CHAPTER 68: THE PRICE OF HOPE

Alex, Mike, and Danny climbed the narrow staircase, the muffled cries from upstairs growing louder with each step.

When they reached the top, the sound of Nina’s soft whimpers mingled with Linda’s trembling voice, calling her daughter’s name, almost a prayer.

The moment Linda caught sight of Alex, she didn’t hesitate. She surged forward, arms wrapping around him with a force that made him stumble slightly.

Her tears soaked his shirt almost immediately, and she buried her face in his shoulder.

"My boy... Alex," she sobbed, her voice thick with relief and sorrow. "My sweet boy, you came... thank God you came."

Alex instinctively held her, letting her cry, feeling the weight of her grief and love wash over him.

Linda had always treated him like her own, sometimes even more tenderly than she did Danny. Now, seeing Nina suffering, her maternal instincts were unrestrained.

"Mother..." Alex murmured, the word slipping out naturally, feeling right. He rested a hand gently on her back. "Hey... don’t cry. I’ve got this. I’ll make sure Nina’s okay. I’ll handle everything... she’s going to be alright, I promise."

Linda’s tears fell freely as she clutched him tighter, shaking with sobs. "Oh... Alex... my boy... my poor baby..."

Alex pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. "I need you to trust me. No need to carry this burden alone. Let me do this... for Nina, for all of you."

Linda nodded, tears streaming down her face, gripping his hands as though refusing to let go. "I... I trust you, Alex. I’ve always trusted you."

Danny’s chest tightened, watching the scene unfold.

His mother, the strong, warm heart of their family, leaning on Alex like he was a rock, and Mike standing silently beside them, understanding without a word.

Alex gave a small, firm nod. "Then we move forward. No more fear. We’ll find the treatment she needs. Whatever it takes."

A tiny, almost imperceptible tremor ran through Linda, a mixture of relief and lingering worry.

Even though she knew his words were just meant to reassure, her heart calmed a little... just that flicker of hope was enough in this moment.

Alex gently pulled back from Linda, giving her a reassuring nod. "I’ll be right there with her," he whispered.

Mike followed closely, careful to be quiet, though the tension in the air made each step feel heavy.

The bedroom door was slightly ajar, and a faint smell of antiseptic mixed with the soft, sweet scent of Nina’s blanket greeted them.

Inside, the little girl lay propped against a pile of pillows, her pale face framed by damp strands of hair. Her breathing was shallow, labored, and each small movement seemed to take immense effort.

"Nina," Alex said softly, stepping closer. His voice carried a gentleness he reserved only for her.

Her eyes fluttered open, weak but instantly recognizing him. A tiny, tired smile touched her lips. "Big... Big Brother Alex," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alex’s chest tightened. "Hey, little one. How are you feeling?"

Nina’s fingers twitched slightly toward him. "S... so tired... it hurts..." Her small hand tried to reach for him, but her strength faltered.

Mike, standing a step behind, knelt down to her level. "Hi, Nina. I’m Mike... Alex’s friend. I’m here to help too," he said gently.

She blinked at him slowly, then managed a tiny nod. "Hi... Mike," she murmured, her voice fragile but warm.

Alex moved closer, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "I know it hurts, Nina. But I promise, we’re going to do everything we can to make it better. You’re going to get help... the best care there is. I swear it."

Nina’s eyes filled with a mixture of fear and trust. Her tiny hand gripped his sleeve weakly. "Promise?" she whispered.

"I promise," Alex said firmly, squeezing her hand gently. Mike mirrored the gesture with a soft smile.

Her small face relaxed a fraction, her heavy eyelids drooping as if she had just released a tiny weight she’d been carrying. "Okay... Big Brother Alex... okay," she murmured, curling slightly against her pillow.

Linda, still at the doorway, let out a shaky breath, wiping tears from her face. "Thank you... thank you for being here for her," she whispered, voice quivering.

Alex gave a determined nod, his eyes never leaving Nina’s. "We’ll fix this. No more tears, Mother... I’ve got her. Don’t worry. Not on my watch."

***

Alex steps outside onto the small back porch, Mike and Danny following close behind. The cool air hits their faces as they close the door.

Alex steps outside onto the small back porch, Mike and Danny following close behind. The cool air hits their faces as they close the door.

Danny glances at Alex, his brow furrowed with worry. "Alex... why did you promise all that? I mean... we don’t have that kind of money. None of us do."

Alex pulls out his phone, scrolling to Victoria’s contact. "Just... wait and see, Danny. Trust me."

