chapter 3
1159 Words
Lyla sat outside Diana's room, staring at the messages on her phone.
She had read them so many times that she could almost recite every word.
Someone knew about Diana's condition. Someone knew she needed money. And now that person wanted her to meet them alone.
She didn't know what to think.
Her phone rang, and Chloe's name appeared on the screen.
“Hey, have you left the hospital?” Chloe asked.
“Not yet.”
“I'm coming over. Wait for me.”
“Chloe, you don't have to…”
“Lyla, I'm already on my way. Just wait.”
The call ended before Lyla could argue.
She put her phone away and looked through the glass at Diana. She wished she could go inside and tell her everything, but she didn't want to worry her.
About twenty minutes later, Chloe arrived.
She walked towards Lyla and sat beside her.
“How is she?”
“She's sleeping.”
“And you? Have you eaten anything?”
Lyla shook her head.
Chloe sighed. “You can't keep doing this to yourself.”
“I'm not hungry, Chloe.”
“Fine. But you still need to eat something later.”
Lyla nodded without saying anything.
Chloe looked at her for a moment.
“What's wrong? You look like something else has happened.”
Lyla hesitated, then brought out her phone.
“Someone sent me these messages.”
Chloe took the phone and read them. The longer she read, the more serious her expression became.
“Who is this?”
“I don't know. I tried calling the number, but it's switched off.”
“And this person knows about Diana?”
“Apparently.”
Chloe looked at her again. “Did you tell anyone you were struggling to pay the hospital bills?”
“Only people close to me. I haven't been going around telling people my problems.”
“Then how did this person find out?”
“I don't know, Chloe. That's what I've been trying to figure out.”
Chloe handed the phone back.
“And they want you to meet them alone?”
Lyla nodded.
“Please tell me you're not considering it.”
Lyla looked down at the phone.
“I haven't decided.”
“Lyla, this person won't even tell you who they are. How are you supposed to trust them?”
“I'm not saying I trust them.”
“Then why are you thinking about going?”
Lyla took a deep breath.
“Because I need the money.”
Her voice came out quieter than she expected.
“Chloe, the doctor told me Mom's condition is getting worse. I don't know how much longer I can keep paying for her treatment. I've used my savings, and I already owe people money. I don't even know who else to ask.”
Chloe's face softened.
“I know things are bad. I really do. But I don't want you getting yourself into trouble because you're desperate.”
“What am I supposed to do, then? Sit and watch her get worse?”
“That's not what I'm saying.”
“Then what are you saying?” Lyla asked, her eyes filling with tears. “Everyone keeps telling me to be careful, to be patient, to find another way. I'm trying, Chloe. I'm really trying, but nothing is working.”
Chloe moved closer and held her hand.
“I know you're trying. I'm not blaming you.”
Lyla wiped her eyes.
“I'm just tired. I'm tired of pretending I'm okay when I'm not.”
Chloe pulled her into a hug.
“You don't have to pretend with me.”
Lyla rested her head against Chloe's shoulder for a moment.
“I don't know what I'll do if I lose her.”
“Let's not think about that now, okay? We'll deal with one thing at a time.”
They stayed that way for a little while before Chloe pulled back.
“Look, I'm not saying you should ignore the message completely. But don't agree to meet this person until we know more. At least try to find out who they are.”
“What if they don't answer?”
“Then we'll know something isn't right.”
Lyla looked at her phone again.
“I just wish I knew who was behind it.”
“Me too.”
After a while, they went inside to check on Diana. She was still sleeping, so they didn't stay long.
Chloe accompanied Lyla home and stayed with her for a while.
Before leaving, she turned to Lyla.
“Please call me if that person sends another message.”
“I will.”
“And don't go anywhere to meet them without telling me.”
Lyla gave her a tired smile. “Okay, Mom.”
Chloe stared at her.
“Did you just call me Mom?”
Lyla let out a small laugh. “Sorry. It's been a long day.”
“Clearly. Get some rest.”
After Chloe left, the house felt unusually quiet.
Lyla changed her clothes and lay on her bed, but sleep wouldn't come. Her mind kept going back to Diana, the hospital bills, and the unknown person who had somehow learned about her situation.
Eventually, she picked up her phone.
She opened the messages and typed:
Who are you, and what do you want from me?
She sent it and waited.
A few minutes passed before the reply came.
You'll find out tomorrow.
Lyla frowned and typed again.
I'm not meeting someone who won't even tell me their name.
This time, the response came almost immediately.
You can refuse the meeting. That's your choice.
Lyla stared at the screen.
Then another message appeared.
But think carefully about what you stand to lose.
Her stomach tightened.
She read the words again, trying to decide whether it was a warning or a threat.
She called the number, but it was switched off again.
For a few seconds, she considered blocking it.
Then she thought of Diana lying in that hospital bed.
Lyla put the phone down and covered her face with her hands.
She hated that a stranger could make her feel this helpless. She hated that she was even considering meeting someone who might be dangerous.
But most of all, she hated not knowing what else to do.
Her phone vibrated again.
She picked it up quickly.
Tomorrow. 11 a.m. I'll send you the location in the morning.
Lyla stared at the message.
She was about to put her phone down when another message came in.
There's something you should know about Diana.
Lyla's heart skipped.
What about her? she typed.
No reply came.
Then another message appeared.
If you want to know the truth about the woman you call Mom, meet me tomorrow. Come alone.
Lyla stared at the screen, her hands trembling.
What truth could this stranger possibly know about Diana?
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