Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 134212 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 671(@200wpm)___ 537(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134212 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 671(@200wpm)___ 537(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
“I’ll just get an itemization for Boris’s treatment,” she says, disappearing again. I use the time while she’s gone to pray. Pray that my bank doesn’t reject the transaction. The receptionist is back moments later, presenting me with a sheet of paper. Then she proceeds to go down the long list that consists of scans, drips, medications, an overnight stay—and that’s just for now. “We’ll re-assess in the morning, but for now this is what’s due.” She circles the figure at the bottom of the sheet, and I break out into a cold sweat. Seven hundred and sixty-five pounds? I’m already over my overdraft. I know that my bank won’t approve this transaction. But I still insert my card into the machine, begging for a miracle as I punch in my PIN number.
DECLINED
“Oh,” the receptionist says, frowning down at the machine. “I’m afraid that didn’t go through. Should we try again?” She looks up at me in question.
“Here.” A hand passes over my shoulder, a card held between his fingers. “You can charge it to this one.”
I watch as the lady takes the card, which I note to be an American Express. “No,” I blurt, swinging around to face him. “No, I can’t accept that.”
“Do you have a choice?” he asks gently, which no umbrage tinging his question. It’s just a simple question.
But still, it makes me tearful, and I look away, embarrassed. “No,” I admit, my lip quivering.
He moves forward and sees to the payment of my extortionate bill, with not another question asked or word said. I thought I couldn’t feel any more useless. Turns out I was wrong.
“We will call you tomorrow with an update,” the lady tells me, pulling a receipt from the printer and handing it to the stranger. “But for now, he’s stable and comfortable, so please try not to worry.”
“Thank you,” he says, taking my arm and gently guiding me out of the building.
Only when the cold air hits me do I snap out of my trance. “Why did you do that?” I ask.
He drops my arm. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“Because I’m a stranger to you.” I almost laugh, but my self-pity prevents it.
Nodding, as if agreeing, his green eyes harbor a million questions I just know I won’t want to answer. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with so much sadness in their eyes,” he says quietly.
His words hit me like a brick in the face. It’s just like I thought, and resentment bubbles as a result. I don’t want him to feel sorry for me. Everyone feels sorry for me. “I’ll pay you back, of course.”
“Do you have the money to pay me back?”
I shoot him an indignant look, one that I have no right to flash him. “Yes,” I lie, holding out my hand. “So, your details?”
He pulls out his wallet, and then a silver card. “Here.”
I take it and stuff it in my coat pocket. “Thank you for . . .” I drift off, feeling small and worthless. How did it come to this? How did it come to me resorting to strangers for help?
“Keeping you company? You’re welcome,” he finishes for me, and I look at him in question as he gestures toward his shiny silver BMW. “Let me take you home.”
“Thank you, but I’ve already taken up too much of your time.”
“It’s nothing, really.” He holds his hand out to me. “I’m Luke.”
“Luke,” I mimic.
With his hand still suspended between us, he asks, “And you are?”
“Lo. My name is Lo.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Lo.” He smiles, and I find my lips lifting at the corners too, slowly forming a smile.
“This is the part where you take my hand and shake it,” he says, still smiling. I look at his offering, stalling. “I’ve already given you quite the hug in there, Lo. It’s just a handshake.”
My smile widens as I accept his hand. “Nice to meet you, Luke.”
He flexes his fingers around mine, getting a better grip. “Now, about that lift home.”
Home. My home. Where I should be, not here with this stranger. Smiling. Thinking of something other than my heartache. “Home,” I say, gently pulling my hand from his. “You know, I think I’ll find my own way home.” I start to back away, and he doesn’t try to stop me.
Instead, he nods his acceptance, slipping his hands into the pockets of his trousers while he studies me as the distance between us grows. “Thank you for everything.” I smile again, finding it all too easy.
He nods sharply. “Goodbye, Lo.”
“Goodbye, Luke.” I turn and hurry on my way, peeking over my shoulder when I reach the end of the street. He’s just getting into his car, and he lifts a hand in a small wave. I wave back and round the corner, wrapping my arms around my body and picking up my pace to keep warm.