CHAPTER FOUR: DESPERATE MEASURES.

Having come to terms that her tears and worries could not conjure the funds required for the treatment of her ailing mother; Laura was the first to interrupt the unsettling silence with a desperate appeal.

“Sir, I don’t have that kind of money at the moment,” she began her sentence shivering. “Please, can you start the treatment? I promise I’ll pay as soon as I can. I just need some time to arrange it.”

The doctor’s expression remained stern as he responded, “I’m sorry, Laura, but we can’t begin treatment without the $1,000 payment upfront. 

Our policy requires it before we can proceed.” His tone left no room for negotiation and signaled his unwillingness to bend the rules.

Puzzled, Laura stared at her mother for a while before switching her attention towards the doctor and racking her brain for something to say. 

A flicker of determination kindled in Laura’s eyes as she sensed a chord tingling in her mind. I think I know what to do, she whispered, almost gingerly under the context of what was going on.

She breathed in and exhaled while gathering herself and all of her courage.

“I have an offer,” she said, in a composed but firm toned voice. The last words were almost provoking.

The doctor met her gaze, intrigued. 

“Okay, I’m listening,” he replied instantly, his attention fully captured by her unexpected confidence.

Laura’s voice wavered slightly, but she strengthened herself, knowing she had no choice but to be bold. 

“Our home is worth $3,000,” she explained, her eyes dropping momentarily as if she recalled the memories of her father. “It belonged to my dad before he passed on.” A quiet pause filled the room, the weight of her words heavy in the air.

She lifted her gaze to meet the doctor’s eyes as her resolve hardened. “I’m offering to use it as collateral,” she said, her tone steady, “pending when the payment can be made.”

Her heart raced as she waited for his response, knowing this was the only way she could buy her mother the time she needed for treatment.

“And if the payment isn't made within two months, you can take the house”, she pleaded with a shaky voice filled with fear and confusion.

This is a bold and risky move she’s made, one that could leave them homeless if she doesn’t secure the money before the deadline she set.

The doctor gazed at her, clearly surprised by her proposal, given how unlikely it seemed. He looked at her mother for a moment, then paused, weighing his options before finally meeting Laura’s gaze.

“I’ll agree to it. Two months, but you stick to the deal,” he said decisively. 

Laura forced a smile, knowing her mother would begin treatment immediately, a relief amid all the chaos. 

She leaned down to gently kiss her mother’s hand and whispered, “Please, stay alive for me.”

She turned back to the doctor and quietly added, “I’ll be on my way now. I need to find a way to make this happen.”

Just as she was walking out, she spotted Daniel leaning by the door, who had most likely overheard everything.

Seeing him, Laura's heart shattered, and she rushed toward him.

“Have faith in me, I will make it right. I won’t let them take our house,” she whispered urgently and pulled him into a tight embrace as she looked back at her mother and the doctor, then turned her focus to Daniel.

“Take care of mom. I need to get to work right away,” she said, determined in her voice. “Something has to be done, and fast.” 

With that, she hurried out of the hospital, her mind racing with plans and possibilities.

***

Laura arrived home late, the clock reading 11 p.m., and the streets were eerily quiet, devoid of life. She rushed inside, quickly shutting the door behind her. 

Drained from the exhausting day, she made her way to her room as she hoped for a moment of rest. 

However, as she settled down in bed, she couldn’t help it and memories came racing back to her like a movie on rewind.

“Dad, why did you have to go so fast?” She mumbled, her chest feeling like a bag of stones. “Mum is ailing and we are at crossroads”. 

It was as if she was expecting a reply and wished to listen to his soothing voice again.

She walked towards her room and opened the door with a time-prolonging motion characteristic of someone who has been exhausted by the day.

Her head throbbed with exhaustion. 

Without delay, she collapsed onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling as her thoughts were clouded with confusion and worry.

Through the half-drawn curtain, the soft glow of the full moon reflected across the room. She closed her eyes and prayed for a better and more productive day ahead. 

Within moments, sleep took over and offered her a brief escape from the chaos.

***

Alarm rings...

