Devil's Trap [ Mitzu ]

Chapter 16: Indebted

Mina's POV

I opened the drawers and cupboards in the kitchen. I reached for the remaining cup of instant noodles in it. While waiting for the water to boil, I pulled out my pay slip and calculated my expenses.

Since I ran out of money from the purchase of the house and the shop one year ago, the allowance I get from the scholarship has been my source of income for Mom's medicine. In return I had to find a job to support my school and everyday expenses. All the rest I put to Mom's account.

I've been a maintenance clerk, student assistant, library personnel. I had work part time jobs outside university. Waitress, tutor, staff in 24/7 convenience store. I have done all the work I can do at the same time as studying. But often, especially in the case of like this, it doesn't enough.

It would be easy if Dad was here. But in fact he is the cause of all this. Mom might get better when she comes back to us. But I have been looking for him for three years and until now I still have no news of where to find him. He may be in another town. I would know if he's here. This city is small.

I need him because of Mom. But if I were the one to decide, I would rather lose him forever in our lives. I do not know if I can still look at him without remembering all the sins he has done. Two lives got ruined because of his selfish decision.

The kettle of boiling water made a sound. In recent days almost everything I eat is instant. Instant coffee, instant noodles, take outs. When I visited Mom that's when I was able to cook well. After eating I clean up my dirt and preparing to went to school. I need to find a way to make a quick income.

--

I arrived at university early. I still have about an hour before my first subject. I went straight to the Library where I work every afternoon. There's only a few people were here The surroundings are quiet. Sunlight spilled from the open windows down to the faded wooden floors. It smelled of old book pages and brewed coffee, a sanctuary.

"Mina, why are you early today?"

This is the Librarian's greeting to me. She was holding a large mug of coffee. After all, she almost lives here. She will come home at ten in the evening and come here at six in the morning. She always had this warm smile on her face, like she's in the place she always wanted to be.

"Can I ask for a favor?"

I do not ask for favors as much as I can. I don't want to be indepted to anyone. So help was never an option for me. I know this time I sunk deep.

"What can I do for you, Mina?"

"Can I borrow money?"

The Librarian was stunned. She know so well I won't stoop this low if I don't need it so bad.

"I just need to, Mrs. Jamieson. Can I get my salary for the next month."

She sighed. From then I already became weak. I knew her answer would be.

"I'm sorry, Mina." She said. "My son just came out of the Hospital yesterday. The one I told you last week."

I forgot that thing. Last week one of her children had an accident on the road. It wasn't that serious. But the injuries required him to be admitted in the Hospital for a few days.

"I know this is the first time you've asked for a favor. I'm sorry, Mina. This is a bad timing."

I tried to smile. "It's fine, Mrs. Jamieson. I forgot. I'm sorry."

"If you can wait I can give you next week."

I know I still can't catch up if I get the money next week. They take medicine every three weeks. I have to wait for almost a month if I can't get it this week. Mom's condition can't handle it.