After settling the payment, they returned to the front of the ICU.
Cole slowly stood up from the bench and said to Craig, “Take care of Cami. I’m heading home for a bit.”
Craig nodded in agreement.
The hospital was eerily quiet in the dead of night, broken only occasionally by the hum of machines and the hurried footsteps of nurses.
Camila and Craig sat outside the ICU on a bench. Their figures were lonely under the dim lighting.
Dawn broke. Cole appeared at the end of the corridor, hurrying towards them. He thrust a bank card into Camila’s hand,
“Cami, here’s $200,000. You can cover your mom’s expenses with it.”
Camila stared at him. “Cole…”
Craig also wondered where his father had gotten so much money.
“I don’t have much savings,” Cole said, scratching his head with a goofy smile. “Recently, a young guy wanted to buy my grocery store. Surprisingly, he was quite decisive and came over to sign the contract early this morning.”
Hearing this, Camila was deeply moved. The grocery store had been his labor of love for many years and his only source of income. Now, to pay for her mother’s treatment, he had sold it.
“Cole… you shouldn’t have sold the store. What about your future…” Camila tried to give the bank card back to Cole. “Don’t worry about the money. You’ve met my mom’s goddaughter, Erica. She’s wealthy, but she’s abroad right now. I can borrow from her when she returns.”
“I could also ask for an advance on my salary. Please get the store back,” Camila urged anxiously.
Cole shook his head firmly.
“Cami, listen to me. I can find other work if the grocery store is gone. Or, once your mom gets better, I’ll work
at her diner. There’ll always be food on the table,” he reassured her.
Camila opened her mouth to respond but Cole waved her off. “Enough now. Go and pay for your mom’s treatment.”
“Cole, Craig, I’ll pay you back slowly.” Camila knew further discussion was futile, so she reluctantly took the bank card and headed to the payment office.
After settling the bills, Camila returned to the ICU.
Craig had gone back to work.
At that moment, the doctor came out of the ward, removing his mask. His expression was serious as he looked at Camila. “Your mother’s condition is more severe than we initially thought. Rest assured. We will devise the best treatment plan.”
A wave of immense panic and helplessness swept over Camila. She fought back tears, her voice trembling. “Doctor, can I see my mom now?”
The doctor gently shook his head. “Not right now. The patient needs to rest quietly. Visiting hours are from 3:00 to 3:30 PM. You can see her then.” Ads by PubFuture
“Claire is strong. She’ll be alright,” Cole said firmly, holding Camila’s shoulder.
Camila sniffled. She turned to look
at Cole. Her tired but determined eyes were filled with endless gratitude. “Cole, please stay with my mom here. I need to go back to the office and apply for an extended leave to hand over my work.”
“Alright,” Cole nodded. His voice was deep and resolute. “Go on.”
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