DISHONORED TO DOMINANCE

Raviora’s Point of View

My biggest problem is poverty. For me, I grew up not having either of my parents. I was just two years old when my parents died. Grandpa always says I should always be practical.

“W-What’s the problem again now, Doc?” I asked worriedly. I was panting in front of the Doctor because I ran from the entrance to my Grandpa’s room.

The Doctor sighed as he looked at me. “He will not last long...”

“No! No! There should be a way, right?” I disagreed, and my voice broke.

“I told you months ago he should’ve accepted the treat–”

I started panicking. “D-Doc... I’ll do anything. Please c-continue my Grandpa’s m-medications...”

“His bill is now in the hundred thousand, Miss. Nearly a million. How long are you going to bear it? And he already signed a DNR form... Didn't he inform you?” He informed me using his most concerned way.

My world tore apart. A DNR... What? No! It couldn’t be. He’s precious to me, and I should do everything to continue his medications! I know Grandpa still has a chance of surviving and... living.

"H-He didn't."

I don’t care if I should work until the day I die, but... I love Grandpa so much that I couldn’t bear thinking he’ll die soon because of his illness.

I sighed heavily as a tear fell from my eyes. To be honest, I will do everything for him. He was the only one who loved and cared for me. Grandpa has done everything for me since I was a child!

“I don’t care how much the bill is, Doc. I’ll do anything for him.”

Even though our chance is low, I still hope a miracle will happen. Months ago, Grandpa was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It’s incurable, but the Doctor said as my Grandpa continues medicating, he’ll live long. But when Grandpa found out I was running out of money, his nurse informed me, saying he was now rejecting his treatments.

I got mad, and at the same time, I begged him to do it, yet he always gave me a headache. Not until his condition worsened.

“Grandpa...” I begged while crying.

He was sitting on his bed as his eyes were outside the window, not minding me completely.

I tried caressing her hand, but he didn’t let me. Instead, Grandpa avoided my touch.

“How many times do I need to tell you, you should just let me rest?” I was stunned because of his eagerness to leave me in this world. I bit my lower lip because the way he said those hurt me.

Another tear fell from my eyes. “Grandpa!”

“We’re running out of money, Raviora!” He stormed. He coughed a bit because of it. “I am okay. I am ready to rest, sweetheart.”

Grandpa held my hands. I couldn’t look at him straight because his words made me lose hope. I don’t know why he’s okay with it while I am not.

“Look at me,” he whispered.

I didn’t obey his orders. My heart hurts a lot. How about me, then? How will I live if the only person who makes me happy and the reason for my living will leave me?

It’s unfair!

Weakness invaded my whole body. I couldn’t talk or even look at him. He’s thin and has big two-eye bags underneath his eyes. I continued sobbing. Thinking Grandpa would leave this world, it felt like I lost my reason to continue living, too.

“Raviora...” Grandpa said gently.

“G-Grandpa...”

He widened his both arms, wanting me to hug him. I obeyed. I am now sitting above his bed while hugging him.

The hot liquid kept falling as I felt the warmth of his hug.

“I-I’ll try a-again, okay? I’ll try finding money...”

I felt his hands slowly caressing my hair. “What did I tell you before, hmm? Even if I die, you’re still the baby Raviora I once cared for and loved. Right?”

“I don’t wanna wake up in the morning not seeing you cooking and making breakfast for me,” I said sluggishly.

He softly chuckled. “You still have work, right? You should hurry now, sweetie.”

“But Gran–”

“I’m okay...”

“But you signed a DNR.”

He chuckled as if it was nothing. “I don’t wanna be a burden.”

The last thing I knew is I was now outside the hospital. Other people are okay with the thought of losing someone, but in my case, I strongly disagree. Some people don’t know that losing the only person you have is more painful.

Grandpa signing the do not resuscitate form made me angry, and... it gave me pain. I’m scared Grandpa might leave me any day from now, especially if it was the Doctor who said he won’t last long.

Grandpa’s savings were depleted because of his medications. I have work, yes. But my salary at my job wasn’t enough to provide for it, so we used his savings to survive.

No matter how upset I am with him, I can still find myself in a big old building in the town.

I looked up. The blue skies are turning dark while the sun sets. I bit my lower lip as my hand curled into a fist. A friend told me that these buildings belong to loan sharks who let everyone get a loan without interest, but in exchange, you have something important to you and give it to them.

My hands trembled as I saw the men who looked like goons outside the building. I’m sure this is the one my friend was saying when we talked on the phone.

I slowly went inside. Some of them look at me as if I am some sort of food they can eat whenever they want since I am here in their territory.

When I saw their office, I immediately knocked on their door. My heart pounded when a scary man wearing a Sando with tattoos all over his body, a big fat tummy, and wearing his dirty smirk opened it for me.

I smiled nervously.

“Boss,” Damn! Even his voice is scary! “I think someone needs a loan, too.”

The ugly big old fat scary man opened the door for me. Inside their office are full of clothes and men. Some were smoking, and some were not.

Damn. Do their parents never tell their children, even for once, that smoking inside an office, house, or apartment is not allowed?

From what I can see, I think their boss is the one who’s wearing a summer polo shirt while puffing on his cigarette. All their eyes went on me. Some goons are massaging their boss’ back.