"Mrs. Harper, please, calm down. I'm trying my best," I pleaded with my parents' doctor over the phone.

"My dear…" Her breath was shaky, and she sounded so tired. "I understand this. It's just that this is quite disturbing. Once again, she suffered a cardiac arrest. This time around, it really, really felt like it would kill her."

I raked my fingers into my hair, trying to hold back my tears. "Please, I need you to understand that I'm trying my best. In forty eight hours, I'll settle the bills. She'll be fine, I promise."

"Okay." She sighed again. "Hope so. Anyway, take care of yourself. Bye for now."

"Bye,"...