THE NANNY

la'

rried about my mom. She had been diagnosed with cancer earlier last year, and the treatments had taken more from her than I e

and grease, and the fluorescent lights buzzed faintly above us. It wasn't glamorous, but it was s

and late-night regulars looking for something warm. I was running on fumes, wiping down tables and refilling coffee cups while keepin

e slid into a booth by the door and ordered a black coffee. Something about him put me on edge, though I couldn't s

ignore him. When he finished his coffee and stood, I thought he was leavin

froze. Then in

ed, my voice louder

the jar, and I could see the conflict written all over his face. He wasn't just trying to

off. "I get it. I really do. But I need that money. My mom-" My throat tightened

without a word, he placed the jar back on

ehind him. I should've felt angry or relieved, but all I felt wa

f how fragile everything was. Looking back now, I realize that moment wasn't just about the money. It was about th

night wasn't the end of the st

ould be and won't even be considerate. I remember asking him for a loan promising

thinking when she m

is words each time

woman. She's what I always toast her with "an epitome of beauty" slim and slender, blue eyes which turned brown because of her illness. She had a very long hair which

mom had, I was a bit different fro

slim and a curvy slender waist I always

ed. The space worn but cared for, showing signs of daily struggle and resilience. The walls

basic appliances that are

ave me a reassuring smile but I saw pains and penury in her smile. She didn't say any

rs calling and the constant worry over my mom's health were pushing me to my breaking point. The bills were piling up, and I

times, I vowed to never ask him for anything again. But that

was refilling the sugar dispensers, Tom s

nter as if we were old friends, "there's

ok up. "Not

en heard what I

't nee

h, and generous, if you play your cards right. Word is, he's look

iliar, probably from some headline or gossip I'd overheard. A billionaire who'd made his

e wavered slightly.their rules and expectations, s

d been planted, and it would grow, twisting its way