The Bargain

Hazel woke up that morning thinking it would be an amazing day but there she was, sitting down, head in her palms and deep in thought. She was totally confused. Why did the world have to be so cruel? It seemed life threw rock after rock every corner she went. 

She had been overseeing some accounts in her office earlier when Mark, one of the accounting employees, had called her saying she was needed at her Dad’s office. While wondering what this was about, she stood up and made her way to the office just in time to see her mother walk in. She stopped, hesitating just long enough for her mother to get in. Very confused as to why her mom was there, since she didn’t handle anything at the company, she walked into the office. 

Hazel showed a confused expression when her parents shot her concerned and solemn looks.  Her mother, Annika, stood behind her father with her hands on his shoulders as if to comfort him. That was not a good sign. Whenever they stood like that, there was always bad news. The air in the room felt heavy with the weight of their worries. She took a deep breath, trying to prepare herself for whatever news awaited her, and then took a seat across from the couple. 

“Dad. Mom. Is everything all right?” She asked, feeling uneasy. 

"Hazel, my dear." her father began, his voice filled with a mixture of resignation and sadness, "I'm afraid I'm not feeling well. The doctor says it's serious." 

Hazel's eyes widened with concern. She leaned in. It wasn’t the first time that her father had fallen sick, but he had always recovered and, with the look in her parents' eyes, she was sure that this recent fallback would be worse than the last ones. 

"What is it?” 

Her question was met with no answer. She straightened her back and asked more authoritatively. 

“What did the doctor say, mom?” 

Her mother was silent. Gerard managed a faint smile, grateful that he had a daughter who cared about him.  

“I’ve been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.” 

“What?” She said as tears began to well up in her eyes. 

“Your father is sick, Hazel, and this time we aren’t sure if he is going to come back from this one.” 

“No! How could you tell me? How long?” Hazel screamed out at her mother before getting up and rushing to her father’s side. 

“Hazel.” 

“How long?” 

“Three months ago.” Gerard said, not looking Hazel in the face. 

“No. I refuse to accept that. We have the money. We’ll get you the best doctors, pharmacists, anyone money can buy. You’ll live na very long life.” 

“Hazel,” Annika began, but was cut short again. 

“I refuse to allow this to be the end mom.” Hazel declared as tears ran down her face, but her eyes held resolve. 

"I know, sweetheart. It's hard, but there's something else I need to talk to you about. Just listen, please.” Gerard