Page 3 of Alien Dragon's Bride

“Miss Wheeler?” an elderly woman called.

“I know, I’m not running.”

“No, I need to discuss something else with you.”

Was it about Dad’s condition? Or had they found a kidney donor that matched him? Megan skidded to a stop and turned. Her breaths pounding against her lungs from both her trying to get to her dad and the possibility of finding him help.

“Sure, what is it?” she asked.

“You’re past due on your father’s hospital bill. Now we’ve extended your time twice before but we must insist on you paying your portion after the insurance or we’ll have to discharge your father to the local hospital that takes unique cases.”

In other words, the welfare hospital. She couldn’t let them do this. Her stomach knotted up. God, she was going to be sick.

“But you guys are his best chance.” Megan wrapped her arms around her stomach. “How’s he going to get a kidney anywhere else?” They had to let him stay. He’d done so much better on their medicine and care. “Please, give me more time and I’ll come up with the money.”

“I’m sorry, but unless you pay your debt by five o’clock tomorrow, we’re transporting him to the hospital on your insurance.”

It felt like the floor opened up and Megan was falling into an endless blackhole. Without this chance for her father, how long would he last before he relapsed or worse? Acid burned the back of her throat and she hunched over. Loss and devastation twisted inside her. How was she doing to come up with that much money so soon without robbing a bank?

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