CHAPTER 83: Hospital Bill

They made it to Mayo Clinic just in time. The doctor reviewed the charts and gave a slight nod.

“She’s gonna be okay,” he said. “As long as we start treatment immediately.”

Nathan felt a wave of relief — but it was short-lived. His mind was already racing. His wife’s life was on the line, and now the cost of saving it was staring him in the face, too.

About half an hour later, a nurse came by and asked Nathan to step into the doctor’s office.

“Good afternoon, Doctor,” Nathan said, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Good afternoon, sir. Please, have a seat.”

Nathan sat, hands clasped tight in his lap.

“We’ve stabilized your wife’s condition,” the doctor began. “But she needs surgery. And it has to happen soon.”

Nathan nodded slowly. “Okay, Doctor. Whatever it takes.”

The doctor slid a folder across the desk. Inside was the bill.

$250,000.

Nathan blinked. His throat tightened. He stared at the number, trying to act like it didn’t shake him.

But it did.

He didn’t have that kind of money.