Scarlet Heart

It was 9pm, Swan flipped the tag outside the store to read 'closed'. She walked back inside and locked the door from within. She picked up the sales day book and proceeded to knock at the door behind the stalls. "Come on in," a feminine voice responded.

Swan walked in and bowed slightly as she greeted her boss. She presented the sales day book and Mrs Elise nodded. "Good work gal, I will fix this before tomorrow, you can go now," Mrs Elise said as she scanned through the entries. "Yes ma," Swan bowed again and took her leave.

Mrs Elise stepped out of her office and watched Swan's auburn hair bounced behind her as she walked away. She wondered why such an intelligent girl ended up working as a sales girl and not studying. She had tactically kept her personal life hidden from her.

Apart from Swan's intelligence, Mrs Elise found her a bit off. She has an unusual energy well hidden behind her usual calm facade. "There you go again," Mrs Elise cautioned her line of thought and walked out to lock up the store.

Swan arrived Marinda hospital two hours later. The hospital was just thirty minutes drive from the store but she was stuck in Los Angeles' traffic for 2hours.

She walked into her mother's ward and made her way to her bedside. She took her seat by her bedside and cried as she watched her mother sleep. She wished it was a peaceful sleep where she would wake up full of smiles and energy as usual.

A nurse walked in and Swan stood up abruptly. "How was her dialysis today? I was stuck at work, I could not come around." Swan asked. "It went well, but technically speaking, I am not sure her body can take anymore dialysis. She would need the transplant as soon as possible... You should see the doctor before leaving," the nurse advised.

Swan walked out of the doctor's office with tears flowing freely from her face. She knew she wasn't going to get the money needed for the transplant soon.

Beep beep beep,

her outdated phone rang out and she picked up instantly, it was her younger brother. "Why are you so late tonight...The landlord wants..." Rian said but the voice from the other end changed abruptly. "You darn wretched girl! Do you think you can play smart with me? You promised to pay me today. If you don't, I am sure you know you will be on the streets by the next time we are having this discussion," the landlord said and hanged up. Swan sighed and walked faster to nab a cab. All that filled her head was Rosey's offer.

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