Page 14 of Mr. January

“Trust me, I might be old, but I'm not senile. I know that girl has been getting in here later and later, saying she has‘to work,’and I'm assumingyouare the work she is referring to.”

I feel my face heat with embarrassment, recalling how Robyn and I spent our evening together. Mrs. McGee seems to read my mind and smiles.“It is okay, young man. I don't mind watching the babies. Anytime Robyn needs me to, I'm there for her. I'm glad you two are getting to know each other. It's been a while since I saw that girl smile and have a pep in her step—does my heart proud.”

Then, she drops a bombshell—Anika, Robyn's little sister, has a rare form of pediatric cancer, and Robyn has been working late nights to help with her treatment costs.

“Poor things, there's the five of them Robyn then Aradhya (16), Rohan (14), Diya (10), and little Anika (5). After their parents died, life took another dramatic turn when her older brother, Arjun, was incarcerated. He was taking care of them before. Robyn was in school, but she had to take some time off, get that job at your casino and step into the role of caregiver.

I stare at the older woman with wide eyes and mouth agape.Why didn't Robyn share any of this with me?Mrs. McGee notices my surprise.

“I take it she didn’t share any of this with you?”she asks.

“Not a word.”

"Well, it seems I put my foot in my big mouth,"Mrs. McGee admits."Anyway, I was going to get her a change of clothes and bring it back to the hospital, but I really need to go and see about my husband at the house. Do you mind taking it down to her?"

I nod, still in a daze from the revelations. I wait as Mrs. McGee enters the house and returns with a cloth bag filled with essentials for Robyn. With a wave to Mrs. McGee and the bag in hand, I turn and head toward the local children's hospital, determined to find Robyn and offer whatever support she needs.

Chapter Eleven

Robyn

I'm pacing the floor of the emergency room, anxiety gnawing at my insides. The social workers and doctors are huddled together, discussing Anika's condition and whether they should admit her or send her elsewhere for treatment. My heart sinks as I realize we've exhausted all our medical funds and insurance. Desperation hangs heavy in the air, and I know we're facing a hefty medical bill. Thankfully, the winnings I've accumulated over the past week bought us some time, but it's just a temporary reprieve.

As I pace back and forth, I can't help but pray—for our finances, for Anika's health, and for my own sanity. The weight of the world rests on my shoulders, and I'm running out of options.

The social worker and nurse enter the room, wearing smiles that feel out of place in this somber setting. They approach Anika, who's awake despite the oxygen and tubes, her innocence shining through with a hopeful smile.

"Anika, we have some good news for you,"the nurse says cheerily. My sister's eyes light up, always looking forward to brighter days.

"We're going to move you to a state-of-the-art floor where you'll receive the very best care, and we'll make sure you're well taken care of,"the nurse continues, handing Anika a teddy bear almost her size.

I'm stunned, unable to comprehend what's happening. I turn to the social worker, seeking an explanation. She offers me a reassuring smile and pats my shoulder.

"It's all taken care of, honey. Don't worry. We'll get her the best possible care, trust me,"she whispers to me.

Confusion and disbelief flood my mind. I can't fathom how this is possible. I made a payment, but there's no way we can afford state-of-the-art care or a move to a higher-cost floor. I voice my concerns in a hushed tone, but the social worker's smile remains unwavering.

"Don't worry about it. It's all sorted,"she reassures me as the medical team prepares to transfer Anika to her new room, leaving me bewildered and overwhelmed by the unexpected turn of events.

As I walk out of the emergency room, my world spinning with anxiety and confusion, I spot him standing in the hallway.Knox. My heart leaps and trembles at the same time. How did he find me here? My thoughts are a chaotic whirlwind, filled with questions and emotions I can't yet put into words. Before I can even begin to process everything, he's by my side, his arm enveloping me in a comforting embrace. I lean into him, feeling the warmth of his presence.

"Come on, I've got you,"he says gently, guiding me forward. I want to ask him a thousand things, to understand how he knew where to find me, but the words won't form. All I can do is cling to his support as we follow the medical team.

As we reach the room on the third floor, I'm struck by the pristine surroundings. It's a children's hospital room designed for a young cancer patient, and it's nothing like I expected. My mind races, and panic wells up inside me. How on earth will we afford this?

I start to protest to the social worker, my voice trembling, but Knox pulls me aside, his firm but gentle touch calming me as the nursing team gets Anika settled in her new room.

"Robyn, I need you to calm down, okay? Anika needs to rest, and she doesn't need to see you frantic,"Knox says softly, trying to soothe my anxiety.

"But you don't understand, Knox. There's no way in the world I can afford this. This is insane. I don't even know how she's being upgraded like this,"I reply, my frustration mounting. Then, a realization dawns on me, and I narrow my eyes at him."You did this, didn't you?"

He leads me further down the hall, away from the prying ears of the nursing staff and my sister.

"I want to help, Robyn. Let me do that for you, for your sister, for your family,"he offers, his gaze filled with sincerity.

I'm on the verge of tears, my exhaustion and frustration pushing me to the brink. The truth is, Knox doesn't have to be here; he doesn't have to extend a helping hand. After the way I left him this morning, he could have every reason to wash his hands of me. But here he is, looking at me with tenderness, and in this moment, all I want to do is let him help.

Knox

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