn jeans and pulled out my cellphone. My fingers trembled as I searched for Anne’s number. Before hitting the call button, I paused for a moment, my heart racing as doubt and fear crept in.

Is this really the right thing to do? Can I even go through with it? I asked myself. But I quickly brushed those thoughts aside. I didn’t have the luxury to overthink. I needed to act.

Finally, I pressed the call button and held the phone to my ear. The ringing felt like it lasted forever, each second adding to my anxiety. When Anne finally picked up, I heard her voice on the other end, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sliver of hope.

“Anne,” I said, my voice shaking. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m ready to join you in your part-time work... I just don’t know where else to turn.”

"Are you sure about this, Val?" Anne asked me, her voice filled with concern and doubt.

"Yes, Anne," I answered quietly, but with a heavy heart. I was doing my best to hold back the tears that wanted to escape. I knew it was wrong, I knew it went against my principles, but I saw no other way. It hurt me more to see my family suffer. To see Heart unable to get the proper medication. I couldn’t bear that.

Anne was silent on the other end, seemingly thinking about what to say next.

"You know this isn’t going to be easy, right? What if, when we get there, you change your mind?" she finally asked, her voice serious.

"I know, Anne," I replied without hesitation. "But I have to do this. For Heart... for my family."

I heard a deep sigh from Anne before she responded, "Okay, Val. But you need to come back here first. Tomorrow is Saturday, and I’ll take you with me."

"Okay, Anne," I said softly. "Thank you for being there."

After the call, I stayed seated in the garden, trying to steady myself. I knew there was no turning back now. This was the hardest decision I had ever made in my life. But for my family, I was willing to sacrifice, even if it hurt, even if it lowered my self-esteem.

As I sat in the garden, I could feel the weight of my decision. The worries about my family and Heart's health gave me the strength to continue. I knew what I was getting into was wrong, but my heart told me it was the only way to support my family in our situation. I wanted a solution—a way to return to a normal life.

Each second of silence was heavy. All the questions, the fear, and the shame were there in my heart, but my love for my family was still greater. I couldn’t bear to watch them suffer when I could do something to help.

The following days were a mix of emotions. Slowly, I began to accept the possibilities, and although I knew there were things beyond my control, my parents and Heart were the reasons I kept fighting.

The next day, Saturday, I took the necessary steps to prepare for the start of a new chapter. I didn’t know what the outcome would be, but I knew I had done everything I could for the people I love.