Chapter 3
1139 Words
Chapter 3
"So, how will you get the money for your grandmother’s surgery?" Laura’s voice was thick with concern, her gaze searching Alessia’s face for any glimmer of hope.
Alessia forced a weak smile, her eyes betraying the despair she tried to bury deep within. "I don’t know. I’m just praying for a miracle."
They started walking back toward her grandmother’s ward, the weight of their silence heavy between them. Alessia’s thoughts swirled in a chaotic mix of fear and frustration. As they approached the door, she noticed the doctor standing beside her grandmother’s bed, checking her vitals.
Panic shot through her. Alessia instinctively turned on her heels, hoping to slip away before the doctor noticed her empty-handed. But it was too late.
"Ms. Alessia," the doctor’s voice was calm but firm, "I need to speak with you in my office."
Alessia’s heart clenched, and her legs felt weak, but she managed a nod. The doctor walked away, leaving the weight of expectation hanging in the air.
Taking a deep breath, Alessia turned back to her grandmother, who had woken up. Her face, pale and drawn from illness, still managed a smile when she saw Alessia. The love in her grandmother’s eyes made her heart ache.
"Ah, Alessia," her grandmother rasped, her voice weak, but filled with affection. "You’re here."
Alessia swallowed hard, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. She couldn’t show weakness now—not when her grandmother needed her to be strong. "Of course, I’m here," she said, forcing a playful tone. "Who else would annoy you by showing up every day?"
Her grandmother gave a faint chuckle, but her next words came like a dagger to Alessia’s chest. "You should just let me go, Alessia," she said softly. "I’m old. I’m a burden to you. I don’t want to see you suffer like this anymore."
Alessia’s breath hitched in her throat. Her grandmother’s frail hand trembled in hers, and the weight of those words nearly crushed her. She blinked rapidly, her vision blurring, but she refused to let the tears fall. Not in front of her. Not now.
"Don’t say that," Alessia said with a small, forced smile, squeezing her grandmother’s hand. "You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I’ve got plans for us, and they don’t include letting you ‘escape’ from me anytime soon."
Her grandmother tried to protest, but Alessia leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Rest, nonna. I’ll handle everything."
Laura, who had been watching quietly, sniffled and stepped forward. "We’re going to get through this, grandmother. Alessia and I will find a way to pay for your surgery. We promise."
Alessia gave her friend a grateful smile before glancing at the clock. She had no more time to stall. The doctor was waiting.
With one last look at her grandmother, Alessia turned and made her way to the doctor’s office, each step feeling heavier than the last. As she reached the door, she paused, took a deep breath, and knocked.
"Come in," the doctor called.
Alessia pushed the door open and stepped inside, trying to keep her face neutral. The doctor was already seated, flipping through some papers, her expression unreadable.
"Ms. Alessia, please sit down."
Alessia sat, her stomach churning with anxiety.
"You know why I called you in," the doctor said, her voice gentle but firm. "We need to proceed with your grandmother’s surgery within the week, or her condition will become critical. Have you brought the payment?"
Alessia hesitated, her mind racing. She could feel the walls closing in, the crushing weight of her failure bearing down on her. But she needed to buy time, somehow. She forced a confident smile, her mind scrambling for a plan. "I—uh—I’m working on it. Just a few more days, and I’ll have the full amount."
The doctor’s gaze hardened slightly, though her tone remained calm. "Alessia, I understand your situation, but time is not on your side. Your grandmother’s heart is weak. If we don’t act soon, there may not be another chance."
Alessia’s heart pounded in her chest. She opened her mouth, ready to offer another excuse, but the words wouldn’t come. She felt cornered, exposed. She had nothing left to give—no lies, no promises. Just desperation.
"I’ll find a way," she whispered, more to herself than the doctor. "I have to."
The doctor sighed, her expression softening. "Please, don’t wait too long. Her life depends on it."
Alessia nodded, her throat tight with unspoken fear. She stood up, numb, and left the office without another word. The weight of the world seemed to press down harder with every step as she made her way back to Laura’s small apartment.
Once inside, Alessia shed her clothes—faded jeans and a cheap hoodie—and folded them neatly. She packed the borrowed dress into a plastic bag, feeling the familiar sting of humiliation. The dress had been a lifeline, a desperate attempt to secure enough money to save her grandmother. But it had all fallen apart.
She left Laura’s apartment and walked to the nearby shop where she had borrowed the dress. Her hands trembled slightly as she approached the counter.
The little boy working there noticed her first. "Ms. Alessia, you’re here."
Alessia forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "Yes. I’m here to return the dress."
He took the bag from her, inspecting it briefly. Just as Alessia turned to leave, a familiar, angry voice boomed from the back of the shop.
"You! Useless woman!" The shopkeeper stormed out, her face twisted in fury. "You think you can fool me with your lies? That payment you said you sent? It was fake!"
Alessia froze, her heart sinking. Her luck had just run out.
The woman advanced on her, finger pointed accusingly. "You think I wouldn’t notice? You owe me, Alessia. Don’t think you can run away."
Alessia felt the sharp sting of shame, but she lifted her chin, defiant. "I’ll pay you. I just need more time."
"Time? You don’t have any more time," the woman hissed, her eyes narrowing. "Pay up or I’ll make sure you regret ever stepping foot in here."
Alessia clenched her fists at her sides, her heart pounding. She had nothing left—no money, no favors to call in. But as she stared down at the shopkeeper, something sparked inside her. She wasn’t going to break. Not yet.
"I’ll pay you," she repeated, her voice steady now. "But I won’t be bullied."
The shopkeeper scoffed, but Alessia didn’t wait for a response. She turned and walked away, her heart heavy, but her resolve hardening with every step.
She didn’t know how she was going to save her grandmother, but one thing was clear—she wasn’t giving up.
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