Laura jolted awake and quickly sat up as she fumbled to turn off the alarm, her mind still clouded with sleep.

The realization hit her that this was once part of her daily routine before she lost her job. 

She drew a deep breath, shut her eyelids for a second amidst her silent prayer for a change in her situation. 

Having limited time, she sprinted towards the bathroom, preparing to take only a two-minute shower.

She stepped under the water, and scrubbed herself swiftly, knowing the long day ahead was filled with job hunting.

Then, she toweled herself dry, and while she looked in the mirror, she applied her skin lotion. Her face looked pale, and the weight of the situation settled in.

She nodded to herself as anxiety swirled in her mind, and grabbed a neatly pressed pair of corporate pants and a matching blouse from her wardrobe. 

She dressed quickly as the pressure mounted.

Laura grabbed her favorite perfume and sprayed it generously as its rich chocolate and musky scent lingered in the air and settled onto her skin and clothes.

She combed and packed her hair, then snatched her phone before heading out the door.

As she stepped out, she spotted a taxi that had just dropped someone off. 

Running toward it, she called out, “New York Job Bank, take me there.”

“Alright, ma’am,” the driver responded, a smile tugging at his lips as he noticed her appearance. He turned back to the road, and their journey commenced.

***

“Here you go, ma’am,” the driver said as he pulled up to the Job Bank.

“Thank you,” Laura responded and she quickly gave him some money before getting out of the car.

Laura had not felt much joy to go out for a long time, however, today, she walked with a slight degree of hope and positive movements even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

“Good morning, ma’am,” she smiled at the receptionist.

“Good morning, welcome. How can I assist you, young lady?” The receptionist asked warmly.

Laura replied with confidence, “I’d like to see available jobs and any vacant positions, please,” smiling as she awaited the receptionist’s response.

“Of course,” the receptionist said, “but first, may I have your full name to ensure you’re eligible for recommendations and hiring?”.

“Sure, I’m Laura Wells,” she answered, a faint smile on her face as she nervously waited for the next step. “I live in Inwood too.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” the receptionist interrupted, glancing at her computer screen, “but your former boss sent us an email with your details. He mentioned that you’ve been known for improper dressing at work, theft, and a highly unprofessional attitude.”

The words hit Laura like a ton of bricks. The image of her she knew was nothing like the person being described.

“Miss, are you alright?” The receptionist asked, noticing the stunned look on Laura’s face.

“Of course I heard you,” Laura answered, her voice wavering as her hands began to shake. “Is this the work of my boss?” she muttered to herself, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I wish I could help you but I cannot assist you in any way at this stage,” she said to Laura with kindness.

Without uttering a word, Laura stepped out of the office in disappointment, her heart filled with rain, and as she exited the building, she could not help but cry.

***

And as she turned onto the street and walked forward, she also felt a heavy vibration of despair and helplessness, as well as fatigue. 

Suddenly, she saw a cafe in front.

Exhausted from keeping calm after the traumatic ordeal at the Job Bank, she decided to go to relax there.

On reaching the cafe, out of the cafe, one of the placards said: “We are in urgent need of waiters & waitresses.” 

She stopped for a moment and looked over the notice, and at that instant, she felt someone next to her like someone had appeared.

“Hey there, gorgeous,” a voice, which belonged to a tall man with broad shoulders, short hair, bright blue eyes, and a cocky smile said. 

Laura turned to look at him as she wondered why he was standing very close to her in that manner.

Feeling intimidated, she withdrew herself and moved backwards, not saying a word and trying to keep a distance between them.

“I guess you’re a quiet one,” the man remarked as he leaned closer with an unsettling gesture toward her hair.

Laura’s patience snapped, and she yelled, “Stop it! Who are you, and what do you want?”.

“My name’s Fred, Fred Walker,” he replied, undeterred, and stepped closer with a smirk on his face. “And you are?”.

“I’m none of your business!” she snapped back, disgusted by his boldness.

Without waiting for him to respond, Laura turned to leave, but as she moved away, she felt a firm grip on her hand. 

Fred yanked her back as he forcefully pulled her into a kiss.