Love and Lies

Chapter 2

As soon as I reached home, the cheerful laughter of my parents greeted me. Stepping into the house, I was immediately enveloped in a warm embrace by Sia.

"Oh, my goodness, Sia, slow down," I chuckled, returning her hug.

"I haven't seen you in three years, Samy. You know I can't contain my excitement," she replied, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

I smiled warmly at her. Sia had always been the affectionate and lively cousin, and her spontaneous affection was something I cherished.

"Don't tease her, Samantha," my mother interjected playfully, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "She's missed you terribly."

"Come on, my beautiful Sia. Look, I've made all your favorite dishes," Mom said, leading Sia into the kitchen.

"Mom, I was just kidding. Let her come with me; we have a lot to catch up on," I said, following them into the kitchen.

My mother chuckled softly. "Alright, but don't keep her too long. Dinner is almost ready."

"I promise," I assured her with a nod.

Sia and I made our way to my room upstairs. Once inside, I closed the door behind us, enveloped in a sense of familiarity and comfort.

"I've missed this room," Sia remarked, glancing around with a nostalgic smile.

"I've missed you too," I replied, settling down on the bed. "There's so much to catch up on."

Sia's expression turned serious. "How are things with the loan repayment? How much have we managed to collect?"

I hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of our predicament. "We've gathered $30,000 so far, including what my parents saved up."

"But we still need $40,000 more," I continued somberly. "Time is not on our side. We've been at this for five years, and now, with the end of the year approaching, the pressure is mounting. If we don't come up with the full amount, the loan authorities will take possession of our pharmacy."

Sia's eyes widened with concern, her brow furrowing in determination. "We'll find a way, Samy. We have to."

I nodded, grateful for her unwavering support. "I know. Having you here gives me hope, Sia."

"We'll figure this out together," she assured me, squeezing my hand reassuringly.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted our conversation. It was Mom, peeking in with a gentle smile. "Girls, dinner's ready. Come down when you're ready."

"We'll be right there, Mom," I replied, exchanging a glance with Sia.

As we descended the stairs together, I felt a renewed sense of determination. With Sia by my side, I knew we had a fighting chance to save not just our family's pharmacy, but our livelihoods and future.