Something good

Chapter 30

Martina’s POV

“You mean someone already paid for Mom’s medication and even cleared the debt at the pharmacy?” I asked Mrs. Clara, still struggling to believe what I had just heard.

“Yes, Martina,” she replied calmly.

“And you don’t know him? Not even his name?” I pressed further, hoping there was at least something to go on.

She shook her head. “I’ve never seen him before. He just walked in while I was pleading with them to give me the drugs on credit again. They refused, but he stepped forward and paid for everything without hesitation.”

For a moment, I couldn’t say anything.

I just stood there, trying to process it all.

A complete stranger… did all of that?

I felt a sudden rush of relief and happiness flood my chest. It was overwhelming.

“I… I don’t even know what to say,” I finally murmured. “It’s hard to believe people like this actually exist.”

“They do, my child,” my mother said gently.

I turned to look at her and walked closer, sitting beside her on the bed. Her face looked more relaxed than it had in days, and that alone eased my heart.

“You just haven’t encountered them yet,” she added with a soft smile.

I smiled back at her and leaned in to give her a brief hug.

“I’m so happy, Mom,” I said quietly. “At least we don’t have to wait until the end of the month when I receive my first salary before getting your medication.”

“I’m happy too, my dear,” she replied, patting my hand. “Someone decided to help my daughter when I couldn’t. That alone gives me peace.”

“Please don’t say that, Mom,” I said quickly. “You’ve done more than enough for me. I’m not complaining at all.”

Before she could respond, we heard a knock on the main door.

“I’ll check who it is,” the caregiver said as she stood up and left the room.

A few seconds later, she returned—and Vera walked in behind her.

“Vera? It’s you?” I said, immediately getting up and pulling her into a hug.

“Yes, babe,” she replied, hugging me back tightly.

She turned to my mom afterward. “Good morning, ma.”

“Good morning, Vera,” my mom replied with a warm smile. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, ma.”

“You didn’t tell me you were coming,” I said, turning back to her.

“I know it’s Saturday, and you’d be at home today, so I decided to come spend some time with you,” she said. “We haven’t really had time to hang out since you started this job.”

“I know, right?” I said with a small laugh.

Then I turned to my mom. “Mom, we’ll be in my room.”

“Alright, dear,” she replied.

I led Vera out of the room, and we walked down the hallway into my bedroom.

The moment we entered, she flopped onto my bed dramatically.

“Oh, finally… it’s the weekend,” she said, stretching her arms.

“Yes, it is,” I replied, sitting down beside her.

She quickly sat up, suddenly curious. “So, tell me… how has work been lately?”

I sighed. “It’s been really exhausting, honestly. But I’m learning fast.”

“I knew you would,” she said with a grin. “My smart girl.”

“Oh, please,” I laughed, shaking my head.

“What about your arrogant boss?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I scoffed lightly. “Speaking of him, you won’t believe what he did yesterday.”

“What did he do?”

“He went to his grandfather’s place in the afternoon and came back in a terrible mood,” I began. “Then he told me to cancel all his appointments because we were going somewhere in the evening.”

“And?” she leaned forward.

“And that ‘somewhere’ turned out to be a club.”

“A club?” she repeated, surprised.

“Yes,” I said. “I even asked if I could leave since there was no more work for me, but he refused. He said it wasn’t my closing time yet.”

Vera burst out laughing.

“What did you do?” she asked between laughs.

“What could I do?” I shrugged. “I can’t afford to lose my job, so I had no choice but to stay.”

“Your boss is really something,” she said.

“And annoying,” I added quickly.

She chuckled again. “So what happened at the club?”

I hesitated for a second before answering. “One of his friends kept insisting that I drink. I tried to refuse, but he didn’t take no for an answer. I ended up having a glass.”

“Just one glass got you drunk?” she asked, skeptical.

“No,” I admitted. “I had more after that. Turns out it was really strong. I don’t even remember how I got home last night. My head is completely blank.”

“At least you had some fun,” she teased.

I frowned immediately. “How is that fun? Tell me. If not for the fact that you love clubbing, you wouldn’t say that.”

“Okay, okay… sorry,” she said, raising her hands in surrender.

Just then, my phone beeped from the table.

I reached for it lazily and glanced at the screen.

A message.

From Herrick.

My mood instantly dropped.

I opened it.

Come to my house now. We have work to do.

I stared at the message in disbelief.

“Who is it?” Vera asked, noticing my expression.

“It’s my boss,” I said flatly. “He wants me at his house. Says we have work to do.”

“On a weekend?” she asked.

“Exactly!” I snapped. “Who works on a weekend?”

She sighed. “I think you still have to go.”

“Of course I have to go,” I said, already frustrated as I stood up. “That’s what makes it worse.”

“It’s okay, girl. You’ll be fine,” she said reassuringly.

I walked slowly to my wardrobe, still feeling slightly groggy from the previous night.

I had really thought today would be different.

A peaceful day.

A day to rest.

A day to just breathe.

But no.

Work again.

I opened my wardrobe and stared at my clothes, trying to decide what to wear.

My head still felt a little heavy, and the idea of stepping out again wasn’t appealing at all.

But I didn’t have a choice.

This job… I needed it.

Not just for me—but for my mother.

I took out a simple outfit and placed it on the bed.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Vera asked from behind.

I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. You should stay and keep Mom company.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I said, forcing a small smile. “At least one of us should enjoy the weekend.”

She sighed but nodded. “Alright. But call me if anything happens.”

“I will.”

I quickly got changed, trying not to think too much about what was waiting for me.

Herrick.

His attitude.

And whatever “work” he suddenly remembered on a Saturday.

As I picked up my bag and phone, I paused for a second.

For a brief moment, the thought of the mysterious stranger crossed my mind again.

Whoever he was… he had helped us when we needed it the most.

And somehow, that gave me a little strength.

Maybe things weren’t entirely bad.

Maybe… just maybe, something good was starting to happen.

I took a deep breath and walked out of the room.

Time to face another long day.