Chapter 3

Dread fills me as I arrive at the hospital but I shake it off. On the bright side, I can finally pay something. I head over to the room I know so well while trying not to inhale the smell of the hospital. I despise hospitals but once again I don't have much of a choice.

I just really hope she's getting a bit better. Ever since her diagnosis six months ago, it's been a rollercoaster of pain for her. Seeing my little sister who was so full of life growing so weak in the span of a few months has caused me so much heartache. I really wish there was something I could do to help her. It hurts so much seeing her fall apart.

I walk towards the familiar door that my sister is staying in. I open it slowly in case she's sleeping. The sight that greets me makes my heart clench in fear.

Clara's lean body is in a straight line with her bony chest rising and falling slowly in the oversized hospital gown. She used to be so chubby. She looks so weak. The cap that's now on her head only makes this look more real to me. She used to have very long beautiful brown hair. Even my Caucasian father was jealous of her hair.

I had to help her shave it off last month. She started chemo and didn't want to go through seeing her hair fall out in clumps, so shaving it was. I think I cried even more than her while I was shaving it. I used to braid her hair for her.

I close the door gently in order not to startle her. I can't even tell if she's asleep or just closing her eyes from the pain.

I take a seat beside her and run my eyes over her pale body. Tears pool in my eyes as I refuse that this is my Clara. Clara couldn't stay in one place for the life of her. She is an extreme extrovert and was always playing with her friends. While I was always busy reading, she was picking fights with bullies. Always trying to set them straight.

She even told papa once to change her ballet to Kung Fu. When we asked her why, she said that the ballet was too gentle and calm for a strong girl like her.

Even right now on this bed that's threatening to swallow her whole, I can still see that strong little girl. She has been fighting relentlessly and I know she will win. She always does.

"Good morning Sissy. I'm sorry I didn't come over for two days. You must have been lonely right? I'm sorry my love. You wouldn't guess what happened yesterday. I have so much tea for you. The best has to be that I might get a really good paying job today or tomorrow". I hold her hand and squeeze it lightly.

She squeezes back to show that she's listening. I look up at her to see her eyes wide open. They look drowsy but seeing her conscious reassures me. What I would do to see her running around again.

"Hey sissy". Her weak voice makes the tears I've been trying to keep at bay fall without any restrictions.

"How are you today? Should I call the doctor?". Could she be in a lot of pain? I should probably go and call the doctor to check on her.

She raises her hand and nods at me. She doesn't need the doctor, I guess.

"Have you eaten anything today?". A frown takes over my face.

"I don't feel like eating. I don't want to stay here anymore Mia. I don't want to spend my last days here". She puffs out a breath to show that it took a lot of strength from her to say all those words.

"Why? You are doing so well baby. You will be out of here before you can say Jack. Then I'll take you to Disneyland and then you can learn whatever sport you want. You just need to hang in there a little longer". I squeeze her hand tighter as if trying to reassure her.

"What's the use? I'm going to die, Mia. You are just wasting money". It's like every word that leaves her mouth is painful. This is very unlike my sister. She doesn't give up. What could have changed within 2 days? Did someone say something to her? I doubt it. I will make sure she leaves this hospital even if it's the last thing I do on earth. I'll be damned before I lose my last family member.

"You are not going anywhere. You are stronger than this. Way stronger. Are you not that girl that told me she was going to destroy cancer? Do you want to submit to it the way mum did?". I'm full on sobbing by now.

"I'm not giving up. I'm just being truthful to myself. You are wasting money sissy".

"You can give up on yourself but I'm never going to do that. I promise we will get through this together. And about the money, that's on me, not you. So relax and let me tell you about my week". I give her a reassuring smile and she lets out a tired sigh as if telling me that she doesn't care anymore.

Ignoring her, I go on to tell her about my week, how Mrs Faisal's cat died yesterday from a car accident, the jerk from Walmart and the possible new job. I continue babbling so much that I don't even realize when she falls asleep. She was probably really tired.

I tuck her in properly and leave the room. She seems so tired. I head over to the reception and speak to the cashier.

