I shoved Aunt Hailey's hand away.
"If you've got nothing better to do, go read up on the law. Back then my dad really didn't make you write IOUs, but there are chat logs and transfer records. Those are all evidence."
"Uncle Charles, I remember Brittany's company takes these things pretty seriously, right? And Aunt Anna, I remember Marcus just had a baby. If Dad is labeled a deadbeat who won't pay his debts, I don't know whether it will affect the kid's future."
"I want to see, when this gets dragged out to the end, whether it's you who gets affected or me."
Every word I said hit right where it hurt.
Aunt Anna lunged at me, nails out, ready to strike.
At the critical moment, Mom's scream cut through the air.
"Christopher! Christopher! What's wrong, Christopher!"
Only then did everyone realize Dad had collapsed.
I rushed to call the doctor.
Dad was quickly wheeled into the emergency room.
Mom couldn't stop crying. I shoved down my own fear and gripped her hand, trying to steady us both.
Uncle Charles stood beside us and snorted.
"Sister-in-law, it's not that we're trying to be harsh, but look at your husband's illness—it's going to cost so much money, and he might not even be saved."
"I'm afraid in the end you'll lose both the person and the money. If he really goes, what will you and Carrie do? We're doing this for your own good."
"If you ask me, your husband has gotten his money's worth out of this life. How about—"
Before he could finish, I shot to my feet.
"Get out! If you hadn't come to the hospital today to make a scene, how would my dad have gotten such a huge shock!"
"Are you even human!"
I was gulping air, the suffocating rage nearly knocking me out.
Just then, the emergency room door opened.
Mom and I rushed over. The doctor pulled off his mask.
"We managed to bring him back for now. But remember: the patient absolutely cannot be stimulated again."
"Recently, a new experimental drug came out overseas. Combined with follow-up treatment, it could really help his condition—but it's expensive."
"Talk it over as a family."
The moment the doctor left, Uncle Charles snorted.
"Your dad's illness isn't covered by insurance. You've been using imported medicine all along—you've already sold your house and your car. Now for some experimental drug, what are you going to use to pay for it?"
"Just listen to me. Let this illness go. You've already done your best."
I was about to fire back when my phone rang.
"Hello, is this Ms. Caroline Gilbert?"
"The lottery ticket you bought at our shop yesterday has won. First prize!"
"Sixty million! A full sixty million!"
