Shadows of revenge

It was a rainy day in Manhattan. Raindrops created a rhythmic soundtrack as they tapped against the pavement, and the city took on a glistening sheen under the gray sky. People hurried along the streets with colorful umbrellas, seeking shelter in cozy cafes and bustling subway stations. The cityscape became a mix of reflections and shadows, adding a touch of mystery and romance to the urban landscape. It was a time when the city slowed down a bit, inviting one to appreciate the beauty in the midst of the rain. Cindy moved through the rain with her umbrella, her hair tousled by the breeze that accompanied the downpour. She had just received a call from her mother's doctor. Her mother had been sick for three years now, ever since her father died in a car accident. Since then, Cindy had been doing her utmost to meet her mother's numerous health demands. She wanted her mother to live; after all, she was the only family Cindy had. The thought of losing her filled Cindy with dread—she could not imagine facing the cruel world alone. Cindy arrived at the hospital building and headed to the elevator. As she ascended, anxiety gripped her about the news the doctor would relay, but she tried to stay positive. Her mother’s condition could not possibly worsen, she hoped. Standing at the door to the doctor’s office, she prayed for good news before finally opening the door and stepping inside. “Good morning, Miss Bailey! Come in. You’re welcome; please have a seat,” Dr. Hopkins gestured to the chair in front of him. Dr. Hopkins had been her mother’s doctor for two years now. After her father’s death and her mother’s initial illness, Cindy had met several doctors who treated her mother but none could manage her care as effectively as Dr. Hopkins. He had been recommended to her by a colleague two years ago, and ever since then, he had treated her mother with exceptional care and attention. “Good morning, Doctor. You called early this morning, but I had to finish up an issue at work before coming here. Is there anything wrong with my mother?” Cindy began, her heart racing even as she tried to appear composed. “Yes, your mother’s health has improved over time, as you know, since she has been consistent with her medications. But…” The doctor paused and looked directly at her. “She has developed a new case.” Cindy felt the blood rush to her ears. While she had anticipated that her mother’s illness might worsen, this news completely took her off guard. She braced herself for what was to come. “Doctor, what is the situation? What other illness has she developed?” “She has developed a brain tumor due to an infection.” “A brain tumor?” “Yes. Her case is relatively complex as the tumor is located in her brain stem. If not tended to early and treated, it could endanger her life. I would recommend immediate treatment, and if there is no improvement, surgery.” Her heart skipped a beat. Surgery? She could barely afford her mother’s daily medication, let alone surgery. Panic washed over her as her head throbbed from a burgeoning headache. “Doctor, when do we start the treatment?” Dr. Hopkins looked at her, noticing the color draining from her pale face. If there were any way to treat Mrs. Bailey without alerting Cindy, he would have done it. He had witnessed Cindy do everything possible to provide her mother with the best healthcare. But in this case, Cindy had to be fully aware of what was happening; it was a matter of life and death. If Mrs. Bailey was not treated soon enough, complications could arise, and she might not survive. “Right now, the tumor has not spread far,” he explained gently, “but in two months, it will be a different case; it could spread to other parts of the brain and damage major areas. Immediate treatment is essential" "Okay, doctor. The treatment should start immediately. I will provide the money for the treatment." She knew they were talking about a very large sum of money, but she could not let her mother die, so she had to find a way. "Alright, I will send the breakdown of the p*****t to your email. Once the first p*****t is made, we can start treatment immediately." Cindy left the hospital feeling shattered. She had to come up with a way to pay for the treatment. She could make the first p*****t with all the money she had saved over time, but that was as far as it went. She had to find some other way to get the rest of it. Max stood at the window of his office, watching the raindrops fall from the sky in big drops. He observed as vehicles flooded the streets and people walked around under umbrellas of different colors. The lights and sounds from vehicles filled the dark streets of the city. He had just been informed that Mrs. Sophia Bailey, the mother of his childhood friend and worst enemy, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. He thought this was the time he had been waiting for. He had found the perfect opportunity to punish Cindy for the crime she committed seven years ago. He would never forgive her for what she did; instead, she would suffer for the rest of her existence. He knew Cindy had no money for her mother's treatment, and he also knew she did not have a well-paying job, as he had been keeping tabs on her. She was at a point where she needed money—lots of it—and he could give her the money she wanted without a single problem. He picked up his phone and dialed his secretary's number; immediately, the line connected. "Raymond, get my car. I'm going to Bryant Hospital; I have a matter to handle there." "Alright, Boss. On it." Raymond was his most trusted employee; he handled most of Max's affairs in and out of the office. Max decided to pay a visit to the hospital where Mrs. Bailey was being treated. He knew the doctor who handled her case and wanted to clear the p*****t for the whole treatment so Cindy would have no choice but to accept his offer. In ten minutes, Raymond was already in front of Anderson Corporation building, waiting for his boss. Max entered the car, and they drove off, heading to Bryant Hospital. When they arrived, Raymond went to the front desk and said, "I need to see Dr. Hopkins." "Alright," the lady at the front desk answered him with a smile and gave him directions to Dr. Hopkins' office. Raymond had previously called to book an appointment with Dr. Hopkins, and with the Anderson family being well known throughout New York, the doctor accepted them without much discussion on the reason for the meeting. Max and Raymond went straight to the elevator and stopped at the fifth floor. Dr. Hopkins' office was among four offices located on that floor. They reached the office, opened it, and entered. "Mr. Anderson! Good afternoon, sir. You are welcome," Dr. Hopkins said with a bright smile on his face as he extended his hand for a handshake. "Please have a seat, sir." He ushered Max to the seat in front of him. "To what do I owe this visit, sir?" he asked Max. "I'm here on behalf of Miss Bailey," Max said in a clear voice.