Chapter 7

Sofia.

I brought out the 300 dollars I came with. Holding it in my right hand.

“Here is 300 dollars that I was able to raise. Please, Doctor, do well to commence with the treatment. I don't want to lose my mom!” 

Fear gripped my whole body as I gazed in, waiting to get his response. 

His face paled with a faint smile. As soon as the amount filtered through to his ear, the faint smile suddenly disappeared. His face blurred.

I offered the money to him. I stretched my hand towards him.

“No, no,” he repeated. 

Payment is not made here; you have to go and deposit it at the appropriate unit,” he voiced discreetly with his right hand pointing towards the direction where deposits are made.

I felt a bit relieved, believing he had accepted the amount mentioned. 

“You are to deposit half the total amount you have on the receipt, which is 1,500 dollars, before treatment can commence; that is the standard here!” Dr. Davi poured. 

Snapping his eyes across my chest like someone who noticed something peculiar.

“How do I plead for his understanding?”  

Such a question crossed my mind, but the seriousness he wore on his face wouldn't let me voice out. I held back my peace.

I became so deeply disturbed and troubled, drowning in a sea of pain. Not knowing what to do next. I became so downwhelming.

“Dr., please help to save my mom's life. This is all I have, I promise to go and get the remaining balance, yes, I promise!” 

I pleaded calmly. 

Rolling my eyeballs to the edge to picture his reaction. 

“This is not a matter of pleading!” He raised his voice a bit aggressively.

“There's nothing I can do; this is the standard here. Your mom's case is never minor. You are to deposit half the amount you have on the receipt urgently.”

He altered, flicking his eyes across.

The statement struck hard on me! 

The echo made my heart skip.

The popped-up light, accompanied by vibration, caught my attention as calls flooded into Davis' phone. When he hung up the call, he told me he just had an emergency call.

Without allowing a second to strike, I stood up immediately from the swivel, went straight to my knees, pleading. Tiny tears leaked out from the edges of my eyes.

“It's okay, rise. You have to go and get the money. Your mom's illness is not beyond control. She would be fine. We need money to commence with the treatment.” 

He tendered warmly while he ogle at me 

“As you can see, I am about to leave!” He pouted tenderly. He was already in a hurry.

I never stopped pleading. That was my only option.

I'll grant your request, but on one condition! He muttered, staring directly into my eyes. As he stretches his right hand to pick up the stethoscope.

I breathed out heavily, still wrapped in shock! 

“What condition is that doctor?” I asked curiously 

He stood up from the swivel chair, nodding his head gently, with his eyes fixed on me while he moved sluggishly towards where I kneeled and whispered into my ear.

With a shocking surprise, I flickered through his face,

I couldn't believe what I just heard. 

He appeared so defiant and was busy trying to untie the twisted stethoscope. When he got it done, he placed it around his neck.

“Think about it, Sofia, that is all I have to say, the ball is now on your court. Whatever you decide stands! Dr. Davi, hoarse.

Preparing for the emergency call he got. He left my presence and was picking up some stuff, probably what he would likely need.

Without saying a word, I stood up immediately from the floor, hopelessly. I was totally dazed in shock. I picked up my bag angrily, carried the money and placed it inside the bag. 

You mean you can't take the 300 dollars and commence with the treatment unless you have your way true? I'm so appalled and heartbroken. Dr. Davi, you are such an evil man! I coded silently within my mind. 

Staring directly at him in dismay.

“I'm willing to help you if you are ready to do your share!” Davi, pour tenderly!

With bleeding hearts and disappointment, I left his office!

I became so inclined to sell off that minibus. But no buyer could be seen.

This is never the time for me to put into consideration or jerk to Lizzy's opinion. I must act very fast. It doesn't matter whose OX is gored. The chips are down already!

My head is full!

I was making an effort to manage and be in control of the thousands of thoughts flooding in at random, when suddenly the message of our late father surfaced.

His voice echoed tenderly as though he were standing beside me.

“If I can't make it through, make sure you take good care of my sweetheart, as he often refers to our Mom. And also your junior sister. Support her through her academy when you finally secure a good job. Live always in harmony.”

My heart melted, and I became so tender. As his demeanor voice keeps echoing afresh. I blink my eyes continuously, trying to prevent tears from leaking out.

Every second, Mom's condition grew worse. Not enough money for her to be given proper attention. Her condition kept deteriorating.

“Nothing will happen to her!” I muttered courageously, as I snapped out of my reverie.

I realized I was actually standing in front of the hospital gate. Like someone who has missed the way, not knowing what to do.

Different people and cars were driving in and out of the hospital. Beautiful ornamental trees fill the perimeter fence. Swinging in the direction of the wind. 

A friend of mine had suggested to me how I should go and meet with an automobile dealer. In such a way, I can easily sell the bus off. Provided the documents are intact. 

I turned and went back inside the hospital.

When I got inside, Doctor Davi was standing very close to the life-supporting machine, making some adjustments to it.

When Lizzy saw me, she moved towards me, looking sad. 

“Doctor Davi complained about not receiving any money to commence with the treatment. Weren't you able to get the loan?” Lizzy calmly questioned.

“He rejected the 300 dollars I brought. Insisting I pay half the total amount of the bill before he could commence. I winced. Staring in surprise if Davi has changed his mind.

Filled with inclination, Lizzy turned and went to speak with Davi..