Food House

I waited but I am getting impatient every second, every minute of just waiting. After a few hours, Dr. Virgilio, my father's personal doctor, came out of the emergency room which made me immediately stand up and face him with anticipation evident in my face. "Doc, how is My father? Is he okay?" I asked with full of worry.

"He is safe now, Vern. But I wanted to remind you, your bills. I let you stay here because I somehow know your father but I can't make it much longer. Only the machines are making his body stay alive but if I take those machines out of his body... you know what will happen. Only miracles can save him now, his condition is getting worse." He said.

"I... I am so sorry, Doc. I will find the money and bring it to you. I promise, I will pay you back." I said but I don't know how I will get the money and I don't know where I will get it. All I think right now is to prolong my father's life. Even though he was just sleeping as long as I know that he is still alive, I am very much contented.

Dr. Virgilio sighed, "You have been saying that over and over again, you paid us every month but not even enough to pay his daily bills. I will give you 1 week. If not, you know what will happen. I'm sorry, I did the best that I could to help your father but the management is not cooperating with me anymore. They needed the payment but they knew you couldn't give it. I have to go now... just give your father your time for a week, that is all he needs and that is the only time I could give you." he said and walked away leaving me dumbfounded.

I fell on my knees sitting on the ground, lost for words. Shit! I lost my job, I... I lost my only source of money. I knew it wasn't enough. I knew miracles could only save me but I just need more extension.

"Vern, I'm sorry." Said Sheina apologetically.

I was silent trying to comprehend the situation as I stood up and walked slowly towards my father's room. Looking at him, he was sleeping so peacefully. I couldn't help but burst with silent tears.

"Where a-are you now, dad? Why can't I f-find you?" I said sobbing. "I thought you would be with me during hard times? Why did you leave me alone? Please hang on dad, I will find a way." I said... and after a few more moments of gazing at my father, I didn't realize that I fell asleep sitting beside him.

***

I tried looking for a job that is suitable for me, all jobs I could work for but... I always get rejected. If the job was vacant, they reasoned out that they weren't looking for girls or I am not qualified because I have not even finished a degree.

I couldn't help it, because I had to stop schooling before and help my father instead since he was getting old at the age of 60, he should have already been resting but he keeps on working for me. That is why, because of overworking his self, he had this sudden heat stroke which made him disabled. But still he keeps on working until it reaches his head and he falls into Coma.

I am already 23 year old, facing a world of difficulties but I have to do this for my father. He sacrificed himself for me and I have to do my duty as his daughter. I was sitting on the swing, trying to comprehend what to do, what is the next job I could apply for. I should not just stop here, I should not lose my will to fight. I cannot just give up. I took a deep breath and stood up on my seat but suddenly my eyes caught a black luxurious car parked on the side of the road... I was confused, it seems like someone is inside there but then after a moment of staring at the car curiously, it suddenly drives away.

I shrugged, and when I was about to take a step, I saw a flyer, flying towards my direction as it stopped in front of me. "What is this?" I asked myself not knowing that I said it out loud. Bending down, I picked up the flyer and saw a restaurant looking for employees which is open at night. They were hiring for employees.

What a luck! It was almost afternoon and so I immediately rushed towards the place as what was written on the flyer, but suddenly I stiffened from what I saw. Fear rose up to my heart as it beat louder and faster, I immediately turned my back before they saw me... loan sharks.

My father asked money from them for my tuition in college 2 years ago but because of my father's sudden incident, we didn't get to pay them. They have been looking for us after that as I ran away from home and my father had been staying in a hospital for about a year. I knew I had nowhere to go but just hide and run from them.

The interest of my father's debt had been increasing each month that it rose up to I am sure I could never pay my whole life. I walked slowly like a normal person walking on the side of the road opposite from them, I will use the other direction then. I could use a long path just not to be discovered by the loan sharks.

When I reached my destination, I sighed in relief looking at the banner of the food house, 'ENRICO FOOD HOUSE'. I'm sure this is the place, I looked again at my flyer and the name was correct.

However... I was so confused, this food house has never been here before. I used to pass by in this area, but... looking at the food house, I have never seen this... just now, it has a red exterior with a black banner.... what's more confusing is the inside, since the wall is only a glass I could clearly see the inside... There were no desks or chairs but a clean marble floor and a counter. The area is wide, maybe, this is a newly built Food House. Yeah, or else I have already seen this before.

I walked inside and was amazed with the interior. It was afternoon, but the lights were on and it was kind of dim but just enough because it is not too flashy and it suits the designs well. The things I saw around were like antiques, vases with bloody red roses on top, pictures that were like made centuries ago and... a chandelier that I could see on 70s movies.

This is the most beautiful and unique food house I have ever seen. What's more is that it only opens at night. Good thing my apartment is just blocks away from here.

I walked towards the counter and just the exact time that someone shows up coming from the kitchen.

I was hoping for a lady but I was too surprised from what I saw, that my mouth flew open not realizing that the flyer I was holding earlier fell out of my hold.