Her only solace in life was her daughter, and four years ago, a grandson appeared as well. But happiness didn’t last long. Six months ago, her daughter and son-in-law died.
A truck driver who had fallen asleep crashed into the bus stop where they were waiting for a minibus. Unbearable grief weighed heavily on this unfortunate woman’s shoulders. Only the responsibility for the last remaining family member, her grandson Bruce, whom she had taken in to raise, kept her from sinking into a deep depression.
But misfortune doesn’t come alone, as if testing a person’s strength. Not long ago, the boy was diagnosed with a severe illness. Expensive treatment and surgery were required, and the only place where the surgery could be performed was abroad.
That’s why, in her old age, she had to acquire a new, unusual profession, using her unique abilities to earn money. There was just one problem. The required medicine was very rare, hard to find, and the operation required such a long time to save for that Vanessa began to fear she might not make it in time.
The doctor’s prognosis was grim. At work at a pharmacy, Jenny quickly responded. Write down the name of the medication, and I’ll try to find it.
Jenny spent her entire birthday, until the evening, with Vanessa and didn’t regret it at all. Vanessa turned out to be an enjoyable conversationalist and dazzled with her intellect, likely thanks to her professional background. She also reminded Jenny of her late grandmother in some way, either in her manner of speaking or in some familiar warmth in her sad eyes.
It turned out that the trinket had been gifted to her by a grateful client for an accurate prediction. Let it be with you, she said. When I gave it to your husband, I put all my abilities into my wish.
And my wishes often come true. I just can’t influence my own fate. As for herself, Jenny said little.
There was no need. I see, I see, dear, the clairvoyant said, you don’t have children, that’s your greatest sorrow. Jenny didn’t want to approach her new boss at all.
He had taken over the pharmacy network only a year ago, but had already been making hints for several months, suggesting Wright’s home, asking to go to the movies. But there was nothing to be done, only he could help with such a matter. Simon stared at his subordinate with curiosity through his oily eyes.
She had come on her own. Maybe she had finally warmed up. I have a big favor to ask of you, she said somewhat dejectedly.
I’m listening, Jenny, Simon replied in a gentle voice, come on, be braver. He made an effort to single her out from the rest of the team. There was something about her that had immediately caught his attention from the first glance.
She seduced and attracted him without even realizing it. Even now, she was saying something, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her soft, plump lips. Here, the name of the medication, it’s very needed for a child.
She moved closer to show him the name on the note. Is it possible to get it? Now, he could smell the delicate, enchanting fragrance of her perfume. What an incredible pleasure it was to be near her.
No, he had to pull himself together immediately, otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to control himself. The man made an effort to shake off the spell, glanced at the paper, and immediately declared, well, I’ll say right away, we probably don’t have anything like that in the country. And noticing the shadow of disappointment in the enchanting woman’s gaze, he quickly added, but I can place an order abroad.
This phrase inspired the young woman, and now she couldn’t take her pleading eyes off her boss. Simon, please, I beg you, order it, Jenny pleaded. This medicine is a matter of life and death for the child.
Of course, it’ll be a hassle. Simon grumbled, I’ll have to make calls, arrange things. The man deliberately sighed heavily, trying to inflate his own value and make the requester feel like she owed him.
His calculations paid off, Jenny eagerly babbled. If you need anything from me, I’m ready to help. You can count on me for anything.
Maybe I can step in for someone, or do something else. Simon looked her in the eyes intently and said meaningfully, Jenny, in return, I expect your favor as well, but of a different nature. What do you mean? Jenny asked, though it was clear from his sly look what he was implying.
The man didn’t hide his desire and still hoped for a reciprocal feeling from her. The next sentence only confirmed her suspicion. Let’s discuss it in a more informal setting.
I’m inviting you to dinner at a restaurant. There’s a lovely cozy place nearby called Golden Vine. They serve the freshest seafood and excellent French wine.
Jenny looked away, blushing deeply, and instinctively clenched her fists. I can’t today. She stammered, her voice trembling with nervousness and indignation.
When can you, her boss pressed on. I don’t know. I have a lot of things to do, she almost whispered.
A dark spark lit up in her boss’s eyes. I’m afraid I won’t have the time either to search for the medication, he retorted harshly. From that day, things at her beloved job went downhill.
The vengeful boss Simon seemed to decide to pressure the stubborn woman and started creating unbearable conditions for her, assigning the hardest shifts, finding her for every little thing. Jenny held on with all her strength, but wasn’t ready to give up. The situation at home wasn’t much better.
