The Weight of Hope- Evelyn Pov
I parked my car in an approved parking area. After turning off the engine, I took a bag containing Claire’s changes in clothing, books, and other things needed for her. With the bag in hand, I made my way towards the entrance. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center has grown on me like a home, so I could stroll to the door while wearing a blindfold.
Paula raised her head and smiled faintly as soon as I walked into the lobby. “Hi Paula... I can tell by the expression on your face that our medical costs are rising and approaching their due dates. I am making every effort to pay it off in installments. Just bear with me, please.” I spoke out before she had the chance to respond with a fake apologetic smile.
“I understand your problem, Evey, but management is putting pressure on me to get through it.” Could you please make arrangements to pay at least a portion of your outstanding bill? I am quite aware of your circumstances, but I want you to realize how difficult management can be. I’m terribly sorry for putting you in such a situation, and I hope you understand.” It was obvious that Paula explained her situation from the end of the management.
“I know you, Paula. I will make some arrangements and try to pay some amount this week. I just hope that you can manage until then”. Paula assured with a smile and got back to her work.
The weight of financial tension hangs over me like a black cloud, overshadowing my confidence. I could not shake my anxiety as I contemplated how to manage my bills. My mind raced with worry, as I considered the sacrifices made only to keep my loved ones healthy and safe.
The lift chimed when it reached the floor. When the door was opened, the pungent odor of the drugs, the beeping sounds of the machines, and the fuzzy voices of the hospital staff filled my senses. I took a deep breath to prepare myself for what would lay ahead.
As I went out into the sterile environment, I noticed Claire’s room at the end of the hallway and made my way towards it. When I saw her little body lying on the bed, it filled my heart with sadness and anguish, wondering why God had to do such a horrible thing, punishing a 15-year-old child like her with such a severe condition. As I approached her, the constant beeping of the monitors seemed to heighten the seriousness of the situation. My thoughts raced with memories of her laughter and the vibrant energy she once had, which contrasted strongly with the calmness that enveloped her.
“Hey, sweet pie, how are you today?” I walked into her room and asked her for a broad smile that plastered on my face. She became paler by the day, her food intake had decreased, and she survived only on fluids. “Not good; I feel a burning sensation all over my body, and I just wanted to free myself from here.” Claire complained about her discomfort and health. Her tension was overpowering, and she struggled to focus on anything other than pain. She then muttered, “I need help,” hoping that someone would hear her before it was too late. “I understand the anguish and despair of sitting in the same room for so long, sweet pie, but just hang in there; your name has been moved to the top five, and I will make sure you get your transplant as soon as possible. Your strength is commendable, and even though it seems like time is standing still, we get closer to that day every second. You will soon be able to breathe freely. You may even go to school and hang out with your peers. But for all of this to happen, you’ll have to be stronger and do what Aunt Martha says.” I gave Claire an explanation to inspire her and boost her self-esteem.
Aunt Martha entered the room on time to provide her regular medication. Martha is the head nurse in the hospital. She was really nice and helpful to us from the moment Claire was brought to hospital. She’s in her mid-50s. She lost her daughter to cancer, who was the same age as Claire. This was also one of the reasons why she paid special attention to Claire. I would not be able to care for Claire for most days because I worked multiple jobs. I work as a waitress in a prominent café downtown in the morning and at a city bar at night. Both of these jobs are financially rewarding, although they would be exhausting and need me to deal with a variety of individuals on a daily basis. Though it paid well, the money was just enough to cover Claire’s medical expenditures.
I had no choice but to take out a loan from the sharks at this point. Taking out a loan from them has the disadvantage of having excessively high interest rates with unthinkable repercussions if they are not repaid on schedule. This was one of the reasons I did not consider taking out loans from them.
However, I have no other option, considering the present state of being unable to pay off past-due bills. One of my coworkers knew a loan shark and asked for his help acquiring a loan from him. Many people are ready to lend money in return for collateral. On the other hand, provides loans without collateral. I have nothing but my life as a collateral. I wanted to say hello to Claire before heading to meet him later this evening. “Evy, may I ask you something?” Claire’s weak voice drew me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah, sweet pea; what is it? Do you need something?” I asked, putting a big grin on my face to hide my feelings. “Can you take me out of here for a day? I just needed fresh air. Will you?” Claire requested in a hoarse voice, her eyelids drooping from Martha’s medication. “Sure, honey; I’ll check with Aunt Martha and make plans for that. Just take a deep breath and go to sleep Get some rest, and I will see you tomorrow.” I put her in bed and kissed the top of her head.
