He paced outside the exam room, phone in hand, searching for loan options. Banks demanded credit checks. His was ruined. Payday lenders charged extortionate interest, which he couldn’t handle. Swallowing his pride, he texted acquaintances, hoping someone might lend him a quick sum. The silence was deafening.
In the waiting area, Derrick’s mind swirled with worst-case scenarios. If he couldn’t afford treatment, the only humane option might be euthanasia. The thought of losing Rusty, his closest companion, after years of loyalty gnawed at him like a relentless ache. He whispered, “Hold on, buddy. Please.”