Karen's POV.....
Right after walking out of the Golf House, my thoughts still confused and disturbed by the manager's cryptic words, my phone started vibrating. The sudden buzzing against my thigh startled me, quickly reeling me back into reality. Reaching into my handbag, I saw it was a call from Jenny....
"Hey girl, what's up with you?" she asked from the other end, her voice sounding worried despite her attempt to remain calm.....
"I'm okay... I'm heading to the hospital right now."....
"Do you mind if I come over?"...
"Do you really need to ask permission? Please come. There's actually something I want to talk to you about..
"Alright, I'll be there in thirty."....
"Sure, see you soon.".....
After hanging up, I quickly hailed a cab. As the taxi wove through the evening traffic toward the hospital, David's voice echoed in my mind over the hum of the engine. "Unexpected opportunities arise from unexpected places."
It was frustratingly vague. Was the mysterious rich guy just messing with me? Or was it a genuine tip? I clutched my handbag tighter. Right now, with Mom lying in that hospital bed and the bills mounting, I needed an opportunity more than air. I pushed the thought aside for the moment; immediate reality was calling.....
Once I arrived at the hospital premises, I headed straight to my mother's ward and saw a nurse attending to her.
"Good morning," I greeted quickly, realizing it was actually evening, my internal clock messed up by stress.....
"Good evening," she responded with a polite smile, ignoring my slip.....
"How is my mother doing now?"....
"She is stable for now, but we need to proceed with the surgery as soon as possible to prevent future complications and save her life. Oh, and before I forget, Doctor Drew wants to see you in his office."....
My stomach tightened. "Okay, thank you. Is he in at the moment?"...
"Um, he was before I came in here, but you can go and check."....
"Alright, thank you."....
I walked out of my mum's ward and headed straight to the Doctor's office, which was just two doors down. The pressure in my chest grew with every step. After knocking once on the door, I entered.
"Good evening, Doctor," I greeted calmly, trying to mask my anxiety.....
"Good evening, Miss Adams. How are you doing today?".....
"I am well, thank you."....
"Good to know."....
"One of the nurses told me you'd like to see me....
He nodded seriously. "Oh yes, I wanted to ask how the preparation for your mother's surgery is coming along?"....
"I am working on it, Sir."....
"You know we really need to speed things up for your mother to get well soon. The window for optimal recovery is closing."....
The weight of his words nearly crushed me. "Yes, I know. I am honestly trying everything I can to make sure I get the funds for the surgery.".....
"Alright, that is good to hear. Keep me updated.".....
"Sure. I would like to take my leave now."....
"Okay, you can go ahead.".....
My phone rang the moment I walked out of the Doctor's office, the urgent need for money ringing louder in my ears than the ringtone. It was Jenny again.....
"Hey girl."...
"Hey."...
"I am at the hospital entrance."...
"Okay, I'll come down and get you soon."....
When I met her downstairs, she looked me over anxiously....
"Hey, how are you holding up?"...
"As well as can be expected, I guess."...
"Hmm, how's she doing?"....
"Nothing encouraging. The doctor is pressuring me about the surgery funds."....
"I am so sorry about this, Karen."...
"It's fine, Jenny. We'll figure it out."....
"How's my prince? Have you told him about it yet?"....
"No, I couldn't bring myself to tell him. I really don't want him to know our current situation yet. I don't want him worrying while he needs to focus on his school."....
"Hmm, I understand." She paused, looking at my tired face. "Have you had something to eat?"....
"Not yet."....
"Let's go grab something at the cafeteria, and after that, you can tell me what you have in store for me."....
"Hmm, okay."....
We went to the hospital cafeteria and grabbed some tasteless sandwiches. After eating a few bites, I finally worked up the courage to tell her about getting blackout drunk two nights ago at the Golf House.
Jenny looked completely surprised, and then guilt washed over her face. "I am so sorry for not being there for you! It's my fault that happened. I should've stayed behind that day.
I am sorry, Karen."....
"It's not your fault, Jenny. You had an emergency."....
"I know, but I still feel terrible."...
"Stop beating yourself up about this. Nothing serious actually happened in the end. Some kind stranger helped me."....
"I am really glad nothing bad happened," she sighed in relief.....
I hesitated, tracing the rim of my water glass.
"Actually, that's not all. I went back there tonight. Just before you called."....
Jenny's eyes widened again. "You went back? Why?"...
"I wanted to try and pay the bill for the suite they put me in. Find out who helped me." I shook my head, frustrated. "The manager, David, wouldn't take my money and wouldn't tell me who the guy was. But he gave me a message from him. It was so weird. He said, 'Unexpected opportunities arise from unexpected places.'"....
Jenny frowned, confused. "That sounds like a bad fortune cookie. What does that even mean?"....
"I don't know," I sighed, the pressure of Doctor Drew's words returning full force. "But the way he said it... it felt intentional. Like a hint. And right now, I'm desperate for an opportunity."...
Jenny reached across the table and squeezed my hand.
"Well, we'll figure out what it means together. Come on, let's go finish up and see your mother at her ward."....
"Alright."....