Make Him Pay

Austyn sprinted into the kitchen and fetched a glass of water. Elsie helped Charlotte take two small white pills. They were antiproliferatives, meant to treat cardiac allograft vasculopathy, a common complication following heart transplantation. Charlotte’s breathing returned to normal. Some colour came back into her pale cheeks. Kira stood aside and watched the scene. It was her father’s heart that was beating in Charlotte’s chest. She clenched her hands. ‘How can you let the kids live in squalor like this?’ Liam took in the mess in the living room. ‘It’s so cramped.’ Kira ignored him. ‘Come on, kids, time for bed.’ She supervised the kids as they brushed their teeth and then tucked them into bed. Jennie was not feeling sleepy at all, but Joshua kept her entertained with Kira’s phone game. He knew the adults needed to talk. Kira pecked her son’s forehead. She was grateful for how sensible Joshua was. She closed the bedroom door gently. ‘Why are you still here?’ she asked Liam. He was