Chapter 2: Misfortunes

“What exactly do you mean, doctor?” I asked, my voice still trembling.

“The current treatment is no longer effective,” he continued. “We'll need to start a more aggressive regimen, which includes intensive chemotherapy and possibly surgery. However, I must be frank with you: the chances of success are very limited.”

The doctor's words hit me like a brutal blow. I swallowed hard, feeling tears threatening to spill from my eyes. My mind blocked out all other complications surrounding me, focusing solely on my father's situation.

“I'll do everything I can to ensure he receives the best care, but you need to prepare yourself for the worst,” the doctor added, his voice heavy with empathy.

I nodded slowly, unable to articulate a response. I stood up from the chair with awkward movements and thanked the doctor before leaving the office. As I closed the door behind me, I leaned against the hallway wall, allowing the tears to flow freely down my cheeks.

As I walked back to my father's room, I tried to compose myself. I didn't want him to see my distress. When I arrived, I took a moment to breathe deeply and wiped away my tears before entering.

“What did the doctor say, Eme?” my father asked, his voice filled with anxiety.

“It's just an update on your treatment, Dad. We need to adjust a few things, but everything will be fine,” I replied, forcing a smile.

He looked at me for a few minutes but didn't press further. I sat beside him, taking his hand once more, seeking the strength I so desperately needed.

That night, I drove home in a daze. Every street seemed to remind me of my growing despair. When I arrived, I collapsed onto the couch, staring at the ceiling as the tears continued to fall.

“What am I going to do?” I murmured to no one. “How am I going to face this? How am I going to handle the medical expenses if I no longer have a job?”

I took out my phone and dialed the number of the only person who always listened to me.

“Eme, yes?” my friend Lauren answered on the other end of the line.

“Lau…” I began, trying to sound normal.

“Eme, are you okay? You sound different,” she said, her tone anxious.

“No… it's complicated.” I didn't know where to start.

“You know I'm here for you, no matter what, you can tell me your problems.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

“I don't know what to do…” I began, my voice breaking. “I got fired from my job today, and then the doctor treating Dad gave me the news that the current treatment isn't working, and that drastic changes are needed. Intensive chemotherapy and possibly surgery. I don't know how I'm going to pay for all that, Lau.”

There was a moment of silence before my friend responded.

“Eme, listen to me. You're going to get through this; you always find a way. And you're not alone; you have me, okay? I'll help you however I can.”

Lauren words meant so much to me. Although my friend didn't have the money to help with that kind of expense, she always offered her support. At that moment, all I needed was someone to listen and tell me there was still some hope, even though deep down, I knew the solution to my problems was beyond my reach.

“Thank you, Lauren. I don't know what I'd do without you,” I replied, wiping the tears from my cheeks. “But I didn't call to ask for a loan; I just needed to vent.”

“We'll talk about money later. For now, just tell me where you are, so I can come see you.”

“I just got home,” I replied. “But it's too late for you to come out, I'll find you tomorrow…”

“No, I'll be there in a few minutes.”

As I waited for Lauren, I couldn't stop thinking about my father and how I was going to solve my financial problem. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and worries. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to find some semblance of calm.

The sound of the doorbell pulled me from my thoughts. I opened my eyes and forced myself to get up and open the door for my friend. As soon as I did, Lau gave me a compassionate look and then wrapped her arms around me.

“Eme,” she said softly as she hugged me tightly. “We'll figure this out. I'll help you find a solution very soon.”

“Lauren, no…” I began, but she silenced me immediately.

“Do it for John, just think about him for now and not about how you'll pay me back the money I give you. Okay?”

No, nothing was okay, but I didn't want to get into a money discussion with Lau. Right now, I didn't want to think about money at all.

The next morning, I forced myself to get up. I had to find a job as soon as possible. Not only did I have hospital bills, but also house expenses and other payments that were no less important.

Just as I was passing through to the kitchen, the house phone rang.

“Who could it be at this hour?” I muttered before answering. “Hello?”

“Miss, is Mr. Williams available? I'd like to speak with him,” asked a male voice on the other end of the line.

“He's not here at the moment,” I said, my tone confused. “Who is this?”

“We're from the bank. We urgently need to discuss a matter related to his mortgage.”

“What mortgage are you talking about?” I was even more confused; I wasn't aware of the issue.

“Are you a relative or someone close to Mr. Williams?” the man inquired.

“Yes, I'm his daughter.”

“I'm sorry to inform you, but your house could be foreclosed on very soon.”

I felt a cold chill run down my spine.

“What? But how is that possible?” I asked, feeling like everything was falling apart even more. “Why are you foreclosing on the house? I don't understand.”

“Mr. Williams has fallen several months behind on payments. We need him to come to the bank as soon as possible to discuss his options. If you want to save the property, you must act quickly. If not, you'll lose everything.”