What happened?

Part 19: We finally realized

Dani

We were close to 2020. I have been back in China for about 5 months, but it didn't get easier as imagined. You wonder how Hoa reacted when she got to know that I took her money to pay the flight, don't you? Well, when I arrived that day, Hoa and I settled down in her apartment talking about things that happened and why I decided to come back. That's how she also found out about the fact I took her money. She was mad I'd say. But on the other hand, she was sad or disappointed. Totally understandable, but I really had no other chance. She forgave me because she realized that I didn't do it to hurt her or anybody else. When I told her that I felt really guilty for not calling and checking on her after the accident, she just faded out the money thing. I guess she felt guilty because I was afraid to call her to ask if I could come back. She told me that I shouldn't have felt that way.

Well, so the past months went by pretty fast. I quickly realized that nothing was as it was before I left. Hoa was still the same caring young lady I used to know, but her personality changed. She gave up really quick. I helped her at home a few weeks before I got a job to help her earn money. She had to quit her job as a paramedic and became a receptionist, but that job turned out to be really stressful without the ability to walk. I jumped in whenever I could to take the pressure off of her. I planned to go to college in China and do all the normal things teens/young adults do, but I realized that life didn't get better after leaving my sisters. It was a mistake to leave, but I also realized that Hoa, the woman who saved my life needed me to save hers now. I just hoped the girls didn't give up searching for Christina and Amy because of me. I called them a few days after I arrived in China. I explained it to them and apologized, but it was my deep wish to have them not giving up. I knew they had to leave the apartment a few weeks after I left. They sold most of their furniture to stay for one more month but after that month they got back into a B&B kind of situation. It was a horrible thought that they had to live like that, but it was just as bad to know that if they get back a letter from Amy or Christina, they'd not be able to receive it.

Lisa

So, as usual, I dialed my Russian family's number in the morning (they are 8 hours ahead of us that's why I call in the morning). But this time with one difference. We moved to a B&B. I was helpless, so I planned to ask for help at this time. Not for money, for help.

'Hi..' I said when Katinka picked up the call. 

'Hi! What's up? You sound really devastated.' she replied.

'Katinka, ...we need help.'  just said without any overthinking.

'Wait, what? What's wrong?'

'We just had to leave our apartment. We can't pay the bills. And there's still no sign of Christina and Amy. I'm close to giving up... what should I do?' I started sobbing.

'Oh no... where are you right now??' Katinka asked.

'We're in a B&B and that's where we will stay for the next weeks until I'm hopefully able to go back to work. But we seriously don't know.' I said.

'Lisa... listen.. you can ALWAYS come back. The girls miss you and Petrojik and I miss you too. That's our offer for you.' she offered. I was scared to answer. I really wanted to see them again. I missed them, but I couldn't just leave Lauren and Katherine alone. I didn't want to be like Dani, even though I more and more felt like she did the right thing.

'I wish.. but I can't leave Katherine and Lauren alone. I'm so lucky to have them back..' I sighed.

'I understand. I have to leave now, but do me the favor and think about it. You have all time on earth. I know it's not easy, but our arms are always open for you. This is our offer. You're always welcomed. Love you.' she said. I thanked her and hung up. Katinka's offer sounded like heaven to me. I wish it was possible to go back but take the girls with me.