One Afternoon

Chapter 20 - Volunteering

Liliana's PoV

"Hello, my name is Liliana. You can call me Lily."

Was my introduction too short? Tiffany's mother looks so refined that I am lost for words. This woman standing before me gave birth to two children, and she still looks like a model! Well, she was a model before marrying her husband. Yes! I did some Googling last night. I want to know more about the Astoria couple.

"My name is Reina. It's nice to meet you finally, Lily. I heard so much about you and your clinic. I have to say it's a good thing that you're willing to provide free healthcare to those who need it. Tiff mentioned that you're willing to do a free check for the kids today too. Are you sure about it?"

I nodded. There's nothing more rewarding than doing what I do best.

"That's great! Come. Let me introduce you to the owners."

I turned to Tiffany, who only nodded.

"Great. Lead the way."

Reina chuckled before she grabbed hold of my hand. The introduction went well except for one thing that made me feel uneasy. One of the owners doesn't seem too happy to see me. That seemed to be a red flag, but I tried to ignore it as I asked Tiffany and Blaire to lead the kids toward an empty room that would be used to examine them.

Everything seems to be going great until it's time to check on the children from the last orphanage. The children appeared to be malnourish, and whenever I tried to ask them a question or two, they only nodded and never talked back. One of the children seems scared to see me.

"You don't have to check on that kid."

The owner who gave me the cold shoulder suddenly said when it was time to check the last kid from her orphanage.

"But he seems like he needs the check-up. If you don't mind, could you lead the child to me?"

The owner declines my offer.

"I said it's fine. And this kid shouldn't be here anyway. Thank you."

Tiffany noticed my struggles as she went to confront the owner.

"There's no need to be so hostile. My partner was trying to provide a free check-up. Why are you nervous about this child getting a free check?"

And just like that, the owner let her hold on to the child's arm. I begin checking the children for any signs of abuse after examining the child's vital. Everything seemed fine until the child flinched as my hand grazed his back.

"Does your back hurt?"

The child turned to the owner.

"It's okay. You can tell me the truth. Are you scared of the owner?"

The child nodded. Blaire placed her hand on the owner's shoulder before ushering her to leave the room.

"But! The child-"

"Is in good hands. Now let's go."

I wait until the door is closed before asking a series of questions. At first, the child seemed confused and scared, but gradually he became comfortable with me.

"Oh, my God."

Tiffany went to my side before calling for her mother to see what was on the child's back.

"Lily asked if the other children in the orphanage also suffer from the same condition."

I asked the question, and the child nodded.

"If- if we don't say what he asked us to do, he will hit us."

He?

"The owner is married. But her husband is a pastor."