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The EncounterThe Encounter
By: Webfic

Chapter 9 Michael's Mobile Miracle

Emma’s mind raced back to Michael's promise. He had vowed to cover her mother's medical bills to secure the finest doctors money could hire! That promise was now her only lifeline. Desperately, she scoured her old high school contacts. With a stroke of luck, she managed to be re-added to their group chat. To her dismay, she discovered Michael had left the group too, following her own exit. [Does anyone have Michael's contact?] She typed hastily into the group, ignoring the potential gossip that her message could spark. [Strange, wasn't Michael just here?] Alex, a former classmate, replied. [I swear he was active a few days ago. Why'd he leave?] [It's to be expected. Michael's the big boss of Brown Group now. He's out of our league.] Another piped up, his words laced with a tinge of envy. The group chatter quickly drifted, leaving Emma's urgent plea lost in a sea of tangents. As Emma’s brows furrowed in worry, a ping from the group snagged her attention. [Emma? I've got Michael's number. I haven't called him in ages, though, so I'm not sure if he's still using it. He gave it to me when he last reached out and wanted to rejoin the group.] The class representative chimed in, promptly sending Michael's digits through a private message. With trembling fingers, Emma called the number. Her heart hitched as the call connected, but her hopes were trampled on by the chilling response she received. "The number you have dialed is unavailable..." It was as if a cold wave had crashed over her, the stark reality making her retreat from the group chat in silence. What was she even thinking, believing Michael would actually help her? Michael had someone else in his heart. His impromptu marriage proposal was probably just a fleeting thought, spurred by a lover's spat. How could she ever forget the gap between them? She was unable to even catch a glimpse of him, yet she deluded herself into thinking he would still extend a helping hand after she had turned him down. Emma pocketed her phone, her steps heavy as she returned to her mother's side in the silent ICU. The stillness there mirrored the void in her hopeless self. Behind her, the soft beeping of the monitors was briefly overshadowed by the doctor's subdued voice. "What's your decision, Emma? Are we going ahead with the surgery?" "Is there any way to make payments to the hospital over time?" Emma's question was barely audible, her voice as cracked as her lips. They carried a trace of blood, a silent testament to her day-long fast. "I wish there was something I could do," Dr. Frost replied, a note of genuine regret in his voice. "But given your mother's critical state and your financial situation, without any collateral, the hospital can't proceed on good faith alone." Emma remained silent. She had expected as much. "You need to eat," the doctor continued, a gentle firmness in his tone. "I can stand watch for a bit. Your mother won't be alone, and you need your strength." She nodded a thank you, her throat feeling tight. Food was the last thing on her mind. All she managed to pick up was a bottle of water. As she tapped her phone to pay, a call came through. It cut through the fog of her despair. Michael was on the line. Without hesitation, she answered. "Mr—" The voice on the other end was polite but distant. "Hello, who am I speaking with?"

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