THE PRICE OF US

CHAPTER FIVE

Silvia had struck a bargain with Satan. And the devil wasted no time in getting what was rightfully his. Her mother was scheduled to have surgery the morning after she signed the contract. Just one phone call. A wire transfer that is silent. No queries were raised. Silvia was more frightened by Ralph's movements than she wanted to acknowledge because he was a man accustomed to finishing tasks. She had anticipated the worst when she bounded into the doctor's office and demanded to know her mother's location. She received laughter instead. The doctor calmed himself and said, "Your mother is in a private ward." "She is being prepared for surgery tomorrow by our team." The room tilted slightly, Silvia felt. "The surgery... but who covered the costs?"One of the men called. He would not reveal who he was. Simply sent a million dollars and instructed that everything be taken care of. Silvia took a deep breath. There was no need for her to guess. Ralph Mundo had delivered.

Theresa had to be wheeled into surgery the next day. Seven hours of quiet. Her heart in her throat, she paced the hospital hallways for seven hours. Silvia's legs almost failed her when the doctor came out to declare the transplant successful. She felt a surge of relief. Her mother would survive. However, at what price? Silvia committed herself to her mother's recuperation for three weeks. Every night, she stayed by her side, cooked, cleaned, and made sure she took her meds. Ralph never gave a call. Didn't check in. But his money came in easily and paid for everything. A chilly, silent reminder of what they had done. One evening, while Silvia was fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, her mother whispered, "You look worried."

Silvia forced a smile. "Mum, I'm just exhausted. I want you to concentrate on recovering. She hadn't been honest with her mother. She was unable to.

Three weeks went by far too fast. Silvia's time was over, but her mother was strong enough to leave the hospital. Ralph was waiting in his world of contracts. She sat next to her on the couch one evening and said, "Mum, I have something to tell you." Elena's face changed to one of concern. "What is it, my love?" "I got a business deal." I have to be away for a while, but it's a great opportunity." "Where?" Silvia was hesitant. "New York." She detested lying. The truth, though? Her mother would be devastated by that. Theresa let out a sigh and embraced Silvia. "You will be sorely missed. However, I want you to take it if it's beneficial to you. Silvia felt guilt burning in her chest. They were interrupted by a piercing horn outside the house.

Her mother scowled. "Are you expecting someone?" Silvia wasn't. She suspected, however, that she already knew who it was. She opened the door and saw an impassive man in a clean suit standing in front of a sleek black car that was parked outside. Ralph's driver. Her time was up. He uttered "Mrs. Mundo" with ease, as though it were her name. "Time to leave." Silvia's fingers gripped the doorframe more tightly. That was it. The actual consequences of her signature. Memorizing every detail of her mother's face, she turned back to give her one last look. Then she inhaled deeply and moved forward and into the world of Ralph Mundo.