The following day, Bella stepped out of the last bank, her shoulders sagging under the weight of another no.
The hot afternoon air felt thicker than usual, clinging to her skin as if mocking her for daring to hope.
"Sorry, Miss Howells, there's nothing we can do," the banker's voice from moments ago still rang in her ears, cold and final.
She was halfway down the sidewalk when her phone buzzed in her hand. The name flashing across the screen made her chest tighten—Rachel.
Why was she calling this time? Was everything okay? Or perhaps, their mother was awake now.
Bella answered quickly. "Rachel?"
Her sister's voice came out trembling, almost panicked. "Bella… Mom's worse. The doctors… they say she needs a second surgery immediately, or—"
"Or what?" Bella's breath caught.
"I don't know, Bella. Just come, please," Rachel cried.
The world around her blurred. Her vision clouded as the news hit her like a blow to the chest. She stopped right there on the sidewalk, her knees threatening to give way. "A second surgery..." she whispered, but the helplessness in her voice twisted into raw frustration. "I'll be on my way."
She hasn't even seen money to pay the full hospital bills and now, a second surgery was required. What was she supposed to do now?
Without thinking too much, she flagged down a cab and rushed back to the hospital.
A short while later, Dr. Thompson sat down beside Bella in the hospital room, his expression somber. "Bella, I want to explain your mother's condition to you so you understand better why she needs a second surgery immediately," he said, and she nodded even though they'd already told her all about her mother's condition the first time.
"Like you already know, she has an intracranial aneurysm, which is a bulge in a blood vessel in her brain. We've been managing it with medication, but unfortunately, complications have arisen."
Bella's eyes widened with concern. "What kind of complications?"
Dr. Thompson's voice was gentle but firm. "The aneurysm ruptured, causing bleeding in her brain. Yesterday, we performed an initial surgery to clip the aneurysm and relieve the pressure. However, her condition has taken a turn for the worse. She's developed vasospasm, which is a constriction of the blood vessels in her brain. This is reducing blood flow and putting her at risk for further damage."
Bella's face paled. "What does that mean, Doctor?"
Dr. Thompson's expression was grave. "It means we need to perform a second surgery as soon as possible to improve blood flow and prevent further damage. If we don't, there's a high risk of permanent brain damage or even... worse."
Bella's eyes filled with tears. "You have to save her. Please."
Dr. Thompson nodded. "We're going to do everything we can, Bella. But time is of the essence. We need to act quickly to give your mother the best chance of recovery."
Just then, a hospital administrator entered the room. "Dr. Thompson, I've been informed of the situation. I'll need to discuss the financial arrangements with Ms. Isabella."
Dr. Thompson nodded and stood up. "I'll leave you to discuss the details. Bella, I'll send in the neurosurgeon to discuss the second surgery with you."
The administrator sat down and pulled out a folder. "Isabella, the second surgery will require additional costs, including the fees for the neurosurgeon. We'll need to receive payment or confirmation of insurance coverage before we can proceed."
Bella's eyes widened in concern. "How much will it cost?" She asked even though she knew she had no way of getting the money.
The administrator quoted a figure, and Bella's face fell. "I... I'll need to make arrangements. Can I make a payment plan?"
The administrator nodded sympathetically. "We can discuss options. However, we do need to receive some payment upfront before we can schedule the surgery. Can you make a payment today?"
Bella nodded, determination etched on her face. "I'll find a way. Just please, save my mother."
As soon as she stepped out of the room, she headed straight to the ladies' room not wanting her sister to see her crying.
Bella pressed a hand over her mouth, but the sobs broke through anyway. "Damn you, Ethan!" she cried out under her breath, her words trembling with rage. "Damn you for doing this to us."
But even as she cursed him, reality crashed back in. She needed money. Desperately. Not just for the hospital, but to keep their house from slipping away. And the cruel truth?
No bank would help her. The house couldn't be sold. There was nowhere left to turn. Even to save her mother. She needed to find money. Any way neccessay but how?
Her mind spun wildly until one reckless thought broke through—What if…
The idea made her stomach twist. This idea of hers—it wasn't who she was. But the image of her mother lying in that hospital bed pushed back every hesitation. It was against her morals but to keep her mother alive and secure the only thing they have left, she could do it but would the payment even be enough?
Her phone buzzed again, startling her. But this time, it was Chloe.
Bella swiped to answer, her voice breaking the moment she spoke. "Chloe, I can't… I can't take this anymore."
"What happened? Bella, talk to me. How's mom? Isn't she better? Why are you crying?" Chloe asked in alarm.
Through tears, Bella told her everything—the banks, the rejection, Rachel's call, and of course, the looming surgery.
"I'm so sorry," Chloe said softly. "I wish I could help, but that was my entire savings I sent you yesterday."
"I know," Bella sniffled, wiping her cheeks. "Please, don't apologize. You've done enough already."
There was a pause before Chloe hesitated, "Maybe… maybe I could talk to my boss—"
"No." Bella cut her off, shaking her head even though Chloe couldn't see her. "Don't bother. I understand you want to help but I have another idea. Hopefully, this would help me raise the money I need."
"What idea?" Chloe asked suspiciously.