Chloe called her mother.
After a few rings, her mother answered.
“Hello, Mom.” “Hi, dear.
How are you?” her mother asked warmly.
“I’m good, Mom.
What about you?” “I’m doing well too,” her mother replied.
“But why are you calling during university hours?
Is everything okay?” Sophia sat quietly beside Chloe, listening to every word.
Silently, she prayed that everything would turn out the way she hoped.
She didn’t want to take advantage of Chloe’s mother’s kindness, but she had no other choice.
She silently promised herself that if Chloe’s family helped her, she would return every penny as soon as she could.
She knew money had ruined many relationships, and she never wanted something like that to come between her and Chloe.
“Everything’s fine, Mom,” Chloe said.
“It’s just…” Chloe hesitated for a moment, unsure how to begin.
“I told you about my friend Sophia, right?” Chloe’s mother paused for a second.
“Sophia?
Yes, I remember.
How is she?” “She’s fine, Mom, but…” Chloe paused.
“But what?
Is everything okay?” her mother asked worriedly.
“Mom, her father is seriously ill and has been admitted to the hospital.” “Oh my God,” Chloe’s mother said, her voice filled with concern.
“How is he?
Is he alright now?” Chloe slowly shook her head.
“No, Mom.” “He has severe arterial disease, and he needs urgent surgery.” “Has the surgery started yet?” Chloe’s mother asked carefully.
“No, Mom,” Chloe replied.
Chloe’s mother paused for a second.
“How much does the surgery cost?” she asked softly.
“Two hundred thousand dollars,” Chloe replied.
Her mother fell silent.
“That’s…
a huge amount.” “I feel so sorry for them.” “Were they able to arrange the money?” Chloe’s mother asked.
“No, Mom.
They’re trying, but they haven’t been able to arrange it,” Chloe replied, glancing at Sophia.
Sophia was looking down at her hands.
“I’m so sorry, dear.” “I only have fifty thousand dollars in savings.” “I would give all of it to you, but I don’t have any more.” Sophia lowered her head.
It felt as though the little hope she had left was slipping away.
Chloe was equally heartbroken.
“I’m so sorry, dear,” her mother said again.
“It’s okay, Mom,” Chloe replied.
“I’ll transfer the money to your account,” her mother said.
“And Chloe…” “Take care of your friend.” “She needs you now more than ever.” “I will, Mom.” “And you take care of yourself too.” “I will,” her mother replied before ending the call.
Chloe slowly turned toward Sophia.
Sadness was written all over her face.
“I’m so sorry, Sophia.” “I couldn’t help more.” Even though Sophia felt completely lost and still had no idea how she would arrange the remaining money, she forced a small smile.
“It’s okay.” “I know you wanted to help.” “And that’s what matters the most to me.” “You don’t have to apologize.” “You’re helping with everything you can.” But after saying those words, one thought kept echoing in Sophia’s mind.
Will I really have to marry Ryan?