ding in Brownsville. This battered neighbourhood had provided a place for her and her father

a gruff vo

nd a chronic gambler who'd been friends wi

w's it going

u. She says you've lost too much weight, and now that I see you,

hrough her hair. "I'm fine, Ted. I

her back firmly. "How about you come around tonight for din

heartbeat. But not tonight. She just wanted to go

of mind right now. But please send my regards to Tes

e gave up. "Fine, but don't be too hard on yourself, ok

ye and disappeare

ted with an air of loneliness, she retired to b

-

. She had spent the past 30 hours in turmoil. She still couldn't understand the absurdity of this whole situation. She'd even tried painti

ce," she muttered and pulled herself t

he hoped would never come. The sound of her ringtone woke her from her reverie, and when she saw the caller ID, an audible sigh o

ake so long to pick up

said softly to her best friend Betty, her so

How's Pops doing? Is he gett

, and Dad isn't doing too good either. I feel so helpless, B. Why is th

away right now, but I'm just a phone call away," Betty said, trying to cheer up her best

I know," L

ing that has been botheri

that had gone wrong that week and ended with a sob

voice full of awe. "Don't cry, Les. If you cry, then I'll cry with you. I just want yo

d. "Thank you so much,

arning a small laugh from Leslie. "I'll ta

k later," Betty said

exhaled, and gathered her

-

looked even worse today, frailer and more haggard. She felt tears prick the back of her eyes, but she had to stay st

beamed at her weakly. "L

the room, holding his h

ing you want to tell me? You know I'm alw

thing I need to tell y

, say it. I

nervous, and said, "I've found a way to p

"B-but how?" he questioned skepticall

ime is Eleanor Blackwood. She... she gave me an offer. Her son Jul

hat will happen to your future, your happiness? Have you thought about that?" He said,

and hard, and it's the only option I have if I'm going to save you. I can hand

k eyes filled with sorrow. "Leslie, dear, you're so strong a

's not too much. I'd do anything

you find the happiness that you deserve. Promise me that you'll be ha

ll work," she said, placing a kiss on the palm of his fing

passed, the weight of her decision filli

ye. She quickly swiped it and

lve. She knew she was sacrificing her dreams and aspirations for her father's life,

lay on the table. She walked over, picked it up, took a deep breath, and dialled the number wri

el

s Leslie Harrison from the cafe a few da