บท 3: A CALL

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Brianna's Grandmother's house----

Back in her sick grandmother's house, the jobless, beautiful Brianna, sat on a chair beside her Grandmother who was coughing every 2 minutes.

Brianna handed her water in a mug.

"Here Grandma drink this. Be careful it is hot,'' said Brianna, a worried expression on her face.

Her Grandma drank the water carefully and gave it back to Brianna.

''I'm ok now. Er---Brianna why are you not at work today? Or did you get a morning shift or day off?". Grandma asked concerned.

"Now this is bad. How can I tell her I have no job at the moment? She might get a heart attack."Brianna thought and answered her grandma.

"Oh yes, Granny! Boss was really kind today. He let me go home to rest tonight" Brianna said with a smile.

Grandma readjusted her glasses and lay on the bed again."Why do I feel that you are lying to me?".said Grandma.

"Grandma, come on! I'm really fine.I---i mean I still have a job."Brianna defended.

Grandma shook her head full of white strands of hair and sighed.

"My child, i know you very well as i raised you. Every time you go late to work. I've always told you not to worry about me.'' she said.

"But Grandma I-- I just----" Brianna said in defense again but was stopped by Grandma.

"Ssh! Enough of it. So--what are you plans now Brianna?" Grandma asked.

Brianna sighed and shook her head.

"I haven't really thought much about it," she said sadly.

Grandma was really worried.

"Brianna, I know you care about me. you don't want to leave me alone but then------ I am an inch closer to my grave while you" *coughs and pats her chest*.

"Sorry Grandma". Brianna pacified Grandma.

"It's ok. But you still have many years ahead of you. Use them wisely.". said, Grandma.

Brianna teared up.

"Grandma -- I really---" she was stopped by her Grandma.

"You may not be a graduate but I'm sure you can work as a messenger or do any clerical work of your level in a good company. You know being a waitress-- I don't like it. Go for something better child'' Grandma advised.

''I've heard you Grandma "suddenly her phone rang. It was an unknown number.

"Hello! Who's this? Yes, it's Brianna speaking. How may i help you? What?"Brianna became worried and agitated.

"I'm coming over right now. Listen---listen to me! Sir, please don't touch him. Do you hear me? Fine! Give me ten minutes."Brianna ended the call and then hit the table in frustration

"Hey! That table wasn't easy to buy. Can you please show some mercy to it? It's innocent." her Grandma complained.

"Grandma, i gotta go right now"Brianna kissed Grandma's forehead and rushed out of the house.

Grandma sighed.

''Tsk, tsk, tsk. It's a pity! Kids these days" she coughs and then takes off her glasses."Brianna, go well in peace." she then picked up a paper fan and admired the anime cartoon on it with a smile."Anita, can you see how big our Brianna is now? I don't wanna make life hard for her anymore" she then sighed again as she stared at a picture on the wall giving off a weak and smile.

"Anita, I'll soon join you over there," Grandma said in a firm tone. After not a long while, she took a pen and a notebook and then she starts to write.