It's how much!

The sun shined into the pale room. The mixture of colors of the flowers brought life to the room and added color. I know that a hospital smells like detergents to create a clean environment for the patient, but it reeked of an environment with only sick people. The wind traveled around the room: blowing the curtain open. A white bed in the middle of the room lay a small figure.

I sat next to Mia, watching her sleeping face. Alex was currently at work though he was reluctant to leave. I had to convince him that I would be fine. I called my workplace explaining my situation but did not give them too much detail. I did not want to tell them my daughter had blood cancer and see all their face filled with pity at work. I only said that my daughter was sick and had to take care of her.

My mind trailed back to what the doctor told me. The conversation brought a grim reminder.

Flashback

"Okay, doctor, explain to me my daughter's ill-illness," I spoke restlessly.

I was currently alone with the doctor.

The doctor nodded, understanding that I wanted him to get straight to the point.

"Okay, Miss. Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children," he explained.

"Can it be cured?" I asked hopefully.

The doctor's face hardened. " As with other types of cancer, there's currently no cure for leukemia. People with leukemia sometimes experience remission. It is when the cancer is not in the body."

The thought of remission brought a flutter of hope in me.

"I'm sorry, Miss, but remission doesn't happen for everybody. It's not common, so I don't want you to become too hopeful about it."

'Way to crush my heart,' I thought bitterly.

"What are the treatments?" I asked.

"Treatment is highly variable. For slow-growing leukemias, treatment may include monitoring. For aggressive leukemias, treatment includes chemotherapy. Then by radiation and stem-cell transplant.

I nodded, though there were difficulties following what the words meant.

"It's not an automatic death sentence, right?"

The doctor shook his head. I breathed a sigh of relief.

I am grateful that I was born in a modern generation with advanced technology and medicine.

I cleared my throat and steadied my voice. Now I was going to ask the most important question after the death sentence one.

"How much is the treatment?"

The doctor took a brief pause and then answered, "About $15 000 per month."

I felt a lump form in my throat. '$15 000! I am only a hotel desk receptionist, and I earn nearly not enough for that amount. Why are treatments for cancer these expensive! A deadly illness is so expensive?!'

I stared blankly at the doctor. My mind began blank and filled with dread.

Flashback end

I sighed for what felt was the hundredth time. I had to work extra hours at the hotel and maybe find a meager job. I contemplated asking for help from Alex, but his monthly income will not be enough. Add to the fact I don't want him to ask his uncle since I want no help from my family. Word could get out, and then the Johnsons would find out. I don't want them to know anything of my personal life at all.

My mind shifted to Miguel. I haven't seen him since three days ago. I feel uncomfortable that I still think of him.

'Do I still have feelings for him? Or do I simply miss having him around as a person who was a friend, who supported and comforted me?'

It's been four years. I can't have feelings for Miguel anymore anyway.

Mia soon began to awake from her slumber.

"Good morning, princess. How are you feeling?" I asked and caressed her hair.

Mia slowly opened her eyes. She met my eyes and gave a bright smile. "Morning, mommy. Mia is fine but hungry," she replied and tried to sit up. I helped her along the way and adjusted the pillow behind her back.

"Mommy, is Silver coming today?" Mia asked. Ever since Mia saw Miguel, she was smitten with him in a childlike kind of way. She commented that he was like an exotic prince with silver eyes. I never thought I would see Mia gush over someone's looks. Anyway, she generally liked him as a person.

I tried to word my sentence gently. "Mia, sweeties, Miguel is a busy man; and I don't think he will come toda-"

I turned my head when I heard a knock on the door.

"Miguel?" I questioned with confusion. Standing in front of me was the tall man holding a shopping bag.

"Hello," he greeted simply with a brief smile.

Mia's face lightened up.

****

Authors note

I am done with my exams and my holiday will soon start