Ayisha arrived at the hospital and headed straight for her mother's doctor.
She knocked once before opening the door. "Good evening, doctor. Sorry for the sudden visit. I just wanted to ask about my mom's condition."
The doctor gestured for her to sit. "That's fine."
She lowered herself into the chair, hands folded on her lap. "So… how is she, doc?"
The doctor folded his hands on the desk. "Your mother's heart condition has progressed. The damage is already extensive."
He continued carefully, "At this stage, treatment is focused on managing her symptoms and slowing further complications. A full recovery is unlikely."
Ayisha swallowed.
"It will also require long-term medication, monitoring, and possible procedures," he added. "The expenses will be heavy."
The doctor met her eyes. "I suggest you discuss this with your family and prepare for the next steps."
"I will, doc," Ayisha said quietly.
She stood, bowed politely, and left the room.
Ayisha walked straight to her mother's ward. She opened the door carefully and stepped inside.
Simon was asleep in the chair beside the bed.
She moved closer, stopping in front of him. "Old man," she whispered.
No response.
"Old man."
Simon jolted awake, his body tensing before recognition settled in. His shoulders shifted first, then his back straightened slowly, joints stiff from hours in the same position. The chair creaked as he sat up fully, blinking as he focused on her face.
"You're here," he said hoarsely.
"Yeah." She looked at him. "You should go home."
"I'm fine here." He dragged a hand down his face, rubbing his eyes like he'd been pulled out of something heavier than sleep.
"What about Sunny?" she asked.
"Don't worry," he said. "I went home after I dropped you off at work. Left him enough food and water. I'll head back tomorrow morning."
"Oh." She nodded and sat beside him.
The room fell quiet. Only the steady beeping of the machines filled the space.
"How was work?" Simon asked, breaking the silence.
"Tiring," she replied. Then, after a moment, "Is your offer still available?"
Simon turned to her. "You're serious?"
"Yeah." She glanced away. "Was it a joke?"
"No," he said immediately. "Of course not. What made you change your mind?"
"I need to work harder," Ayisha murmured.
Simon nodded. "Alright. You want to start tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"Then you'll ride with me."
"I can commute," she said.
"Don't waste your money when I'm offering you a ride."
She rolled her eyes. "It's my money, not yours."
"You should listen to me," he said, a grin tugging at his lips. "Especially since I'm about to be your boss."
She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Wow. Really? You're using that card already?"
Simon chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair.
His chuckle faded as he leaned back, crossing his arms loosely. He glanced at Ayisha again, this time noticing the way she hadn't fully relaxed since coming in.
"You okay?" he asked, casually, like he didn't want to corner her.
She let out a short breath. "I'm fine."
He nodded once. He didn't argue. He didn't say *you don't look fine*. He just accepted it for what it was.
They both looked toward Maricel's bed. The machine beeped steadily. Too steady. Too loud.
"The doctor talked to you already?" Simon asked after a moment.
"Yeah," Ayisha replied. She kept her eyes on the floor. "Same thing they've been saying. Medication. Monitoring. No promises."
Simon swallowed. "I'm sorry."
She shrugged. "It is what it is."
Another pause.
"So about work," Simon said, shifting slightly in his chair. "You don't have to rush into it. If you need a few days—"
"I don't," she interrupted. Not sharp. Just firm. "I need the money."
He nodded. "Okay. Then we'll do it properly."
She looked at him. "Properly how?"
"You come in on time. You do what everyone else does. No shortcuts," he said. Then added, "And no overtime unless I say so."
She frowned. "Why not?"
"Because you're exhausted," he replied simply. "And I don't want you collapsing in my kitchen."
She scoffed. "Wow. Very bossy already."
"You're the one who said don't go easy on you."
She pressed her lips together, then sighed. "Fine."
A nurse came in briefly, checked the IV, wrote something on the chart, and left without a word. The door clicked shut behind her.
Ayisha leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. "I'm going to stay here tonight."
"I figured," Simon said.
"You don't have to."
"I know."
She glanced at him. "Then why are you still here?"
He hesitated, then answered honestly. "Because I don't want to leave."
She looked away again. "You're stubborn."
"So are you."
That earned a small, tired smile.
After a moment, she stood up. "I'm going to get water."
"I'll come," he said automatically.
She stopped at the door and looked at him. "You don't have to follow me everywhere."
"I'm not," he replied. "I'm just making sure you don't pass out in the hallway."
She rolled her eyes. "You worry too much."
"Someone has to."
She didn't argue this time.
They walked out quietly, leaving Maricel sleeping, the machines still doing their job.