Her dissatisfied mother-in-law and an unfaithful husband, with whom she still hadn’t had the heart-to-heart talk. But what could she possibly confront him with what the clairvoyant had said? The knot around her neck slowly tightened, squeezing her throat tighter and tighter, making life more and more unbearable. Only her communication with Vanessa kept her from losing her mind.
And also meeting Bruce. The small, big-eyed boy immediately captured her heart. He returned her affection, never leaving her side, sincerely gazing into her eyes.
Jenny, will you come again? He asked in his tender voice every time they parted, and her heart would stop. How she wanted to help this little one. But what could she do? The medicine didn’t work out.
She had no money. And after a potential divorce, she would practically get nothing. She was angry with herself for her helplessness.
One day, her boss couldn’t hold back any longer. Thinking he had pushed Jenny to the breaking point and decided to force things to happen immediately, he cornered the object of his desire in the supply room, began to embrace her passionately, pressing her against him. In response, he was met with a resounding slap to the face, which struck his pride hard.
This was the last straw. When she arrived for her next shift, Jenny immediately sensed something was wrong. Her co-workers looked frightened and tense, and as soon as she entered, they told her that the director was waiting for her in his office.
Besides Simon, there were two police officers, an overweight balding man, and a tall brunette with a frown on his face. Here she is, Jenny Torres, the boss pointed at her. The heavy-set police officer, sweating from the heat and repeatedly wiping his forehead and neck with a handkerchief, motioned for her to sit and spoke in a flat tone with rehearsed words.
Sit down, Jenny. We’ve received a report. You’re being accused of stealing expensive prescription medications.
What? Stealing? The pharmacist protested. I’ve been working here for over ten years. Here, the officer nodded toward an open laptop.
The surveillance footage is provided. It clearly shows you entering the supply room and taking medication packages out. Realizing what it was about, Jenny sighed in relief.
Yes, that’s correct. But Simon himself asked me to bring him those packages. She turned to her boss, asking him to confirm her statement.
But he just waved his hand at her in panic. God help you, Jenny. I haven’t seen those medications, and I never gave you any such assignment, the man responded, his words like thunder, on a clear day.
She hadn’t expected such treachery from him. Jenny clearly remembered that innocent request from her boss at the end of her previous shift, but she never could have imagined it would turn into this. A bitter, sharp lump rose in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes.
But you, you, was all Jenny could manage to say with a trembling voice. The second police officer silently watched the pharmacist from the side, observing her with a cold, almost disdainful gaze. Grabbing her mobile phone with a trembling hand from her pocket, she dialed her husband’s number.
Anthony, I need your help. Her voice broke. I’m in big trouble at work.
What happened? Her husband asked. They want to press charges against me for theft. I need your help.
Come as soon as you can. The male voice on the other end of the line went silent for a few seconds, then Anthony cautiously spoke. I can’t right now.
I’m really busy. Can it wait? What do you mean wait? Anthony, please. The police are here.
The wife was on the verge of tears. Her husband hesitated a bit longer, exhaled loudly, and then admitted. I… I’m not in the city right now.
Sorry, I forgot to warn you. I’ll be gone for a few more days. It’s a business trip.
Jenny froze in disbelief. Her husband had never had such urgent business trips before. The image of his travel bag by the door this morning and his passport on the table flashed in her mind.
It turns out he’s out there somewhere, having fun with his mistress. And he’s not able to drop everything when his wife is in desperate need of help. Looks like he’s already made his choice.
The emptiness in her soul grew to an unimaginable size, devouring all feelings and emotions. This was a big, fat period in their relationship. Leaning back in her chair indifferently, the woman stared blankly into space, distancing herself from everything that was happening.
Whatever will be, she no longer cared. The dark-haired policeman, who had been watching her closely the whole time, suddenly approached and asked, Jenny, why did you take these medications? If you’re honest with me right now, I’ll help you. You won’t get into trouble, I promise.
She lifted her tear-filled eyes to him and firmly replied, No, I didn’t take anything. Simon is just getting back at me. Their gazes met, and it felt as though they pierced each other deep into their souls, the sincere, kind blue eyes of the young woman and the generous gray eyes of the lonely fighter for justice.
It seemed as if they now knew everything about each other. John, there’s no crime here, he declared. We’re writing a refusal to open a case.
Bernard, what are you talking about? The fat partner exclaimed in surprise. It’s all clear here. Bernard stubbornly stood his ground, leaning against the door.
There’s no evidence. His word against hers. That’s it, let’s go.