Let Me Rest

Lia trudged through the door of her modest apartment, fatigue weighing heavily on her shoulders after another long day of cleaning at Collins Hotel. The sun had set, casting a dusky blue hue across the small rooms, and she inhaled the familiar scent of her favorite spaghetti sauce wafting from the kitchen. It was a silent comfort to Lia. 

"Dad?" Lia called out, her voice echoing slightly in the stillness. There was no response. 

Lia heart skipped a beat. It wasn't unusual for her father to be quiet now; though her father's health had been declining for some months, and he often spent his days sitting in front of the television, too weak to do much else. But today felt different to her,A cold knot formed in the pit of her stomach as concerns flooded her thoughts.

As Lia stepped into the small living room, her eyes widened in horror. Her father sat slumped over the coffee table, face pale and drenched in sweat. His breathing came in shallow gasps, a wheezing sound that sent chills racing down her spine.

"Dad!" Lia rushed to him, dropping her bag onto the floor. She knelt beside him, her hands shaking as she placed a gentle hand on his back. "What's happening? Can you hear me?"

His eyes fluttered open, and he managed a weak smile, but it did little to soothe her mounting panic. "Lia… I'm fine. Just tired," he wheezed, but the heavy rasp in his voice contradicted his words.

"No, no, you're not fine!" she cried, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I need you to breathe. Please, Dad, stay with me! We have to get you to the hospital."

He shook his head slowly, his breath becoming increasingly ragged. "No… it's too late for that my dear Lia,I don't even have… the strength."

"I'll be fine, don't worry much"

Her heart ached at his resignation. "You can't say that! I won't let you give up. We need to go. Please, I can't lose you!" The desperation in her voice grew, her fingers gripping his shirt as if she could will strength into him.

Johnson took a few choppy breaths, his face twisting in pain. "Lia… I don't have any insurance… no money for a hospital." His voice cracked, and Lia could see how exhausted he truly was. 

In that moment, a wave of panic surged through her. She had been struggling to make ends meet, juggling her job with the bills and her father's medical needs. But the thought of losing him was unbearable.

"I'll figure something out," she promised, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll find a way to get you to the hospital. Just hold on, please!"

She quickly pulled out her phone, her fingers trembling as she scrolled through her contacts. But when she checked her bank app, reality hit hard on her like a punch to the gut. She barely had enough to cover her next rent payment, let alone a hospital visit.

"Lia," Johnson murmured, his eyes fluttering closed once more. "I'm tired… Let me rest…"

"Don't you dare close your eyes!" she shouted, wiping the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. "I need you to stay with me!" 

I told you dad,we are in this together,I won't let you rest.

In a moment of desperation, she glanced around the small apartment, searching for something—anything—that could help her make a call for help. Maybe the neighbors? But no, they couldn't afford to help. A charity organization? Perhaps.

Her eyes landed on a small cardboard box labeled "Medical Supplies" that was tucked away in the corner, remnants of her father's last hospital stay. She fished out a few bandages and some old receipts, but nothing substantial. But amidst everything, the past memories swirled like a storm in her mind. 

Lia remembered a community clinic not far from their apartment. It had been a while since they last went; they usually couldn't afford it, but perhaps they could offer some assistance or a sliding scale payment plan. It wasn't a hospital, but it was better than risking her father's life sitting here.

"Dad," Lia said urgently, her heart pounding. "I need you to focus on me. We're going to the clinic. I can carry you if I have to! Please, I need you to help me get you to your feet."

"Lia…" he said weakly, his voice barely audible. But she didn't wait for his answer. 

Gently, she slipped her arms under his frail frame. "On the count of three, okay? One… two…" She felt her father shift slightly, and she took a deep breath, summoning every bit of strength she could muster. "Three!"

With a determined heave, she lifted him as best she could, staggering slightly as she struggled to support his weight. He was a small man, but the years of illness had drained his muscle, making him feel almost weightless in her arms. She guided him to the front door, her eyes scanning for any signs of help along the way.

"Just a little further, Dad," she whispered, fighting back the tears. "We're going to make it." 

As they stepped out into the cool evening air, the world outside seemed indifferent to her turmoil. The night sky was awash in stars, and the streetlamps flickered like distant promises. 

Lia took a deep breath, summoning the energy she had left. "You'll be alright; just a little longer," she told James, taking small steps down the stairway.

She couldn't afford a taxi, but she knew there was a public bus stop a few blocks away that could take them to the clinic. It felt like she was treading through murky waters, every step a battle against doubt and fear.

They finally reached the bus stop, and Lia sat her father down on the bench, his breathing still labored. She felt a pang of helplessness as she looked at him, his face pale and weary. "Please, Dad, just hold on a little longer."

She pulled out her phone once more, scanning for the bus route while trying to distract herself from the dire situation. She remembered seeing a flyer for a community fundraiser in the neighborhood; she could ask her friends, the few she trusted to help, maybe they could rally together to cover the hospital expenses.

The bus arrived, and with trembling hands, she helped her dad to his feet. They climbed onto the bus, and she chose a seat at the back where they could sit together, the hum of the engine providing a small comfort.

As they traveled, Lia held her father's hand tightly in hers. "You're going to be okay," she repeated, willing her voice to sound more confident than she felt. "They'll help you, I promise."

As they approached the clinic, she could see the illuminated sign, a beacon of hope against the darkening night. She urged him to get up, their cumulative effort steadying him against the wall.

"Just a few more steps," she said, her heart racing as they made their way through the clinic doors, a warm gust of air greeting them inside.

The receptionist looked up, alarmed at the sight of them. "What's wrong?" she asked, rushing to their side.

"Please," Lia pleaded, her voice cracking. "My dad… he can't breathe properly. He needs help now!"

"Please do all you can to save him please, he's all I got"

The staff immediately began to usher them to a waiting area, their expressions shifting from concern to urgency. Lia felt a sense of relief wash over her as nurses surrounded them, checking her father's vitals and asking questions. 

"Stay with me, Dad," she whispered, squeezing his hand tighter, not letting go. "You're going to be okay. We're here now."

With hope igniting in her chest, Lia realized that even without money, she would never stop fighting for the man who had sacrificed so much for her. 

"I don't know what to do, this is a community clinic,they won't charge much, but what about his medications,I still need to get them on time".

And immediately Lia picked up her phone scrolling through her contacts as the name "Cassie" appeared.

Letting out a heavy sigh Lia summoned every little bit of the courage In her before tapping on the name on the screen.