The string of bright red numbers on the phone screen was like a red-hot iron needle, piercing Lin Ling's eyes.
Dunning Notices.
Three hundred thousand. Pay in full within three days.
The hospital called again. The nurse's tone had changed from the initial sympathy to a business-like urging: "Ms. Lin, your mother's surgery fee really can't be delayed any longer. There are many patients waiting in line for beds. Please understand."
"I understand, I understand... I will definitely..." Lin Ling's voice was dry and she couldn't say the next words.
What must it be?
Where would she get the money?
After hanging up the phone, Lin Ling leaned against the cold wall of the hospital and slowly slid to the ground. The footsteps coming and going in the corridor, the smell of disinfectant, and the moans of the patients all turned into vague background sounds.
Her mind went blank.
