Chapter 3

• 3
• Leslie got down from the bus and walked a short distance to her apartment building in Brownsville. This battered neighbourhood had provided a place for her and her father when they had nowhere else to go. Despite its high crime rate, it was where they called home.
• "Hey, Les," a gruff voice sounded.
• She turned around and found Ted, a local and a chronic gambler who'd been friends with Leslie and her dad since they moved in.
• "Hi, Ted. How's it going?" she said.
• "I should be asking you that, hon. Tesla's been worried about you. She says you've lost too much weight, and now that I see you," he said, sizing her up from head to toe, "I think she's right."
• Leslie sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "I'm fine, Ted. I just want Dad to feel better soon."
• "He will. Don't worry, he definitely will," he said, patting her back firmly. "How about you come around tonight for dinner? Tesla's making those fried dough balls you like so much."
• "I would love to, Ted, but I'm not in the right frame of mind right now. But please send my regards to Tesla. Tell her I'll swing by later in the morning, okay?" Leslie replied, not in the mood to like socialize
• Ted knew that she couldn't be convinced otherwise, so he gave up. He bade her goodbye and disappeared into the night.
• Leslie unlocked the door to her apartment. Greeted with an air of loneliness, she retired to bed hungry, alone, and petrified about her future.
• ---
• The next morning gathered her stuff and visited her dad.Pushing the door of her dad's ward open, Leslie was greeted with the familiar sight of her dad resting on the bed. He looked even worse today, frailer and more haggard. She felt tears prick the back of her eyes, but she had to stay strong for her dad. She steadied herself and stopped her voice from wobbling when she said, "Hey, Dad," in a soft voice.
• Her dad turned around and beamed at her weakly. "Leslie, my girl, you came."
• She nodded and crossed the room, holding his hand and squeezing gently.
• "You don't look too good. Is there something you want to tell me? You know I'm always here," he said, squeezing back gently.
• "There... there's something I need to tell you, Dad," she stuttered.
• "Okay, dear, say it. I'm all ears."
• She took a long, deep breath, her stance nervous, and said, "I've found a way to pay for your treatment. Each and every one."
• Her father's eyes widened in surprise. "B-but how?" he questioned skeptically. "We don't have that kind of money."
• She avoided his gaze and continued, "The lady who came here last time is Eleanor Blackwood. She... she gave me an offer. Her son Julian needs a wife, and in exchange, she'll pay for all your bills."
• "You've got to be kidding me, Leslie. Marrying a stranger? C'mon, you can't do this. What will happen to your future, your happiness? Have you thought about that?” He said, his face tightening with worry. He tried to sit up, but Leslie made him lay back down.
• "But you're my happiness, Dad. I can't lose you. I've thought about this long and hard, and it's the only option I have if I'm going to save you. I can handle this, I promise," she said, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall.
• Leslie's dad made her sit on the chair close to him, his weak eyes filled with sorrow. "Leslie, dear, you're so strong and brave, my girl, but this is just too much to ask from you."
• She shook her head. "No, Dad, it's not too much. I'd do anything for you, Dad, anything at all."
• He nodded softly, and a moment of silence passed, the weight of her decision filling the air. "I love you so much, Leslie."
• A lone tear escaped her left eye. She quickly swiped it and replied, "I love you too, Dad."
• As Leslie left the hospital that evening, she felt a mixture of trepidation and resolve. She knew she was sacrificing her dreams and aspirations for her father's life, but deep in her heart and soul, she also knew that it was the right decision to make.
• She arrived home and looked across the room, her eyes zeroing in on the purple card that still lay on the table. She walked over, picked it up, took a deep breath, and dialled the number written on the card. The receiver picked up after a few rings, and a cold feminine voice rang out.
• "Hello?"
• "Good evening, Mrs. Blackwood. My name is Leslie Harrison from the cafe a few days ago”.
• Yes I remember I've beeing expecting your call, have you made a decision
• Leslie swallowed tightly her palms sweaty I've... I've made my decision…”