The incident went fast. In a mixture of shame and fear. I didn’t follow everything after I wrapped myself in the blanket I had grabbed.

I don't know why he's here. .my chest throbs at what happened. I was already dressed when Faustino came back inside.

"You're going home." His voice seemed to want to be suppressed so I couldn't look. .I nodded in response and sighed as he threw a heap of money at me. That was the signal so I looked up and our gazes met.

"S-Sir-"

"Is that enough?" His eyebrows meet in anger that I don’t know where it came from.

Without thinking I nodded and knelt down to pick up the coveted money for that night.

"Thank you," I swallowed. His presence held my breath.

"Leave," he turned and looked up. I have a lot to ask but I can't voice it.

"Sir Faus-"

“I said leave !!" I was stunned by his shout. I closed my eyes firmly and left for a week. I was very relieved to be stuck in that room. My colleagues asked me many questions but I never answered them. Even Madam A did not ask why I would go home first. she seemed to already know what had happened.

I took a jeep home to our house. Until now, I am still very nervous. Since then, I have been working at the club.

I barely shook my head to dispel my thoughts. Ever since I met them, they have always interrupted my thinking! It shouldn't be like this!

Somehow I got home early today and had a large amount of money. I was happy to walk down the alley to our house.

Outside , I was surprised to see that our only light was a candle. I hurried into the house.

"Mom," I saw momlying down and coughing. "Mom, why candle-"

"I spent the money," she answered me and coughed again.

I just blew air and took a handkerchief and put it on her back.

"All right. I'll give you the payment tomorrow for the electricity bill. Where’s Dad?"

"Don’t know!" she coughed again. "I think he has a lot of money and gambling again!”

I just nodded and ignored it. There is nothing new. I wanted to say that he would take care of mom but I knew it was impossible.

"What? Why are you early? Keep your money! I will ask for it if I want to treat myself a new hairdoe-" I closed my eyes because she coughed again.

"Yes Mom!I will give you and you can go out treat yourself tomorrow!"

"Okay! Thank you! I cooked an egg and ate dry-"

She stood up to hopefully take a plate but it broke when mom dropped it. Mother was startled by the gush of blood in her mouth and nose.

I was almost numb and I heard a deafening cry. My cry that I could barely hear due to extreme fear and nervousness.

"Mom! No-" because mama was thin I quickly picked her up and rode on my back. She tried to speak but blood flowed down my shoulder.

“It's nothing-"

"Mom! What nothing? Don't say that."

I was numb from what had happened and felt scared. I never thought about why I was able to lift mom. I almost ran out to take my mother to the hospital.

"Please help me!" I asked for help from those who gambled on the side of the house. There were a lot of guys and I knew they were tricycle drivers.

"I'll take mom to the hospital." My cheeks were wet with tears.

"Get out of here! Your shit!"

"Don't bother here! " man put his hand in his hair.

I lost hope to try. I know no one can help me. That night, until we got to the jeep, I carried my mother to the hospital. I used the money I earned.

I found out that my mother had tuberculosis. Moreover her lungs were full of phlegm and needed maintenance medication.

I held mom's hand lying on the bed. I kissed her until her eyes opened.

"Mom, how are you feeling?"

She turned away.

"Why did you bring me here? It's too expensive."

"The important thing Mom is you're fine."

She shook his head. “We would have paid for the rest of your expenses with electricity. I'm sorry because I bought my medicine from the money you gave me before. I spent thw money for the electricity for my medicine. "

I bit my lip, holding back a sob. "Why didn't you tell mom?"

"For what else? You're giving me money so I don't have to say-"

"Mom, Mom! I hope you told me to be on time."

"And what? I'm even more useless ?! I haven't finished anything! I don't have a decent job! Yes! Back then I used men to raise you because I know your father is useless! You graduate and work hard! Leave that job of yours! "

I did not notice her tears falling. I couldn't stand it and hugged her tightly.

I carefully considered my decision. Not every night I will make money. Now I am no longer have a customer. Ever since Faustino and Frosto became my costumers, I have become sluggish. Madam A no longer calls me if I have a costumer. Last night I was lucky that Frosto arrived.

I borrowed a cell phone from our neighbor. I will get some of mom's clothes here.

"Oh Ava ?! Where's your mother?" Dad asked.

"At the hospital," I replied and saw the few dishes he was carrying.

"What hospital ?!"

I nodded tiredly. "Yes, Dad. Please bring it. This is the address of the hospital. Please keep an eye on Mom. I’ll just work tonight.”

Irritation registered on his face but he nodded as well. "All right ..I have a dish. I won from the gamble, " he left the dish and went into the room and got dressed.

I wiped my face with the palm of my hand and I felt even heavier because of the problem. From then on, even though my mother got sick, she was not hospitalized. Now it looks like his illness is really serious. It should not be ignored and may worsen.

I returned the cellphone and typed in the number. It was also strange but no one answered. I did not despair, I tried again and someone answered it.

"Hi! Who's this?" I only knew by the voice that it was her.

"Uhm. Ma'am Genevive. This is Ava. The-"

"Oh right! We almost ran over! How are you?" I heard a few noises in her line.

"I’m okay." I laughed softly. "There are no scratches."

"It's okay then."

“Ma'am, I know you'll get to know me. But I don't have any bad intentions. I just wanted to ask if you know anyone who can be offer me a job? My mother is in the hospital."

"That's right!" Her voice was lively. ."Actually I'm here at the venue of mommy's birthday party. You can be a waitress! I'll take care of you. I'll text the address and your colleague will take care of you."

"Wow! Thank you so much ma'am Genevive!"

"What!? Just Genevive!"

I giggle. "All right G-Genevive."

"Much better. So, I'm expecting you tonight huh? "

"Yes!"

I cleaned the house and texted madam A that I would not be able to work at first. Because if I work until morning, who will take care of my mother? I know that dad later will be leave Mom . .so I need this work tonight and it's only a matter of time.