"Trust you?" Danny asks quietly, uncertainty in his voice. "I’ve known you since high school. I know exactly what your financial situation is... so how can you just promise my mom fifty thousand dollars like that?"

Mike shifts uncomfortably beside them, clearly wanting to support Alex but equally confused by his friend’s certainty.

Alex’s thumb hovers over Victoria’s name for a moment - she mentioned she had an important meeting today.

He also had enough money, but... could that really guarantee Nina’s safety? No. He needed to take her somewhere far bigger, somewhere with the best care possible.

Alex takes a deep breath and presses call.

The phone rings twice before Victoria’s voice comes through, professional but warming instantly when she recognizes his number.

"Hello darling, this is unexpected. Aren’t you supposed to be in class right now?"

"Victoria, I need your help." The words come out more raw than he intended.

Danny and Mike exchange glances, both clearly surprised by the intimate tone in Alex’s voice.

The change in Victoria’s tone is immediate - sharper, focused. "What’s wrong?"

"It’s Danny’s little sister. She’s... she’s dying, Victoria. The hospitals either want money they don’t have upfront or won’t even see her. She needs specialized treatment, and I..."

He pauses, realizing he’s never asked Victoria for anything this significant before. Their relationship, for all its intensity, has existed in its own bubble. This feels different - heavier.

"I don’t have anyone else to call. Danny’s family, they’ve been... they’re the closest thing to real family I’ve ever had. And this little girl, she’s just eight years old and she calls me big brother and I can’t just stand here and watch her..."

"Breathe," Victoria’s voice cuts through his rambling, gentle but commanding. "Tell me exactly what she needs."

Alex explains Nina’s condition, the treatment requirements, the hospitals that have turned them away.

Victoria listens without interruption, and he can hear the soft clicking of her keyboard in the background.

Danny stares at Alex in growing amazement, while Mike stands frozen, trying to process this side of their friend they’ve never seen.

"Memorial Children’s Hospital," Victoria says finally. "It’s the best pediatric facility in the state. I’m calling them now."

"Victoria, I don’t know how to repay... "

"Don’t." Her voice is firm. "This isn’t about repayment. This is about doing what needs to be done for someone you care about."

The line goes quiet for a moment, then Victoria returns. "I’m putting you on hold. Give me five minutes."

The hold music seems to stretch forever. Alex paces the small porch while Danny and Mike stare at him in stunned silence.

Through the window, they can see the empty living room, and upstairs, Linda’s voice continues, growing more strained.

"Alex," Danny whispers, "who the hell is Victoria?"

"Someone who can help," Alex replies simply, not meeting his eyes.

"Alex?" Victoria’s voice returns, crisp with efficiency.

"It’s handled. Bring them to Memorial Children’s Hospital immediately. Dr. Elizabeth will be expecting them - she’s one of the best pediatric nephrologists in the country. All expenses are covered, and they’ll have a private room."

Danny’s legs nearly give out. Mike grabs his arm to steady him.

"I... Victoria, I don’t know what to say."

"Say you’ll call me if anything else comes up. And Alex?" Her voice softens. "Give my regards to your family."

The word ’family’ hits him unexpectedly hard. She understands exactly what this means to him.

After hanging up, Alex stands for a moment on the porch, processing what just happened.

Behind him, Danny and Mike are completely silent, staring at him like they’re seeing a stranger.

"Memorial Children’s Hospital," Alex says, turning to face them. "They’re expecting us. Everything’s covered."

Danny’s mouth falls open. "Memorial? Alex, that place costs..."

"It’s handled."

"What do you mean it’s handled? Alex, they will not..."

"Danny," Alex cuts in, his voice low, steady. "Just believe me this once, okay?"

For a moment, the room is so quiet Alex can hear the clock ticking. Then Danny nods wordlessly.

Mike finds his voice first. "Alex... who was that woman? How did she just... make this happen with a phone call?"

Alex looks at both his friends - Danny still processing the miracle that just occurred, Mike clearly realizing there are depths to Alex he never suspected.

"That’s... complicated. But right now, we need to get Nina to the hospital. Questions can wait."

The sound of footsteps on the stairs interrupts them. Linda appears in the doorway, carrying Nina wrapped in a blanket. The little girl looks impossibly small and pale, but when she sees Alex, her eyes light up weakly.

"Big brother Alex," she whispers. "I finished your drawing. It’s... it’s on my nightstand if you want to see it."

Alex crosses to them, gently brushing Nina’s hair back from her fevered forehead. "I’ll definitely see it, sweetheart. But first let me take you somewhere where the doctors are going to help you feel much better."

"Really?" Nina’s voice is barely audible, but hopeful.

"Really. I promise."