Three months with my sister's husband

the young doctor announced. Zoey's heart pounded as his words echoed in the sterile hospita

doctor's expression softened into a faint, reassuring smile. "Your father requires hospital tre

e doctor's smile faltered. "You'll need to make a deposit of

rother, Jake, who sat silently, his head bowed in resignation. "Sir, I'll get back

st waiting area, Zoey's voice cracke

felt. "We can only afford the three thousand dollars right now," he mu

whispered, "What if we can

re out the rest later. Remember, we've always managed to work things out." He recalled, with a gentle smile, the way they had

e before darkening with memories of their missing sis

ll come back for us," he said, urging her onw

ed man and his daughter. The little girl's voice, soft and forlorn, asked, "So, who will cook now that the maid is gone? Who will be my playmate?" Tears glistened in her eyes. The man smiled gently, patting he

be spread over nine months-each monthly payment a daunting three thousand dollars. The gravity of their predicament loomed large. Zoey, fresh out of college and still

ispered, "Hey sis, I have an idea." He glanced at her with a spark of cautious optim

ed. "What

w maid," Jake said, his t

for that man! I nearly lost Dad because of him, and

's not as heartless as we think. This could be a temporary solution-a way to keep you busy while you search for s

as he stood beside his daughter, who now watched with wide, hopeful eyes. "Excuse me, sir," she began softly, "ma

ike to take up that job, if you'll allow me. I need to work to pay for my father's hospital bills." Her gaze drop

ed curtly. A sharp pang of despair shot through Zoey, but she steadied herself. "Sir, I am a graduate, and you know how hard

the feeling that he was merely pretending to listen-perhaps he had brought hi

egan, leaving Zoey h