A BETTER TOMORROW

Madison’s POV

Since the Greens had decided that they no longer had use for me, I clung to my fate and was determined to take care of what was left of me.

And right now, the flyer looked like my only redemption.

I had never imagined that it would come to this. I was determined to endure the cruelty till I could get a way out but being thrown out was not in my books but who was I to decide how I wanted the Greens to treat me?

Based on my analysis as someone familiar with every nook and cranny of this city, it would take me an hour to reach the hospital.

I clutched the flyer with the rest of my things and wiped my tears with the edge of my other hand.

I was beaten, battered, and rejected and now, I’m out in the rain with no hope except for this flyer.

The heavy downpour had now reduced to a drizzle and this was my chance to march to the hospital but I had to stop to have a rethink.

If it’ll take me an hour to get to the hospital, how much more on a rainy day? And besides, It’s past consultation hours.

I checked the flyer and my eyes blinked repeatedly when they caught the phone number attached to the ad.

I looked around and noticed a telephone booth across the street.

Could this be fate?

Was the universe pushing me to make the call?

I dropped my things on the ground, pulled out my old blanket, spread it, and stuck my other belongings inside. Then I collected them into a single pile, tied them in the blanket, and hung them around my left shoulder.

I was still holding onto the flyer like it was my lifeline.

I then marched toward the phone booth and when I got there, I  dropped my things on the ground and slipped into the open booth.

I took a deep breath and began to enter the phone number on the flyer. I finished and hit the call button but the call wouldn't go through.

I tried again.

“You’ll need a coin!”

I immediately stopped and turned around. An elderly woman was passing by with an umbrella.

“Oh,!” I mouthed. I needed a coin to make the call of course but I had completely forgotten and how was I supposed to get one when I have nothing to my name?

I watched the woman’s eyes shift from my miserable self to the small pile on the ground. I saw her eyes moisten.

“Here!” She said and dipped her hand into a purse. She pulled out two bronze coins and presented them to me.

I stood motionless. I wasn’t used to getting any help.

“Take it!” She nodded.

She must have concluded that I was homeless and needed to reach someone on the phone tonight.

I stretched a trembling hand toward her and took the coins. “Thank you.”

“Be safe!” She said and left.

I shut the booth and quickly slipped the coin and entered the phone number. A few moments later, I heard a coil coming from the end of the phone. My heartbeat intensified.

I was doing this.

“Hello, this is St. Albert Hospital. My name is Dr. Magdalene. How may I help you?”

“Uhmm…hi.” I managed to say.

My heart was beating so fast that I thought it was going to rip out of my chest.

“Hello, Ms. How may I help you?” the woman asked softly.

There was something about her voice. It was calm and soothing.

I cleared my throat loudly and clung to the phone. “I’m calling regarding the surrogacy ad.”

There was silence from her end. Was she expecting me to go further?

What are you doing Madison?

I ignored the warning bells in my head and continued.

“Is the offer still open?”

“Sure.” Dr. Magdalene responded.

I breathed in relief.

“If you’re interested in the offer, would you mind responding to a few questions right now?” She asked.

“Of course.” I quickly replied. My heartbeat was going back to normal. I think I must have gotten more comfortable now.

“How old are you?”

“28.” I quickly replied.

“Do you have any terminal illness or medical condition?”

I blinked.

A medical condition or terminal illness? Except poverty counts.

I don’t remember falling sick except for the occasional headaches and cold which I tackle on my own. In my position at the Green House, I dare not fall sick.

“Okay. What’s your name?”

Gosh! Should I tell her?

“You can give me a fake name Ms. It’s okay. I just need a name to enter you into my record book.”

“Madison. My name is Madison.” I said.

“Okay, Madison. Would you mind coming over to the hospital tomorrow? Let’s say 9 am? I’d like to meet you in person so that we can conduct some medical screening and see whether you’re ideal for the role.”

“Of course. 9 am tomorrow.” I nodded.

“Thank you so much for calling, Madison. My office address is on the flyer. I’ll be expecting you by 9 am tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You take care.” She concluded and hung up.

I sighed and pulled the phone away from my left ear. I had made the call.

I stepped out of the phone booth, grabbed my stuff, and marched into the street. The rain had ceased. The moon was shining brightly, illuminating my path.

First thing tomorrow, I’d be at the hospital but before then, I needed a place to spend the night.

I had no one to go to and I couldn’t just lie in public. The market was my only option but I knew that the stalls were closed now. However, there were new stalls under construction, right beside the old block.

It had no roof but I had lived my whole life without using a heater so what difference could one day in the open make?

I clutched my belongings and continued walking down to the spot.

When I reached the incomplete building, the place was empty. Not that I was expecting anyone by the way.

I went to the first stall, lay my stuff on the cemented floor, and curled up beside it. I slowly turned, my back hitting the cold floor while my face looked up to the sky.

With an aching heart, I breathed a sigh, hoping for a better tomorrow.