"Maybe someday I'll give u a tour." Reginald said as he walked pass the two ladies.
Grace gave him a side glance before tunring to Ophelia."Ms Johnson,do you have any plans for today ."?
Ophelia quickly nodded her head."yes ,I plan on going to town to get some of my things."
Reginald's pace slowed, and he turned around. "Town? Already? You've only been here a days, Ms. Johnson."
Grace chimed in, "Mother didn't breed you on the towns limitation?"
Ophelia hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'd like to get some essentials, if that's what you mean."
Reginald's gaze intensified. "Essentials? We can provide you with everything you need here. You don't have to venture out."
Ophelia stood firm. "I appreciate your generosity, sir, but I'd prefer to handle my personal matters myself."
Finley intervened, his voice low. "If you'll excuse me, Master Reginald, I'll escort Ms. Johnson to town."
Reginald's eyes narrowed. "No need, Finley. Ms. Johnson can handle herself."
As Reginald walked away, Grace whispered, "don't mind him, Ophelia. He's not always... understanding.
****
Ophelia drove her old toyato through the woods remembering how hard it was to get the engines working again.
As Ophelia navigated the winding woods road, the engine sputtered, but refused to die. She smiled, relieved the old Toyota held up. The trees whizzed by, casting dappled shadows on the pavement.
Upon emerging from the woods, the town's quaint shops and cafes came into view. Ophelia's stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't eaten breakfast. She wanted to go to a nearby breakfast spot and have something,but she feared her engine might go off completely,so.she didn't make stops ,she just continued on her way.
Ophelia arrived at her family's small home ,relieved to find it empty ,she wondered if her brother had gone to visit their mother as the hospital,the house didn't seem as tho someone has been there ,it was still exactly as she had left it the day before.
Without hesitation she headed to her room, her room was on the basement it was a small room.
Ophelia descended to her basement room, the familiar creaking of the stairs easing her tension. The small space, cluttered with childhood memories, welcomed her. She closed the door, feeling a sense of solitude.
She hadn't been in this room for weeks or even months ,she had used her mothers room istead.
She stared at the room it was a bit dusty ,she hadn't had much time to clean it before cause she was too busy searching for a job,not wanting to linger around ,she took a small suitcase of hers and packed a few of her clothes and other personal stuffs she may need, she quickly zipped up the bag but just as she was about to leave something caught her eyes.
It was under the bed , Ophelia squat down a bit bulling out the old wooden box,it was a little dusty.
Ophelia's hands brushed against the dusty wooden box, stirring forgotten memories. She pulled it out, revealing intricate carvings and a rusted lock. Her heart racing, she opened the creaky lid.
Inside, a small jade necklace shone brightly ,next to it was a picture of her and her father ,she remembered the day they took the picture,it was her 8th birthday,she had wanted some alone time with him ,so they went to the park that day.
Ophelia's mind wandered back to that sunny 8th birthday. She and her father had walked hand-in-hand to the park, enjoying the warm breeze. As they sat on a bench, her father pulled out a small box from his pocket.
"Happy birthday, sweetie," he said, his eyes twinkling.
He opened the box, revealing the jade necklace. His fingers gently fastened it around her neck.
"For protection and love, always," he whispered, his voice filled with affection.
Ophelia's heart swelled with emotion. She remembered the sensation of his warm breath, the softness of his touch.
As she gazed at the necklace now, memories flooded back: laughter, picnics, and adventures with her father. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
She took a deep breath,she was a strong woman ,women don't cry ,she whispered to herself as she took the necklace out of the box ,putting it into the small bag of the suitcase.
Almost immediately her phone buzzed she stared at the screen it was a call from her mother's doctor,she quickly wipe doff the tears and cleared her throat she tried letting much air as she could into her lungs,before picking the call.
"Hello doctor."?
"Ms Johnson if you are available could we meet."?.
**** Ophelia watched her mother sleep peacefully through the glass ,she could almost feel her rapid breathing.
"Ms Johnson please step into my office." The doctor said to Ophelia as he led her to the office.
Doctor: "Ms. Johnson, I'm pleased to share unexpected news about your mother's condition. Her kidney function has improved significantly. We won't need to proceed with the transplant... at least not yet."
Ophelia's eyes widened with hope. "What do you mean? How is this possible?"
Doctor: "We're not entirely sure, but her body seems to be healing on its own. We'll need to monitor her progress closely. For now, let's put the transplant on hold and see how she recovers."
Ophelia's face lit up with relief. "That's incredible news! What are the chances of her full recovery?"
Doctor: "Difficult to predict, but her improvement is promising. We'll need to run more tests and schedule follow-ups. I'll keep you updated."
Ophelia's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Doctor. Your team's care has been invaluable."
Doctor: "We're glad to see her progress. Take care of yourself too, Ms. Johnson. This journey has been challenging for you both."
Ophelia left the doctor's office in high spirit ,she went back to I her mother's ward ,she was still sleeping peacefully, the dark circles she had before were now a bit cleared and her once pale cheeks had some light in them now, she caressed her mother's cheeks gently.