Chapter 5 Four

• "You're zoning out again." Michelle's best friend, Lara, made a comment that jolted her awake and brought her back to reality.
• They're having a snack in the hospital cafeteria. While the two are eating their snack, a nurse is keeping an eye on Michael.
• She turned her gaze to Lara, only to find her staring at her with concern.
• She tried to smile at her, but Lara seemed to notice that it wasn't genuine. "What is the problem?" Lara asked softly, placing her palm on her palm and gently squeezing it.
• Lara is her only friend. Lara is an orphan, just like her and Michael. She met her while looking for something to eat in a trash can with Michael, and they've been inseparable since. Lara was always there to listen whenever she needed someone to talk to.
• "I'm just thinking about Michael. I'm worried about his condition." She responded to Lara's question.
• She is not lying. She's thinking about Michael's condition, but she's also thinking about what she and Rafael discussed the other day.
• She couldn't speak after Rafael told her what he wanted in exchange for his help. She couldn't say anything.
• Even though she was aware that her conversation with him was heading in that direction, she was still taken aback by what he said. Hearing it from his sinful mouth rendered her speechless.
• He gave her a week to decide on its offer, and she felt as if she was going insane.
• He's making things difficult for her. His proposals were enticing. His brother's condition will improve if she agrees. They will also have a decent place to live, and she will be able to continue her studies. She will be able to pursue her dreams thanks to the 30,000 that he will give her each month.
• She will no longer have any problems. She will not have to work all hours of the day and night to meet the needs of herself and his brother. But could she give her body to a man she didn't know anything about other than his name, surname, and address? Is she willing to give up her innocence for the sake of money?
• But, Michelle, it's not just about the money! This is for your brother!
• She sighed in exasperation. She feels as if her head is about to explode from overthinking.
• Lara tapped her on the shoulder which she has almost forgotten because she was deep in thought.
• Lara pointed to someone in front of her, so she focused her attention on the person Lara was pointing to. And then there was the doctor assigned to her brother.
• She got to her feet and walked over to the doctor. She was nervous as she noticed the male doctor's serious expression.
• "Doc?  Is there a problem with my brother?" She asked.
• Her heart trembled in panic as she saw the doctor's impassive face. "Let's have a conversation inside my office." The doctor responded.
• Lara and she rushed after the doctor, not bothering to bring the food they had just bought. They entered the doctor's office. "Doctor, what's the matter?" She questioned, her voice trembling with fear.
• The doctor's face was emotionless as he faced her, adding to her nervousness.
• "We've already determined what type of Lupus your brother has, Ms. Smith." The Doctor began. "Your brother suffers from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus." This is the most typical form of lupus. It can be mild or severe, and it is already severe in your brother's case.
• This is why he had a high fever and a seizure." She was taken aback by what she had heard from the doctor. "Your brother's case is extremely rare. SLE is about eight times more common in women than in men. SLE affects people of all ages, including Ms. Smith and your brother. Now I'd like to speak with you about your brother's treatment. Your brother must be treated as soon as possible in order to reduce the inflammation." The doctor exhaled a sigh. "He requires chemotherapy, Ms. Smith."
• Her knees sagged and her vision dimmed all of a sudden.
• Fortunately, Lara was able to hold her; otherwise, she would have been sitting on the hospital's marble floor.
• "C-chemotherapy?" She spoke in hushed tones.
• The doctor softly nodded. "Yes. He needs it to reduce inflammation because otherwise his condition will worsen and his other major organ systems will suffer." The doctor looked pitiful at her. "His chemotherapy should begin immediately, Ms.Smith, or the worst-case scenario may occur."
• She couldn't stop crying as she imagined the worst-case scenarios that the doctor was saying. She couldn't afford for her brother to die. So she made a quick decision. She nods at the waiting doctor, saying, "Do everything you need to do, Doc," without thinking twice.
• The doctor gave a nod. "We will, Ms.Smith. We will."
• When the doctor left, she burst into tears.
• Lara immediately hugged her and stroked her back, trying to calm her down, but nothing worked.
• She had to save her brother's life, even if it meant selling herself and losing the dignity she valued. Her brother's life is at stake, and she is willing to go to any length to save him. 
• She slid out of Lara's embrace and wiped her tears away.
• "Michelle..." She can hear the sympathy in Lara's voice.
• "I have to leave.  Could you please keep an eye on Michael for me?" She tried her hardest not to bawl.
• "What are you going to do?" Lara questioned, her voice worried.
• "I'll be right back." Her only response to Lara.
• Lara was about to protest, but she quickly turned her back on her and made her way out of the hospital.
• When she was finally able to leave the hospital, she immediately called a taxi. Rafael gave her 10,000, which she had never considered using until now. If Lara had known what she was going to do, she would have disagreed with her decision and scolded her, but she was determined. She has no choice. She has to do this.