Due to the strong medication she had been given, she gradually began to drift off to sleep. As she checked Claire’s statistics, Martha silently observed our chats. I walked out of the room with a lump in my throat and tears flowing down my cheek. I could not see Claire’s suffering. I cursed God’s cruelty for placing us in such a situation and taking away our parents when we needed them the most.
Martha exited the room and hugged me passionately without saying anything. That was exactly what I needed at the time, and she was there to provide it to me. “Everything will change in time; just be strong for Claire. I know you have been strong and have done well up to now. These are the times when we should be strong not just for our loved ones, but also for ourselves.” Martha cooed in my ears as she hugged me. “I want to thank you for always being there for me when I was depressed. I am not sure how I am going to thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you very much; you’re definitely an angel.” I confessed to her while gripping her hand. I told Martha that I would be unable to turn in tonight since I was about to meet with the loan shark to arrange for money to pay off the outstanding bills, and I requested that she care for Claire that evening. She patiently agreed to and instructed me to take care of myself.
I left the hospital at approximately 7:00 pm .As soon as I walked out of the hospital, I texted Gerald, notifying him that I’d be at the place he had specified in half an hour. I arrived at the parking lot, turned on ignition, and drove away. After a 45-minute trip, I stopped in front of my pub. Gerald was standing close to the bouncers at the pub’s entrance. I parked a vehicle and approached him.
“Hello, Eve.” How is Claire?” He inquired. Gerald had been working with me as a bartender at the pub. Nikki introduced us. Nikki and I worked together at the café, and Gerald was Nikki’s boyfriend. Nikki, and I hit it off from the moment we met. She taught me everything at the café. She used to cover my shifts when I had to look after Claire. Without her, I had no idea how I would have survived all my difficulties and hardships. Nikki suggested getting a loan from a loan shark to cover my debt. I did not want to take too much risk, so I chose to acquire a small quantity for now so that I could finish it soon.
However, the worry of owning money was always in my back of mind, casting a dark cloud over my already hectic life. I was aware that, unless I devised an effective plan to take back control, I would be caught in this cycle forever. “Evy, relax. I know you are worried about the consequences of receiving a loan, but we have no other alternatives. We tried practically every bank but had no success. We have reached our last resort. I am aware that it is very dangerous, but we need to take action for Claire’s sake.” Gerald was just right. Currently, it is critical to pay all due debts. Claire has been bumped up the list only due to the hospital. If paying expenses is an issue for her transplant, it is worth taking the risk.
Gerald adores Claire, and he is more like a brother to me and Claire. He frequently visits Claire and joys him. We have grown to consider Nikki and Gerald families. The building seemed incredibly old, and a massive iron door stood in front of it. Gerald spoke to someone at the door and pointed us to another door. A well-muscled man stood in front of them. He let us pass after asking a few questions. A dark-skinned man sat in one corner of a room on a single leather chair. “He’s far too tough,” Gerald remarked. “Gerald told me about your problem; how much do you want?” His voice rang out in my ears before I could really absorb myself in my mood. “Uh...uh... I will need $50,000 for the time being. That, I believe, will suffice. What would be the interest?” I spoke up to him.
“I do not charge excessive interest rates, and it is done on a weekly basis. The interest rate would be 6% for one week, and if you missed one, there would be a 2% increase in the next week. This continues for each week you miss. Does it make sense?” He asked in a loud voice. “Hmm.” My mind began to compute the interest rates I would be paying each week, and I decided to find a quick solution. The loan I am currently dealing with will cover only partial bills and nothing else. God alone can help me. Because I had no alternative, I agreed to his requirements, signed a loan agreement, and received funds. Gerald and I both exited the building. After dropping him off, I left. I was thinking about how I was going to repay the bill until I returned home. I simply pray that God sends me an angel to save me from the misery he has placed me in. I arrived home after a hard day, showered, and collapsed when I was completely worn out. I closed my eyes and hoped for a better day, tomorrow.
