Chapter 3

Franklin appeared visibly shocked by the incident unfolding before his eyes.

His eyes sharpened as he saw Vina, his sister, trying to stop the nurses who were disrespectfully removing their parents from the hospital.

It was evident that the pale face and weak body were being dragged and forced out of the hospital.

Such actions should have consequences, but considering Franklin could only afford to place his mother in the lowest-class room, it was no wonder she was being treated so poorly.

"Stop! Wait a moment, nurse! I'm sure we can discuss this matter calmly."

Franklin tried to intervene.

"Sorry, sir. According to the hospital rules, we have to discharge your mother as she hasn't paid the administration fees for several days."

"I understand, nurse. I'm currently looking for funds to pay for everything. Please, give me a little more time. I promise to settle my mother's medical bills as soon as possible."

"I'm sorry, sir. The hospital has already given you a sufficient grace period. We have to discharge the patient according to the existing rules."

Franklin shook his head, feeling deeply hurt seeing his weak mother being treated so unfairly.

"I beg you, nurse. My mother still needs medical treatment in this hospital. I promise, give me just a little time. I will return with the money to settle this medical debt."

They who were trying to remove the middle-aged woman began to discuss among themselves.

Before finally, one of them, who seemed to be the spokesperson for all, started to look towards Franklin.

"Alright, sir. We'll give you time until before dawn. If you haven't returned yet, we'll have to discharge her."

Franklin nodded, expressing gratitude for the extended time given.

After the nurses left, Franklin then brought his mother and sister back into the room.

He laid his weak mother's body back on the stretcher.

"I'm sorry, Mom. Franklin has failed to be a good son, Mom. Franklin promises to do his best to find money. Mom and Vina, wait here, okay. Franklin will be back soon."

His exhausted mother then reached out her hand, gently stroking her son's head.

"Don't think you've failed to be my child, Franklin. I'm proud and very grateful because without you, Vina, and I couldn't live this life. Be careful, dear. My prayers will always be with you."

Franklin wiped the corners of his slightly teary eyes; he didn't want to appear weak in front of his mother.

"Yes, Mom. You also have to take care of yourself. Franklin promises to come back with the money. Franklin won't let them kick you out of here."

His mother nodded, settling her body comfortably again.

Because the debate that made her feel like a puppet being pulled had caused her body to ache.

However, as much as possible, she hid the pain. She didn't want to add wounds to her son's heart.

Franklin then turned to his sister. He could see tears still streaming down Vina's face, filled with fear and sadness.

He then brought his sister into his warm embrace.

"That's enough, okay. You don't need to cry anymore. Anyway, you're the source of Mom's strength. Forgive Big Brother Franklin for failing and making you scared like this."

Vina shook her head. "No, Big Brother. It's not your fault. Big Brother Franklin has done his best. I'm not crying because of that; I'm just sad because I can't help Big Brother Franklin  at all."

Franklin shook his head, planting a long kiss on his sister's forehead.

"Enough, you don't need to think too far ahead. Big Brother will be back soon. Take care of Mom, okay? Big Brother entrusts Mom to you."

Franklin left, trying to find and hoping to get a loan.

A long sigh escaped his mouth. He then put his helmet back on his head.

Hoping to find a solution to the problem he faced at that time.

"Hopefully. I really hope there will be a miracle shown by God to me."

Franklin closed his eyes, chanting verses of prayer before finally starting the engine of his motorcycle, speeding through the streets of the capital.

***

"Ical

[Just come in, Franklin.  I'm at table number 13. You can come straight here]"

Franklin slipped his phone back into his pants pocket, leaving his helmet on his bike.

"Don't be confused, Franklin. You have to tell him everything."

Before entering, there was an internal debate in his mind.

Franklin was afraid that he would end up embarrassed without getting any loan.

Franklin then reassured himself, stepping into the café.

For a moment, he stopped in front of the door, scanning the room until he spotted a man he knew waving at him.

Franklin hurried over to the man.

"Sorry, Cal. I have to trouble you like this."

Ical didn't seem to mind. He then offered Franklin a drink.

"No need, I already had one earlier."

Ical shook his head softly. "Not that, Franklin, I already ordered this drink for you. So, you drink it. Don't worry, I'll pay for it later."

Franklin looked uncomfortable.

"About what you texted me. I'm really sorry I can't help that much. But, maybe this little blessing of mine can serve as a down payment before you pay in full. Hopefully, they'll accept it."

"You're really willing to lend this to me, Cal? Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Ical nodded. They then appeared to chat for a while before the sound of the bell signaling customers entering caught their attention.

"Reyna?"

Franklin murmured with clenched fists.

“Franklin? Is that Reyna, your girlfriend? Why is she..."

Before Ical could finish his sentence, Franklin had already risen from his seat and directly confronted his girlfriend.

"Reyna!"

The couple, who seemed intimate, suddenly turned to the man filled with anger.

Instead of feeling embarrassed or panicked for being caught red-handed, Reyna instead casually displayed more affection.

"What does this mean, Reyna?"

Franklin tried to separate his lover from the man she was holding hands with.

"Who do you think you are, Franklin! Don't even try to separate me from my boyfriend."

Franklin stood his ground. His gaze sharpened, never expecting his girlfriend to say such things.

"Just so you know, Franklin, I've had enough of you all this time. You're just a poor guy who has nothing. I'm tired, always just being promised by you."

Reyna poured out her pent-up feelings. She didn't want to hold back anymore.

"But you know my current situation, Reyna. I'm sorry. My expenses are really high right now. I..."

"Enough, Franklin. I don't want to hear anything anymore. You can't be like Gino. He always fulfills my desires. Not like you!" Reyna insulted him in front of everyone.

Franklin clenched his fists.

"You should also have some self-awareness, not forcing yourself and hoping to get me. Our social status is clearly different!"

"Reyna!" Franklin shouted sharply.

"Stay away from him or we're done right now."

"Okay. We're done."

Franklin lifted his face in disbelief at Reyna's decision to side with another man, her new boyfriend.

"You..."

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. Thank you. Finally, I don't have to pretend anymore."

"Come on, darling!"

Reyna left him in emptiness and heartbreak.

Franklin clenched his hands tightly, suppressing the mix of emotions and heartache inside him.