A Trade

“So, you see, that family member that I have chosen is my son. Trust me, it’s much better than marrying me, is it not?” the boss said, laughing at his own sick joke. I stared at the document in shock as my hand shook. If I tear this paper apart, will that void the contract? I guess not… As I was deep in thought as to what I should do next, the boss’s mobile phone started to ring loudly, disturbing the tense atmosphere in the room. “What? I see…and? We’ll cover it…give her the best treatment,” the boss spoke through the phone. The conversation came to an end and the boss looked at me with a sad face and I wondered what that whole phone call was about. “The man that took your grandmother to the hospital just called,” the boss said solemnly. “How is she?” I asked with worry. “I think she already knew this but…I guess she never told you. Your grandmother has stage four lung cancer…” the boss said making a regrettable face. “What…?” I whispered so softly that I bet he couldn’t