"Hey, Selene, how did the interview go?"
May seemed more anxious than usual.
"Did you get the job?"
"No May, I didn't get the job. As usual, some perverted old man asked me to sleep with him in exchange for a job, so I refused."
"Damn," she cursed, and I could almost imagine May's balled fist.
Typical Mayleen.
"Do not take it to heart, Selene."
"With your outstanding qualifications, they aren't even worthy of having you work at that bottom-tier company. There are better companies out there that would value your worth," May said, and my grip on the phone tightened.
Tears welled up in my eyes once more. May's words were like a soothing balm.
As usual, she always had a way of making me feel better, even in the worst situations.
"Thank you so much May, for always being there for me. I feel so much better now. You are right, I would find another job."
"I'm glad I could help, Selene. After all, what are friends for?"
"I have to go now. I will come over once my shift is over. Leave some pancakes for me. Talk to you later."
"Sure, May. Bye." I ended the call, my fingers trembling slightly in relief. Soon enough, I hailed a taxi heading towards the city's hospital.
Mayleen Winters had been my best friend ever since our teenage years. Besides my younger brother, May was the only person who stood by me through thick and thin.
Even when Sophia, my stepsister, spread terrible rumors about me during my senior year, May stood by my side, risking her reputation. Ever since then we have remained best of friends.
Inside the taxi, I sighed heavily, my fingers brushing against the cold jade pendant that dangled just below my neck.
The jade necklace was the only possession of my late mum my father let me have access to.
If only she was still alive…
Ever since my mother's death and the 'incident,' life had been an endless struggle for me and my brother.
After college, I had hoped to find a decent job that could support us , but despite my commendable qualifications, nothing had worked out.
"Are you alright, Miss?" the taxi driver's concerned voice pulled me back to the present.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you," I said with a small smile.
The driver nodded and focused back on the road, leaving me to my turbulent thoughts.
When we finally arrived at the hospital, I paid the fare and stepped out, my eyes locking onto the white hospital building.
I drew in a deep breath and entered the hospital, the sharp smell of antiseptic assaulting my nostrils.
My brother's ward was tiny and shabby, barely fitting his basic necessities—a small hospital bed, an almost-empty shelf, and a tiny window that let in rays of sunlight.
He lay on the bed, dressed in a hospital gown, his thin frame looking even paler.
Liam was gazing out the tiny window, lost in thought, but the sound of my approaching footsteps made him turn his head.
"Selene, is that you?" He inquired, his usually lifeless eyes lighting up the moment his gaze met mine
Immediately, I rushed to his side and helped him sit up against the headrest.
"How have you been, Lee? Are you feeling any better?"He nodded, but I could see the discomfort etched across his face. "I've been feeling better than before."
Lies.
I narrowed my eyes slightly. I knew every expression Liam made and he was
definitely lying. If anything, he looked even paler than usual.
"Are you sure?" I pressed.
"Yes, I am." He nodded again, stubborn as ever.
"The nurses here are caring. They do not treat me awfully."
I didn't know what to do or say.
Believe him?
Poor Child... he probably didn't want me to worry about him.
"I brought you some snacks," I said, pulling a disposable satchel from my bag and setting it on the bedside table. But instead of the excitement I expected, Liam's expression stayed blank
"Lee, are you alright?"
"Selene, am I a burden to you?"
Instantly, I froze.
From the depth of my heart, I loved my
brother and would do whatever it takes to make him feel comfortable and loved, even if it was at the expense of my own happiness. But Ever since Liam became sickly, I had been the only person responsible for him.
I would be a liar if I said that there were times I didn't feel exhausted. Times when I hadn't cried and wished I didn't have to carry so much burden. Times when I would grumble, inwardly wishing that I didn't have to visit this depressing hospital so often.
Does that make me a terrible sister?
Yes.
"Lee... I love you from the depth of my soul, and I would do anything for you. In fact, everything I do for you is as a result of the love I have for you. What makes you think you are a burden to me?"
Liam was silent, but then spoke up after a while.
"The National College Examinations are in three months..." His voice cracked, and tears glistened in his eyes.
I swallowed hard, trying to keep the lump in my throat from bursting into a sob.
Growing up, Liam had been such a bright child whose future was no doubt promising. But a few months ago, he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, forcing him to drop out of high school.
His whole life had taken a turn for the worse.
The once-upon-a-time happy child, whose eyes always glistened with streams of untold joy, had become a shadow of his own self.
With each passing day, Liam became so pale and thin that he could've been mistaken for a walking skeleton, except he was immobile and couldn't walk, or do much of anything anymore.
If only there was something I could do. Something I needed to say something that would make him feel better. That would give him hope, at least.
"Lee, there's something I've been keeping from you."
"I wanted to surprise you, but... seeing how worried you are, I can't hold it in anymore."
"Your doctor told me that your surgery was possible,and... I've saved up enough money for it."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."
Liam's eyes widened, disbelief written all over his face.
"Selene... how did you get that much money?" Shaking my head, I forced a huge smile, hoping it would be convincing enough.
"I'm working as a manager in a big tech company now Liam. I thought i said something about that, the last time i visited"
Lies. Those were all lies.
"You'll get your surgery soon, Lee. You'll write your exams. Just have faith in me, okay?"
Tears filled Liam's eyes as he gazed at me—gratitude and guilt mingled in his gaze.
He had gotten so accustomed to life inside these hospital walls that he had started to believe it was where he'd spend the rest of his days. But now, for the first time in a long while, there was a flicker of hope in his eyes.
I squeezed his hand gently.
"I promise you, Lee. Everything will be alright. You'll get your surgery, you'll recover, and you'll pass your exams in flying colors. I'll be right beside you every step of the way."
He nodded, tears trickling down his face. "Thank you, Selene. I do not know what I'd do without you. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank—"
"Do not cry, Lee. You deserve more than this," I cut him short before he could finish his sentence.
"I won't let you down Selene. I promise."
As I sat there holding his hand, I had almost forgotten about the lies I had spilled to my clueless brother.
I didn't have any money at all, nor was I working in a big company. I was basically jobless and broke. But I knew one thing; I'd find a way, no matter what it would cost me.
When it came to my brother there was absolutely no limit to what I could sacrifice, no line I wouldn't cross.
I would do whatever it takes to save my brother.
I would work harder, fight harder.
I would be his rock, his shelter, and his shield.
And for the first time in months, I saw a genuine smile on my brother's face. His lips curled into a wide grin–small, shaky, but alive. It was funny how I didn't even regret lying to him at this point.
Little did I know what that white lie would cost me.