A Heavy Burden

Chapter 10: A Heavy Burden

Danielle paced back and forth in the cold, sterile hospital hallway, her heart racing as she awaited news. Her father, James Bennett, had been rushed to the emergency room late last night after collapsing in their small apartment, throwing her world into disarray.

Finally, a doctor stepped out, pulling down his mask. "Miss James, your father is stable for now, but he'll need to stay under observation. We're considering a series of treatments, and possibly surgery."

The doctor handed her an estimate of the medical costs, and her stomach sank. The figure on the paper was overwhelming, far beyond her means. Nodding numbly, she clutched the paper tightly, as if releasing it would worsen the situation.

From that moment on, Danielle's days turned into a blur. Her mornings started at the hospital, ensuring her father was comfortable before hurrying to work. Her nights were consumed with finding solutions: researching medical loans, contacting charities, and jotting down numbers on notepads until her vision blurred. Sleep was scarce, and the burden of it all began to take its toll.

At Wright Enterprises, she often arrived late, looking frazzled and distracted. Deadlines slipped by, reports went unfinished, and tasks accumulated. Her supervisor, Mr. Caldwell, quickly took notice.

"Miss Bennett," he said one morning, leaning over her desk with a clipboard in hand. "This is the third report this week that's been submitted late—and it's filled with mistakes."

Danielle barely glanced up, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Mr. Caldwell. I promise it won't happen again."

"I hope that's the case," he replied curtly before turning away, shaking his head.

Ethan Wright, however, had been watching her quietly from a distance. He noticed the shift in her demeanor, the dark circles under her eyes, and how she avoided making eye contact. Danielle wasn't the same confident, sharp-witted woman who had stood up to Adrian. Something was clearly troubling her.

When Mr. Caldwell brought up her declining performance in a management meeting, Ethan knew it was time to intervene. That afternoon, he called her into his office.

Danielle entered hesitantly, her movements stiff and uncertain. She stood in front of his desk, gripping a folder as if it were a protective barrier.

"Danielle," Ethan started, his tone steady yet firm, "I've noticed you've been having a tough time lately. Your work hasn't been meeting expectations, and your attendance has dropped. What's going on?"

Danielle shook her head quickly, her voice barely a whisper. "It's nothing, Mr. Wright. I'm okay."

Ethan frowned, his sharp blue eyes narrowing. "I don't believe that's the case. If something's bothering you, I want to help."

"I appreciate your concern," she said, her voice wavering, "but I can manage."

Ethan leaned in, resting his elbows on the desk. "Danielle, I'm not asking as your boss. I'm asking as someone who cares. Please, talk to me."

She hesitated, her lip quivering, but she forced herself to stand tall. "Thank you, Mr. Wright, but I'm okay. I'll do better."

Ethan watched her walk away, frustration and worry etched on his face. He didn't believe for a second that she was "okay," but he knew that pushing her too hard could backfire.

That evening, Danielle returned to the hospital, her body heavy with fatigue. Her father's condition had stabilized, but the bills loomed over her like a dark cloud. She had tried everything: applying for loans, calling in favors, even thinking about selling her mother's old jewelry. Nothing had worked.

Sitting by her father's bedside, she let the tears she had held back all day finally flow. "I'm trying, Dad," she whispered, holding his frail hand. "I just... I don't know if I can keep this up."

Her father stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open. "You've always been strong, Dani," he said softly. "You'll find a way. You always do."

His words offered her a small measure of comfort, but they didn't change the harsh reality she faced. The hospital had already warned her: without payment, they couldn't continue his treatment.

The next morning, Danielle arrived at work even later than usual. Her unkempt appearance drew worried glances from her colleagues, but she barely noticed. She sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen, unable to concentrate on the mountain of tasks ahead of her.

Ethan walked past her office and suddenly halted. She appeared completely defeated, slumped in her chair with dark circles under her eyes. Something inside him snapped. He couldn't just stand by and watch her struggle any longer.

"Danielle," he said, stepping into her office. She flinched slightly, quickly minimizing the spreadsheet she hadn't touched for hours.

"Yes, Mr. Wright?" she replied, forcing herself to maintain a professional tone.

"Come with me," he said, his voice leaving no room for disagreement.

Danielle followed him to his office, her heart racing. Once inside, Ethan closed the door and motioned for her to take a seat.

"I'm going to ask you one more time," he said, his voice softer yet still firm. "What's going on? And don't say you're fine."

Danielle's defenses crumbled. The burden of everything she had been carrying felt unbearable. "It's my dad," she confessed, her voice shaking. "He's in the hospital. The bills are... more than I can handle. I've tried everything, but it's just not enough. And I—"

Her voice broke, and she buried her face in her hands, unable to hold back the tears.

Ethan's expression softened. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I didn't want to be a burden," she murmured. "I didn't want anyone to think I couldn't manage my job."

Ethan leaned back, his mind racing. He could see the pride and determination in her eyes, even through her tears. But he also recognized her desperation. He knew he had to take action.

"You're not a burden, Danielle," he said gently. "Let me help."