The Surprise

PEARL

'Lily bear, are you ready to visit Grandpa?' I shouted from the living room.

I could hear her tiny footsteps scamper through the hallway of our small but cozy apartment.

'Mama, how do I look?' She enquired in her tiny 4-year-old voice, showing off her pink dress, a gold shoe, and her Auburn hair plaited into cornrows. She clutched her favorite teddy to her chest. Mr. Scuffles went everywhere with her.

'You look fantastic as always, my baby bear.' I said while picking her up to twirl around.

Lily has been my sidekick since I gave birth to her. I can remember the day she came into the world just like yesterday. Before that moment, it felt like my life no longer had a meaning as I had no partner or job, but as soon as I held her in my arms, I knew I had a reason to live. Her father turned out to be the opposite of the man I fell in love with immediately after he heard about the pregnancy. He has been absent ever since.

'Who loves you most in the world?' I asked her while staring into her beautiful brown little eyes, which she got from me.

'You, mom. No one else but you.' She responded as always.

'That's my girl.' I said, placing a big, wet kiss on her cheek.

As we strolled into the golden afternoon sunshine, I realized I had less than 48 hours to respond to the client's absurd proposal. I hadn't seen him at the club since he dropped the bombshell on me, and I was hoping it stayed that way, but I doubted it.

'I don't even know his name.' I pondered.

The proposal is appealing, but it sounded risky because I still don't understand why he was doing it or what he stood to gain.

It was a Sunday afternoon, so the railway station was less crowded, giving Lily and me a good seat. I sat at the window to take in the view. Lily was engrossed in the cartoon that was playing on her iPad.

The train's regular chugging created a pleasant soundtrack as I sank in to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and the tranquillity it gives, a much-needed calm amid the chaos that has been going on lately.

The commute to see my father at the hospital every Sunday was one I looked forward to. They had no choice but to admit him since his prostate cancer progressed to Stage 3 two months ago. Despite the sad situation, these trips became an anchor for both of us, a chance to share memories and create a bond between him and Lily.

'Does Grandma have a house in heaven?' Lily asked the first time I told her about Grandma being in heaven.

My mom was my best friend before she passed away three years ago. I didn't know how to mingle with my peers because I was an only child, and I was always the center of attention for my parents. I miss her warmth and laughter, especially her wise and kind words. I'm sure my mom would have had the best advice for me with this proposal dilemma. She always had a solution.

Tears were forming in the corner of my eyes as I remembered her.

'I miss you, mom. I need you now more than ever.' I whispered as I swallowed my tears.

Lily was already drooling on my arm as the train came to a stop.

'Wake up, bear.' I gently nudged her.

The 'Bass Memorial Hospital' signboard gleamed sharply in the sunlight. As we entered the hospital through the automatic doors, the distinct scent of disinfectant mixed with the faint smell of coffee from the cafeteria hit us.

I walked into the reception area. Everyone appeared preoccupied with worries, as seen by the expressions on their faces. Most of the nurses in charge already knew who I was due to my weekly visits.

'Good day, Miss Gates.' The nurse in charge greeted us with a friendly grin.

'Hello Lily, your outfit is lovely. You certainly look like a princess.' She complimented.

'You can go ahead and see him,' she gestured.

'He just woke up from a nap. He's a little weak from the meds, so he might not be able to stay up for long.'

'Thank you.' I said. I took Lily's hand in mine and headed to the elevator.

When we arrived at the Oncology unit on the second floor, the soothing hum of medical equipment filled the air, and a symphony of beeps established a rhythm.

'Is that you, Lily bear?' As we entered my father's room, his fragile voice called out.

'Grandpa!' She dashed towards him. I had to keep her back so she didn't pounce on him.

I moved to hug his frail body, which showed the constant battle he had with the illness. My father's eyes, once bright and alive, were now dulled by the weight of his sickness.

'You look tired, baby.' He remarked as he examined my face.

I've never been able to move anything past him. He reads me perfectly.

'What has been going on? What's your mind?' His voice was barely above a whisper.

'Daddy, we are here for you. Let's focus on you.' Plastering a smile on my face.

He was about to respond when a nurse entered with a notepad on her arm. She proceeded to give me the latest update about my father's health. She then pulled out a paper from the stack on her arm.

'Mr Alexander has requested we move your dad to the penthouse. You have to sign this paper to approve it.' She said, extending a sheet of paper towards me.

'Who is Mr Alexander?' I asked. My brows furrowed in confusion.

'He is the CEO of this hospital. He dropped his contact for you to reach him if you want to show your appreciation.'

She stretched another paper towards me.

'Lily bear, mommy will be right back. Stay with grandpa.'

I stepped out into the lobby to call the number on the paper. I paced anxiously with the dial tone piercing my ears, waiting for the receiver at the other end to pick.

'Hello.' I heard a familiar baritone voice.

My jaw dropped.