BEYOND THE CONTRACT.

Three months ago:

"Mom, what's going on? You've been tired for weeks," Sophia said, concern etched on her face.

Margaret, her Mother, lying in the hospital bed, weakly smiled. "I'm fine sweetie. Just a little exhausted".

Sophia's eyes narrowed. "Exhausted? Mom, you collapsed at home. That's not exhaustion, that's....I don't know, something serious"

Margaret's smile faltered, and she looked away. "I'll be fine, Sophia. Don't worry."

But Sophia was worried. Margaret had always been the strong one, the one who took care of everyone else. But now, she felt like she was in way over her head.

As she sat in the hospital waiting room, waiting for the doctor to come out and talk to her about her mother's condition, Sophia couldn't help but think about her own life. She worked as a cleaner at a well known strip club, earning just enough to make ends meet. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but it paid little bills.

But now, with her mother's illness, Sophia felt like her whole world was being turned upside down.

Finally, after what felt like eternity, a middle-aged doctor with a kind face emerged from the doorway. "Sophia, right? I'm Dr Thomas. I've been taking care of your mother."

Sophia nodded, standing up to greet the doctor. "Yes, that's me. How is she?"

Dr Thomas led Sophia to a quiet corner of the waiting room. "Please, have a seat. I want to talk to you about your mother's condition".

Sophia's heart sank as she sat down. She had a feeling that this wasn't going to be good.

"Your mother has been experiencing some symptoms that led us to run some tests", Dr Thomas began. "It appears that she has a heart valve problem. Specifically , her mitral valve is severely damaged and needs to be replaced."

Sophia felt like she had been punched in the gut. "What does that even mean? Is she going to be okay?".

Dr Thomas nodded reassuringly. "With surgery, yes, she should be fine. But we need to act quickly. The longer we wait, the higher the risk of complications".

Sophia took a deep breath, trying to process the information. "Okay, what's the next step?"

"We'll need to schedule the surgery," Dr Thomas replied. "In the meantime , we'll need to run some other tests and also place her on some drugs to make sure she's healthy enough for the procedure".

Sophia nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. She would do whatever it took to make sure her mother got the care she needed.

But then, Dr Thomas dropped a bombshell. "The surgery will cost approximately $150,000, but the drugs to keep her stable right now before she can take surgery is $4000".

Sophia's eyes widened in shock. She had been expecting a high price tag, but nothing could have prepared her for this. She felt like she had been punched in the gut all over again.

"How am I supposed to afford that?" Sophia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Dr Thomas' expression was sympathetic. "I know that's a lot to take in. I know how kind your mother is to people, how about you borrow a loan"

"I have nothing to give as collateral, doctor" Sophia said, feeling a sense of overwhelm wash over her.

"Get the drugs first and we'll see how it goes from there" Dr Thomas added.

After her conversation with Dr Thomas, she left the hospital with so many thoughts. The bright sunlight outside the hospital was a stark contrast to the dimly lit corridors Sophia had just left behind. She squinted, feeling a headache coming on.

As she walked to the bus stop, Sophia's mind was racing. She had so many questions, so many worries. But she knew she had to stay strong, for her mother's sake.

Sophia got on the bus and found a seat, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. She would get through this, no matter what it took.

The bus ride gave Sophia some much-needed time to think. She thought about her job at the strip club, and how she was going to find a way to make more money to pay for her mother's surgery. She thought about her mother's condition, and how she was going to be strong for her.

As the bus rumbled on, Sophia's mind was a jumble of emotions. She was scared, worried, and unsure of what the future held. But she was determined, strong and resilient.

Finally, the bus pulled up to Sophia's stop, and she stood up to get off. She walked the few blocks to her apartment, her mind still reeling with thoughts and emotions.

As she walked in the door, Sophia was greeted by the familiar sight of her small apartment. It was a cozy space, with a comfortable couch and a small TV. But it was also a reminder of Sophia's limited means. She had always struggled to make ends meet, working multiple jobs just to get by but none seemed to be enough.

So much to deal with and she didn't know where to start from. Sophia looked around her apartment, her eyes landed on a photo of her and her mother. They were smiling and happy. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks. She immediately rubbed her cheeks of the tears and decided to act strong.

With newfound determination, Sophia began to make a plan. She would talk to her boss at the strip club, and see if she could pick up more shifts. She would also start looking for jobs, once that paid better and would help her make more money.

And she would pay for the surgery, no matter what.

As Sophia sat down on her couch, feeling a sense of purpose and determination, she knew she was ready for whatever laid ahead.

Sophia's phone rang, breaking the silence. She picked it up, hoping it was the doctor with some good news. But instead, it was her boss from the strip club. "Hey Sophia, I need to talk to you about your schedule."

Sophia's heart sank, wondering if she was about to lose her job. But she took a deep breath, and answered, "What's up?"

"I need you to work a double shift tonight," her boss said. "The other cleaner called in sick, and I'm short-staffed"

"Okay, I will do it," Sophia said, thinking about her mother and the surgery she needed. "Better then" her boss said and hung up.

Sophia sighed, feeling a sense of exhaustion. But she knew she had to be strong, for her mother's sake.

A while later, her boyfriend rushed in, a charming, tall and good looking guy in his late 20s. As they sat on the couch, he took Sophia's hand. "I'm so sorry babe, I can imagine how you're feeling".

Sophia shook her head, feeling tears welled up in her eyes again. "I just don't know how I'm going to pay for the surgery Alex, it's $150,000. My insurance can't even cover the medication".

Alex's face fell, and he looked away for a moment. When he turned back to Sophia, his eyes were filled with determination. "I know I don't have a lot of money, but I want to help. I can give you the $4000 to help pay for your mom's medication, at least to keep her stable for the time being. It's not much, but it's something and i promise to do that consecutively".

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "Alex, I don't know if I can take your money".

Alex shook his head. "You are not taking my money Sophia, but my help. I want to help. Please let me do this for you".

Sophia felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Alex. She knew that he was struggling financially, just like her. But he was willing to give the little he has to help her mom.

"Thank you, Alex," Sophia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you so much" Alex smiled and pulled Sophia into a hug.

Fast forward to the present day:

Sophia's phone rang. What she heard at the other end when she answered made her blood run cold........