Price of Love

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mouth with food as we sat on the floor, our laughter and camaraderie fillin

onses. I'm literally counting down the days until I'm finally

meeting new people, partying, and, of course, hanging out with c

nts and be on my own." She shot me a playful side-eye before adding, "Can't wait to h

pendence, new friends, and maybe even love.

lmost 6 PM! I have to help Mum prepare for dinner." I jumped up, quic

he door. As I walked home, a smile danced on my lips

. But soon, I noticed a commotion up ahead-a crowd gathered, murmuring anxiously

e road ahead was blocked, leaving me t

streets as an ambulance pulled up. Uniformed staff

n't believe this is happening!" The horror of it all gripped me, suppressi

n and a man onto stretchers. But it was the sight of a person lying

, and made a beeline for home, tryi

gh trembling lips as I ran, glancing down at my legs as they pumped through

lant, but the tremor in my voice hinted at

ng a warm smile, and retur

"Ria's fine," I replied, helping her chop the potatoe

ne task carefully, try

h. We had taken out loans to cover his medical expenses,

e of me and Mum and now pulled double shift

degree, and make my family proud-if only to re

rom my thoughts. I shrugged, suggesting, "Maybe he's just worki

ready, we'll ca

side David's dinner, which he could microwa

felt even lonelier now tha

rtling me from my thoughts. I noticed Mum was already r

om, making my heart race. "Mum, is everything o

um by the phone, staring in sho

ide. She struggled to regain her composure before trembling

ef washed over me as Mum thrust open the do

dread, remembering the horrifying scene I had witnessed

n a cab. I ran right behind her, feeling the wei

on cabs for transportation. Finally, one stopped for us, and Mu

my mind raced with endless questi

at Mum, who took deep breaths to calm herself. I'd alway

I saw etched on her f

hurried to the reception. "I'm looking for my so

anic, responded, "Please remain

The receptionist nodded, then pointed, "

After searching the hallways, we finally found room 125 a

his legs. Panic clawed at my throat-this was th

own my cheeks. "Oh my God, David!" I rushed to him, enveloping him

inging to the warmth of our small family. Despite the uncert

Hope you're going to be fine?" I managed to ask, my voice cra

e. We finally pulled back, smiles mingling with tears as Mum

e, thankful for each other and for the se

g in. Even as I fought to stay awake, I couldn't help b

nd I sat by David, watching him

er lips. "What did the nurses say,

night; we won't know anything until morning." She gently t

hing David breathe steadily. Relief washed over me

would we do if he needed surgery? My tho

me to start looking for a job." Since Dad's passing, David bore

, fatigue overtook me, and

I allowed my worries for David and our financial situa

fell into a deep sleep, secure in the knowledge