When the Fireworks Begin

Chapter X

James was sitting outside the closed doors of a room in the hospital. Devon has visited Dr. Alvarez for her regular check-up. At that time, Devon was inside one of the rooms for her therapy sessions.  She has to undergo series of therapy sessions for her legs.

James was inside, learning the different exercises that he could perform to ease the pain and numbness that Devon frequently experiences on her legs.  The session was briefly interrupted by James’ ringing phone. James went outside to take the call.

“Hello,” James answered, he recognized the name that registered on the screen. “Any news?”

“Hey,” answered the caller.  It was Adam, a friend who was working in one of the banks in the cities. James applied for a loan in the bank and was expecting good news. “Not so good.”

James listened as Adam explained that the bank did not approve the huge amount he was trying to loan for Devon’s therapy and medication. But they have agreed to allow James to borrow money, but the loan amount was only half of what he applied for.

James thanked his friend for his help and was about to hang up when he heard Adam clearing his throat.

“What is it, Adam?”  James asked.

“Why don’t you just withdraw some money in your other bank account,” Adam asked.

Adam was referring to James savings account in another bank.  His father has placed a large amount of money in a savings account under his name. James has thought about that too.  The money was enough to cover months and even years of Devon’s medical needs.

James shook the thought out of his head. “Thanks for the tip,” James curtly responded to Adam. “I’ll stick with my own plan.”

James ended the call and looked at the large hospital grounds.  He has to make ends meet.  He heard someone calling his name, it was Mommy Linda, together with Devon’s father, Tony.

“James has the session ended?” asked Daddy Tony, while James bowed his head to mano.

“No, it’s just halfway,” James answered.

“Aah good,” Mommy Linda said. “We were supposed to learn some of the exercise so we could help Devon, especially when you’re at work.” She tapped on James’ chest fondly and entered the room. Daddy Tony stayed outside and stood beside James. He was watching his daughter’s husband closely.

“How are you?” Daddy Tony asked.

James smiled weakly. “I’m fine, Dad. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Daddy Tony leaned back and looked outside through the hallway window. “I know it is difficult, and we haven’t helped that much…”

“You have helped us a lot,” James interrupted. “Keeping an eye on Devon especially when I am at work, you’re even taking her to the university and back home, every single day. You have been a huge help to us.”

Daddy Tony nodded. “We know, but we feel that it is not enough.” Daddy Tony took something out of his pocket. It was a white envelope, he took James hand and placed the envelope in his hand.

James took it reluctantly opened. It was peso bills, judging from the thickness of the envelope, he knows that it is a large amount of money.  “I can’t accept this, Dad. This is too much, you might have taken it out of your retirement money.” He was handing the envelope back but Daddy Tony crossed his arms.

“It will help you a lot,” Daddy Tony answered.

“I know,” James answered back. “But I can take care of her, really. And besides I know that you and Mommy will be using this money when you retire. I can’t accept this.”