I rose from the bed with a bewildering look on my face. My heart was shattered to pieces for more than one reason. Firstly, I could not understand why I had my father, someone who was my real father, do this to me. Secondly, he was ready to let my mother and his wife die because of greed and selfish reasons. Thirdly, the ultimatum was too hard for me to avoid.

"Why, dad?" I asked in a soft voice. "Why do you have to do this?"
It hurt so much that someone so close to me. Someone that was my father could do this. It hurt me in my heart and soul how low he could go just for money.

"Why?" I asked again, my voice cracking.

"Because I am tired!" He yelled. "Do you think I enjoy living my life like this? I feel like I'm choked in every way. I want to be free for once in my life!"

I flinched at his tone and bit my tongue from cursing at him. His change of behavior made me realize that he never loved my mother like the way they used to brag about it before she fell sick. How easy was it for him to fall out of love for her after everything they've been through?

"There's no money to save your mother if you keep doing this. You act like a hero all the time. Save her now or let her die in peace!"

Without waiting for my response, he marched out of my room, banging the door close in the process. My shoulders felt heavy and I had to sit down on the bed to weigh the options I had. Would I let my mother die to put an end to her pain and ours or get into a marriage full of lies and deception? One that would cause so many problems and broken trust?

"What do I do?" I whispered to myself and tears filled my eyes, stinging them. I rubbed the heel of my hand against my eyes, wiping away the tears before they fell.

+++

I was so fixated on my thoughts that I didn't notice that the patties I was frying had started to burn until someone pushed me away. I looked up and saw my boss taking the burnt patties and throwing them into the trash can in his other hand. My heart pounded as I knew I was in trouble. My coworkers had stopped what they were doing and were staring at me.

"You know, Angela," my boss started to say while turning in my direction. "I've allowed you to make so many mistakes but this time, I don't think I can keep overlooking things. You've done worse than this but lord knows the worst out of all that could happen if I let you continue working here."

I gasped. "Sir, please. I'm sorry but please don't fire me. I need this job."

In two weeks, I would receive my payment but now, I was about to lose it. I was about to lose it because I couldn't just pay attention. If I lost my job, there was no way to find one just like this again. I was such a stupid person. Lack of sleep, over thinking and worry affected me so much that it was becoming a habit of mine to dose off or get lost in a trance.

"I'm sorry, Angela but you can't continue working with us," he said and turned to leave. "But don't worry, I'll pay your salary, seeing how difficult things are for you."

He left afterward and I bowed my head in shame when I saw my coworkers still staring. I sighed and walked away while untying my apron. Once I got to my locker, I started to pack up my things. As I did, my phone rang and I quickly took it out of my pocket.

"Why's dad calling?" I asked while dread started to build in my heart. He never called to tell me anything, only when mom passed out. I gulped  and answered the call with my breath held.

"You better come to the hospital and take care of your sick mother!"

My heart squeezed from pain and shock. All I could do was exhale. The call ended and I felt the urge to cry but I couldn't. I didn't want anyone asking me silly questions or pitying me.

+++

I rushed through the hospital hallway and into her room. I saw dad standing beside the bed while mom slept. She looked worse than before with an oxygen mask strapped to her face and a heart monitor that beeped unusually. My feet felt like they were stuck to the floor as I was scared of approaching.

"The doctor said she may not make it anytime soon."

I shut my eyes tight for a brief second before opening them and getting closer. I dreaded each time I heard those words. It made me hate that I wake up everyday while mom's lifespan reduces.

"She may not make it by the end of next year and as you already know, the year is almost over," he said and chuckled. "Which is better for me though. At least, I can move on without a hassle."

I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth but when I kept on staring at my mother's weak state, I released the anger in me and internally broke down. I can't take it anymore. I hated seeing her like this.

"I've given you the option to—"

"I'll do it."

I heard him shuffle beside me before he turned me around to face him. There was shock written all over his face.

"You'll do what?" His eyes flickered all around my face, trying to get an idea of what I'm saying.

I bit my lip to stop it from wobbling and slowly met his eyes.

"I'll get married to save mom," I said in a wavy voice.

A smile broke out on his face before he pulled me into a tight hug which lasted for just three seconds.

"Now you think clearly. Don't worry, I'll make sure your mother gets the best treatment once you get married. This is amazing! I'll call the woman right now."

He moved away and left the room. I exhaled and faced my mother. Tears filled my eyes and after holding them back for so long, they spilled down my cheeks. I carefully held her hand which was so thin and light in mine.

"You're going to get better, mom," I said. "I'll make sure that you do."

After a few minutes, the door opened and I looked over my shoulder. Dad had a huge smile on his face.

"The money has been sent to my account," he said cheerily. "Which was fast but I love it. I already spoke to the doctor and her treatment will start today."

I nodded and looked away from him. I felt relieved and smiled. If getting married to someone I didn't know would save mom, I would do it a hundred times until I can see her happy and healthy again.

"You hear that, mom? You're going to start getting proper treatment today. Before you know it, you're going to be well," I said and squeezed her hand a little.

"By the way, you'll be getting married tonight."

I gasped and faced him. "What?!"