I was going to die anyway. Why keep struggling? Just then, my phone rang. I picked it up and answered. "Sharon, don't say I never look out for you. Mrs. Hawthorne needs a guide to take her around Greenhelm Mountain and she specifically asked for you. The tip is $5000 a day."
"Manager, I'm still in the hospital."
"So, what are you waiting for? If you're fine enough to pick up the phone, you're fine enough to work. Do you know how many people would kill for this job?"
True enough. A day's tips were indeed equivalent to my month's salary. "Okay, I'll go."
After hanging up, my father grabbed my hand. "Don't go. You've been on a drip all night, your body can't take it. Sharon, it's all my fault, I'm the one who ruined you. I'll change, I promise I'll change … " He sobbed uncontrollably. His hair was streaked with gray, his youthful energy long gone.
"Dad, don't worry. I'm not dying anytime soon. I've been like this for a while now. I just need to go home and grab a few things before heading to the mountains." Soon, my dad took me to the hotel on his electric scooter.
A black business van was already parked at the entrance, clearly waiting for someone. The moment I stepped inside, the manager dragged me to the lounge area. "Mrs. Hawthorne, Sharon is here."
Mila didn't even look up. She said casually, "Help me put on my shoes."
I was momentarily taken aback and the manager immediately pressed my head down. "What are you waiting for? Not everyone has the privilege of putting on Mrs. Hawthorne's shoes."
He grinned obsequiously, but to me, it felt like my face was being pressed into the dirt. Still, what did dignity even mean anymore? I knelt down, took her ankle in my right hand and reached for her sneakers with my left.
"Just as I was about to put them on her, she suddenly stepped down hard. The sharp heel of her stiletto dug into the back of my hand. I gasped in pain and looked up at her.
"Oh, sorry. I was replying to a message, I didn't notice," Mila said without a trace of sincerity.
Pain shot through my hand as if my bones were about to break. I wanted to walk away right then and there. Still, the manager leaned in and whispered, "Don't forget, you've already taken two months' salary in advance. Even if I fire you, you still need to pay it back."
I clenched my teeth and swallowed my pride, silently finishing the task.