"Good day ma'am. I would like to pay out of the deposit for the girl in ward 98". She nods in response and begins typing on the computer in front of her.

"Okay. How much will you be paying?". I bring out the $500 cash from my bag.

"$500. I know it's not a lot but I'm really trying to get the money". She collects the cash and stares at me with so much pity in her eyes that makes me wince internally.

"I understand love but I'm not the owner of the hospital so it's not really out of the hands. The doctor has really tired to that Clara without payment for weeks now which is wrong according to the hospital policies. Also, the doctor asked to see you once you arrive. He is in the office". I nod in appreciation, drop off the cash and head to the doctor's office.

After knocking the door to his office twice, I hear a "come in" and enter. The doctor is at the desk looking through some files. His thin framed glasses hang on his nose making him look so serious.

Doctor Brown has been wonderful to us for the past three months. He kept on treating Clara even though I found it hard to pay up. Although I have not paid anything significant in the past month, he still continues to try his best to help Clara.

If he asked to see me, it means that something important has come up.

"Oh Mia! Welcome. If I didn't know better I would have said you were avoiding my calls for the past two days".

"Of course not. How could I avoid my favorite doctor? Never!"

"Oh really?!"

We burst into laughter and I take a seat in front of him.

"The cashier said you wanted to see me"

"Mia, I'm sure you already know what this is about. In as much as I want to continue helping your sister, hospital policies are not on my side at the moment. It's getting harder to keep your sister in the ward without a down payment. I'm sorry but the authorities have given you just a week to get the down payment ready or else we have to caught off your sister from the hospital care". He replies me with a solemn look.

Well, I can't say I'm surprised because it has been a long time coming. It's just the small time frame that's going to be an issue for me.

"Is there really nothing I can do to extend the time limit they gave?"

"I'm sorry but this is it. I had to even plead with them to be considerate because of how critical her condition is. On that note, I also need to inform you that your sister doesn't seem to be showing much improvements so far. Her body is reacting badly against chemo and at this point, the chemo is starting to do her more harm than good". My heart plummets into my stomach and my mind flashes to Clara's frail body.

"Doctor, what does that mean for her?"

"Well, we can't say anything definitive right now but she needs to be taken off chemo for a while. To allow her body adjust. Then after a few weeks, we will run some tests on her and find out the next step to take for her treatment. You don't need to worry. We will be taking other measures to restrict the cancer's growth in the meantime. All of these however can't be allowed without a down payment. I really hope you can get it soon. Clara had been a fighter so far but I'm getting worried about her mental state. Try to spend more time with her".

I don't know what he might have observed about her but I immediately understood what he was saying from the time I spent with her today.

"Thank you doctor. I'll try my best to get it. Thank you for always looking out for us. It really means a lot".

"It's my duty as a doctor. You are welcome".

Well, not all doctors are like you.

"Goodbye. Have a nice day". I take my leave and go to check on Clara one more time before I leave the hospital. She's still sleeping so I settle for talking to her tomorrow.

As soon as I get to the hospital car park, my phone starts to ring. I take it out from my back pocket and place it on my ear.

"Hello Mia. This is Sheila from Starbucks". I clear my throat to ensure my voice is clear.

"Yes Sheila. Thanks for calling me. How have you been? Any news?". I hope I don't sound too desperate.

"Yes. I'm very well, thank you. So the boss wants to see you on Monday morning 9am sharp. He is a punctual person so try to be here before 8:45 to prevent any issues". My heart leaps in joy.

"Oh yes! I will. This means a lot to me Sheila. A whole lot. I won't be late"

"No need to thank me love. I'll hold you to that. I'll send you the house address. When you get here simply ask for Mr Ross and that you are here for an interview".

"Ok, thank you. I will do that"

"Goodbye Mia. Have a nice day"

"Yes, you too. Thank you once again". She chuckles and hangs up.

All of a sudden, tears burst out of my eyes. A mixture of happy and sad tears, really. I really hope I get this job. This job could help me pay for Clara's down payment.

I spend the next ten minutes in the hospital parking lot crying my heart out while by passers look at me with pity and sympathy in their eyes. They probably think I lost someone.

Well, I hope I don't.