Chapter Two:A Decision Made

Luca reached the hospital breathless, his chest burning as if he had run for miles without stopping. The smell of medicine and disinfectant filled the air. Nurses moved quickly past him, and for a moment he felt lost—small in a place too big for his fear.

Then he saw her.

His grandmother lay on the hospital bed, thin and still, her eyes closed, machines softly beeping beside her. Her face looked pale, unfamiliar. Luca stepped closer, his legs weak, his hands trembling as he held the edge of the bed.

A doctor soon approached him and spoke gently but clearly. The words came slowly, each one heavier than the last.

She had cancer.

The doctor explained that she was stable for now, but the treatment she needed could not be provided in the countryside. She required better facilities, advanced care, and immediate attention at a larger hospital. Waiting too long would be dangerous.

Luca nodded, barely hearing the rest. His mind felt empty and crowded at the same time.

That night passed quietly. Luca sat outside the ward, unable to sleep. Memories filled his thoughts—his grandmother waking him up for school, saving small amounts of money for his books, smiling proudly when he showed her his photographs. She had sacrificed everything without ever calling it a sacrifice. She had raised him with love, patience, and strength.

By morning, Luca had made a decision.

He would take her with him to Rivermoor.

When he returned to the ward, his grandmother had regained consciousness. Her eyes softened when she saw him.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she whispered. “You have your studies… your dreams.”

Luca held her hand tightly. “You are my dream,” he said simply.

She looked worried, guilty even, but Luca’s voice was firm. No matter what it took, he would make sure she received the best treatment—even if it meant giving up everything else.

That same morning, arrangements were made. She was transferred to St. Haven Medical Center, the best hospital in Rivermoor. Luca emptied his savings, every note he had carefully stored away, and completed the admission process. Treatment began immediately.

As he sat outside the new ward, exhaustion settling into his bones, reality finally caught up with him.

The money he managed to collect was enough for only two weeks.

The next two days passed in restless motion. Luca searched everywhere—cafés, studios, shops, offices. He walked until his feet hurt, asked until his voice felt weak, but nothing decent came through. Either the pay was too low or the hours impossible. Time moved fast, and fear moved faster.

During this time, his phone kept ringing.

His professor called first, worried about his absence. Luca explained everything honestly. There was a pause on the other end before the professor spoke.

“Your finals are only one and a half months away,” he said calmly. “Your attendance has always been full. I’ll take care of that. If you need any practical experience, come to my house whenever you are free. Learn, practice—but don’t miss the exams. You’ve worked too hard.”

Then, gently, “Do you need financial help?”

Luca swallowed. “No, sir,” he replied. “You are already helping me more than enough with my studies. I can’t trouble you more.”

His friends called too. They visited him and his grandmother, bringing food, warmth, and quiet support. One evening, Max stayed back after the others left.

“I can help you with a job,” Max said suddenly.

Luca looked up, surprised.

“My cousin is the CEO of Aurielle Group—fashion, cosmetics, perfumes, everything. They’re always hiring photographers and people who understand lighting, editing, visuals. My dad works there too. I’ll talk to him. The salary is good. It’s the best company around.”

Luca stared at him. “Really?”

“Yes. This could work.”

“If it does,” Luca said softly, “I’ll be forever grateful to you and your family.”

The next morning, Max called. “Hey, they’re ready to see you. Can you go today for the interview?”

“Yes,” Luca answered without hesitation.

He got ready quickly, took a deep breath, and left for the address Max had given him—hope and fear walking side by side as he stepped toward whatever waited next.

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