~Lauren~

I got a call from the hospital the umpteenth time in seventy minutes. Releasing a heavy sigh, I answered. The words that followed had me hitching my breath

'Ma'am, your brother has been transferred into the emergency room again. His stitches tore and this has caused more complications. We advice that you make in an instant payment so the treatment will be carried out.'

'Noo. You don't have to wait for payment to be made. Treat him immediately. I'll be there in few minutes' I yelped frenziedly, worry and anxiety settling in my bosom. Only few days ago, I sent a thousand dollars so he would get the surgery done... It was all I had on me... Nothing else. I couldn't ask Gabe for help.

I hurried into my car and drove like a human possessed, only barely staying within the speed limit and begrudgingly stopping for the red light as a ticket would only delay me further.

"Please, be fine. Please, survive," I chanted the words like a mantra as my anxiety grew even more. It was gett