CHAPTER 2
1030 Words
Evenly could not make sense of what she saw on the piece of paper. “What is this, sir?” she asked curiously, a very puzzled look on her face.
“Your mother… I’m sorry, ma’am. Your mom has a hole in her heart,” the doctor broke the news gently.
“A hole? Doctor, I don’t understand. Just a few minutes ago, you were the one telling me she was in good condition,” Evenly said. Having only just regained control of her emotions, she was now filled with concern again.
She looked bewildered, confused, and anxious all at once. It was difficult to tell which emotion was strongest.
“I know. Your mother is stable for now, but she slumped because her heart skipped a beat. That happened solely because of the hole in her heart,” the doctor explained calmly.
“You mean there’s a solution? Isn’t there a solution, sir?” she asked hopefully.
It was typical of Evenly to always look for a way out of any problem she faced.
“That’s the right way to think. There is a way out but it will cost a lot,” the doctor warned.
“Tell me, please,” she said anxiously. Her ears were practically itching to hear what he would say next.
“Your mother needs a heart transplant. And it needs to happen within the next month,” he stated.
Evenly was beginning to understand why the doctor had cautioned her about the cost earlier.
“What will happen if we don’t get it done before the month is up?” she asked, curiosity mixed with dread.
She would ask about the price after he answered this.
“Her heart is already damaged. There’s only a slim chance it can continue supporting her body. One month is a very short time, but we will do everything we can to keep her stable until then,” he replied.
“So… how much is this going to cost?” This, to Evenly, was the most important question.
“I’m afraid you will need one million dollars to begin the procedure. You can pay the balance once the surgery is successfully completed.”
Evenly’s eyes widened so much it seemed they might pop out of their sockets. Remarkably, the doctor remained completely calm, as though he hadn’t just named an astronomical sum.
“That’s a lot of money. Where am I supposed to get that kind of amount?” she asked, voice trembling.
“I’m sorry. There’s nothing we can do to change the cost,” he answered.
“I have no money like that, sir. Can’t you please reduce it somehow?” She tried pleading, but it wasn’t working.
“I’m truly sorry, ma’am. Just find a way. I don’t want your mother to die,” the doctor said, showing genuine concern.
Ironically, Evenly was now the most distressed and disturbed person in the room.
She excused herself from the conversation and went to check on her mother, who had been moved to a ward.
Evenly was relieved to see that her mother was now awake. At least that was some comfort.
“How are you feeling, Mum?” she asked, trying to hide her pain and forcing a smile.
“I’ll be fine,” her mother replied with a gentle smile of her own.
Evenly kissed her mother on the forehead and asked permission to step out for a bit.
The first person she thought of asking for help was Rebecca.
She stepped outside the hospital, pulled out her phone, and called Rebecca.
“Good afternoon,” Rebecca answered, though her voice carried a note of concern.
Evenly’s voice sounded dull and heavy; anyone who knew her well could hear the pain behind her usually soft and sweet tone.
“Have you been crying?” Rebecca asked immediately.
“I need your help. Mum… Mum…” Evenly broke down in tears.
“Talk to me!” Rebecca insisted, sounding stressed by the entire situation.
She clearly had a lot on her mind and was struggling to piece everything together.
“Mum is ill. She needs a heart transplant,” Evenly finally managed to say.
There are many reasons people run out of money, but history has shown that Rebecca was rarely ever broke.
“Ill? I can’t remember Mum ever having any major health issues. What’s wrong with her?” Rebecca asked, alarmed.
“It’s her heart. They said she needs a transplant before next month,” Evenly explained, her voice breaking again.
“I’m so sorry, honey. Is there anything I can do to help?” Rebecca asked. She sounded less enthusiastic now.
“The doctor is asking for a huge amount. I just need your help to raise one million dollars,” Evenly said.
Rebecca, who had been trying to swallow a sip of water, choked and spilled it.
“What did you just say, Evenly?” she asked in shock.
“One million dollars. That’s what it will take to get the transplant done,” Evenly repeated.
“How do you expect me to come up with that kind of money? I don’t have that kind of cash right now,” Rebecca said firmly, making it clear she couldn’t help.
Evenly tried to see if Rebecca would at least offer any amount, but every response was negative.
Left with only one option, Evenly knew it would be difficult but she had to try.
Her mother’s life was at stake.
“Good morning, sir,” Evenly said. She had requested a brief moment with her boss in his office, and surprisingly, he had agreed.
It was 8 a.m. Lucas had just arrived at the office and was stunned to see Evenly approaching him. She rarely had the courage to speak to him directly.
“Good morning, Evenly. What’s the problem?” Lucas skipped the usual greetings and went straight to the point.
Evenly, aware of how busy Lucas always was, cleared her throat and began.
“I need your assistance, sir,” she blurted out.
Lucas lifted his face from the papers on his desk and fixed her with steady, intense eye contact.
- Writer
