A royal Heart

chapter 1:the burden of care

The sun dipped low over the coastal town of Perinn, casting a warm golden hue on the cobblestone streets. The scent of saltwater mingled with blooming jasmine, creating an intoxicating aroma that wafted through the air. Julie stood by her window, staring out at the vibrant marketplace below, where laughter and chatter filled the evening. Yet, within her modest apartment, the atmosphere felt heavy, tinged with worry.

Inside, the small living space was filled with the remnants of better days—a faded sofa, family photos hanging crookedly on the walls, and the constant reminder of her father's illness. At the center of it all lay her father, Frank, a once-vibrant man now weakened by a long-term illness that left him bedridden and dependent on her.

"Julie, is that you?" Frank's voice, though hoarse, still carried warmth. She turned to see him propped up against the pillows, a faint smile breaking through the shadows of fatigue that lingered under his eyes.

"Just finishing up some chores, Dad. I'll be right with you," she called back, forcing a smile despite the knot in her stomach. She hurried to the kitchen, her heart racing as she set a kettle on the stove.

As the water boiled, Julie glanced around the kitchen. It was small, the countertop barely enough to hold the few pots and dishes she owned. A calendar hung on the wall, filled with reminders of doctor appointments and medication schedules, each date a reminder of the relentless grind of their reality.

"Do we have any more of that soup?" Frank's voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the moment.

"Yes, I'll heat some up," she replied, her heart aching at the thought of the man who had once been her pillar of strength, now reduced to a shell of his former self.

While she stirred the soup, memories flooded her mind—fishing trips to the coast, laughter echoing through their home, her father teaching her how to ride a bike. Those were days of innocence and joy, but now, those memories felt like echoes from another lifetime.

"Julie?" Frank's voice broke her reverie again. She turned to see him watching her, concern etched across his face. "You're working too hard. You need to take a break."

"I'm fine, Dad. Just trying to make things a little easier for you," she said, forcing a lightness into her tone. She brought the soup to the table and sat across from him. "Here, eat this while it's hot."

He took a few spoonfuls, his eyes reflecting gratitude, but also guilt. "I wish I could do more for you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You shouldn't have to shoulder this alone."

"I know, but we'll get through this," she replied, determination in her voice. "I'll figure something out. I always do."

After dinner, Julie cleared the table, her mind racing with thoughts of bills and unpaid medical expenses. She had been juggling two jobs for months now—waiting tables at a café and cleaning houses in the neighborhood—but it still wasn't enough. Each day felt like a balancing act, teetering on the edge of financial ruin.

As she washed the dishes, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread. A pile of medical bills sat on the counter, mocking her with their stark reality. The thought of her father's worsening health loomed over her like a dark cloud.

"Julie, are you alright?" Frank asked, breaking her from her thoughts again. She turned to see him studying her with concern.

"I'm just tired, Dad. It's been a long day," she lied, forcing a smile.

He nodded but didn't look convinced. "You're doing your best. Just remember to take care of yourself too."

That night, as Julie lay in bed, she stared at the ceiling, her mind racing. The weight of their circumstances felt unbearable. She knew she needed to find a solution, something to ease their burdens.

In the days that followed, Julie tried to stay optimistic, but the situation continued to spiral. She took on extra shifts at the cafe, sometimes working late into the night. But each paycheck seemed to vanish, consumed by bills and her father's medical needs.

One evening, after a particularly gruelling day, she arrived home to find Frank looking worse than usual. Panic surged through her as she rushed to his side. "Dad, are you okay?"

"I'm just tired, sweetheart," he replied weakly, but the pallor of his skin and the pain in his eyes told a different story.

Frustrated and desperate, Julie took a deep breath, willing herself to stay strong. "I'll make you some tea. Just sit tight," she said, forcing a smile despite the fear gnawing at her insides.

As she prepared the tea, her thoughts raced. She could feel the walls closing in, the pressure of their situation suffocating. It was then, in a moment of sheer desperation, that she made a decision that would change everything.

She recalled the local pharmacy's late-night hours, the glimmer of hope that perhaps there was a way to secure the medicine her father desperately needed.

That night, sleep eluded her as she plotted and planned, wrestling with her conscience and the impossible choice before her. The thought of stealing made her stomach churn, but the alternative—watching her father suffer—was far worse.

In the early hours of the morning, the town still cloaked in darkness, Julie prepared herself. She donned a simple jacket and slipped out of the apartment, her heart pounding in her chest. As she walked through the quiet streets, every shadow felt like a reminder of the line she was about to cross.

At the pharmacy, she hesitated outside, her pulse racing. But the thought of her father's pain pushed her forward. With a deep breath, she stepped inside, the bell above the door chiming softly.

The pharmacy was dimly lit, and the shelves were lined with various medications. Julie's heart raced as she scanned the aisles, searching for what she needed. She felt the weight of her decision pressing down on her, the moral implications heavy on her mind.

When she spotted the medicine—just a small vial—it seemed to glow under the fluorescent lights. But before she could reach for it, the sound of a door opening echoed through the store, and she froze, realising she had no time left.

In that moment of panic, she slipped the vial into her pocket, but just as she turned to leave, she heard voices approaching. The realisation hit her like a cold wave. The police were coming.

Julie bolted for the door, her heart in her throat, her mind racing. The weight of the vial in her pocket felt like a ticking time bomb. Little did she know, her actions that night would set the course for a collision of worlds she had never imagined.

As she dashed into the night, desperation fuelling her every step, she was blissfully unaware that destiny had other plans in store for her. The life she had always known was about to change forever.

Authors note: please let me know if you are enjoying this chapter and would love to hear feedback from anyone to make this story brilliant! 

word count:1166