The next day, Albert and Marie laid baby Rose to rest, their hearts heavy with sorrow. Marie's tears flowed freely as she whispered her final goodbye to her beloved daughter.
"No matter what, my angel, you will continue to be in me and your daddy's heart," she vowed softly.
As they stood by the graveside, Albert's friend and business partner, Daniel Anthony, approached. "My condolence, Albert," Daniel murmured, pulling him into a tight embrace.
Albert nodded, his grief evident in every line of his face. "Thank you, Daniel," he replied softly.
Daniel explained, "Sophie couldn't make it here. She's not yet strong."
Albert nodded understandingly. "I understand. Thanks for coming," he replied gratefully.
Daniel placed a comforting hand on Albert's shoulder. "I'm always here for you, Albert. I know this is the most difficult time for you and Marie," he said sincerely.
Albert's eyes brimmed with tears as he confessed his fears. "I'm scared, Daniel. We waited for this child. How will Marie and I heal from this?" he wondered aloud, his voice filled with anguish.
Daniel met his gaze with unwavering support. "Hey, look at me, Albert. You will heal, trust me," he reassured him.
He pulled Albert into another embrace, holding him tight as he whispered, "You need to be strong, Albert. Marie needs you in this difficult time."
Together, they turned to look at Marie, who sat beside baby Rose's grave, her grief continue in every tear she shed.
Four months later
In the bustling street, amidst the cacophony of car horns and chatter of passersby, Mrs. Francois sat under a canopy, cradling Isabella in her arms. Nearby, Anne arranged fruits on a stall, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Suddenly, Uncle Peter arrived on his tricycle, a familiar smile lighting up his face. "Hey, Anne," he called out warmly.
Anne looked up, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Uncle Peter, you didn't bring me fruit today. Do you have too many customers?" she inquired.
Uncle Peter shook his head, a troubled expression clouding his features. "No, Anne. I'm just coming from the provincial market, and I heard some troubling news," he explained. "A&T Home Of Decor company has bought the market. They're telling people to vacate," he revealed.
Anne's eyes widened in shock. "But why?!" she exclaimed. "All these rich people always intimidate the poor. The market is the only source of income for this province."
Uncle Peter nodded in agreement. "You're right, Anne. Mr. Richard fought for the market not to be sold, but..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Mrs. Francois's panicked voice interrupted them. "Anne, Anne! It's Isabella, her body is hot and she's not breathing again," she cried out, rushing towards them.
Anne's heart pounded with fear as she snatched Isabella from Mrs. Francois's arms. "Isabella?" she called out, her voice trembling with dread.
Uncle Peter's face mirrored Anne's concern. "Get into the tricycle, hurry!" he urged, his voice urgent.
Anne and Mrs. Francois wasted no time in obeying, scrambling into the backseat of the tricycle as Uncle Peter revved the engine, speeding off towards the clinic.
"Nurse! Please help me, my baby is not breathing!" Anne's voice echoed through the clinic corridors as they rushed inside.
The medical staff sprang into action, taking Isabella from Anne's arms and placing her on a stretcher. As they attended to her, Anne's heart clenched with fear, her mind consumed with worry for her precious daughter.
After what felt like an eternity, the doctor emerged from the examination room, his expression grave. Anne's heart sank as she awaited his diagnosis.
"Miss Anne, Isabella has Glaucoma," the doctor explained gently, his words like a dagger through Anne's heart. "It has affected her sight, and we need to operate on her, else she will lose her sight forever."
Anne's eyes brimmed with tears as she absorbed the devastating news. "How much is the operation fee?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The doctor's answer hit her like a ton of bricks. "Three hundred thousand pesos," he replied solemnly.
Anne's world spun as she struggled to comprehend the enormity of the situation. With a heavy heart, she realized that she had no choice but to take Isabella home, for now, since she was stable.
As they left the clinic, Anne held Isabella close, her mind reeling with fear. How would they ever afford the operation? And what would become of her beloved daughter if they couldn't?
"Where are we going to get such an amount of money from, Anne?" Uncle Peter's voice was laced with concern as they arrived home.
Anne's resolve hardened as she held Isabella close. "I will do anything for my child. I will raise the money," she declared.
Mrs. Francois scoffed, her tone laced with skepticism. "Seriously? You will look for the money? How? Is it from the fruit we sell? You can't get such money from it ten years from now!"
Anne's eyes widened in disbelief at her mother's words. "And what do you want me to do, mother? Isabella is my child. Do you think I won't do anything just for her to be fine?"
Mrs. Francois shook her head, her expression grave. "Stop lying to yourself, Anne. I think it's time to let Albert know about Isabella."
Uncle Peter and Anne exchanged a glance, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. "What? You mean I should beg him for money? Never, mother! I won't do such a thing!" Anne spat, her voice trembling with anger.
Mrs. Francois sighed heavily. "This is not about you again, Anne. It's about Isabella. Think about her. You can't hide Albert from her life forever because she deserves to know him."
Anne narrowed her eyes in disbelief at her mother's words. "Have you forgotten how Albert and I met, mother? Have you? I will never beg him for money to take care of my child!"
Uncle Peter attempted to diffuse the tension. "Anne, Ma'am Francois, please calm down," he urged gently.
But Mrs. Francois was resolute. "That's it! You're selfish, Anne. Stop using your pain from Albert to stop Isabella from knowing her father. Think about Isabella too and do the right thing. Do it for her sake! Choose between your selfishness and Isabella sight."
With that, Mrs. Francois stormed inside, leaving Anne reeling with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to Uncle Peter for solace.
"Am I selfish, Uncle Peter? Is it my fault?" Anne's voice trembled.
Uncle Peter's gaze softened as he reached out to comfort her. "No, Anne, it's not your fault," he assured her gently. "Understand your mother. She's just concerned about her granddaughter."
Anne sniffled, her heart heavy with guilt and indecision. "And besides, Anne," Uncle Peter continued, "I think Ma'am Francois is right. You need Albert's help. We don't have the money for Isabella's surgery, so I think you need to talk to him."