"No, we can't. You don't have membership with this office, so $350 is the lowest I can go. That's a $25 discount already without membership."
I stumbled through my arguments. Covid-19. My mom is the only one working.
I stayed in there for another 20 minutes. Dang it Ngoc. You could have bargained harder, I thought, as I left the office defeated.
My procedure was complicated. I was uninsured. I knew this was the best price I could get for what I needed. sighhh
As I opened the door that led to the waiting area of the dentist's office, I saw my father, waiting inside by the front entrance. I'm 20. I'm an adult somewhat, but seeing his old frame by the entrance, gave me a sense of security. Someone is looking out for me... He looked up at me and in a few quick strides, I whispered to him in Vietnamese, "It's $350. They wouldn't budge past that." He opened the door for me and we walked out together as I discussed what and why the procedure was so expensive.
At every turn, he nodded with me pensively. Acceptingly.
I was confused. "You're accepting this price, Dad?"
He nodded; "if you need it, we'll find a way to pay it. Don't worry, Ngoc," he says as he unlocks the car.
In my life, I've never seen my father just accept. I've never seen him accept anything without a struggle he saw himself through. He trusted me. His nods, his acceptances was a sign that he was confident that I did my best for what I needed -- it was a big sign.
A glow in the dark.
My father's confidence.
Just as I felt defeated, I felt so much better...
And then it was to relay this news to my mother who was at work. I gripped the phone and told her about the procedure, and the price as well.
"You didn't do it already did you?" she asked suspiciously.
"Of course not! You know I'm too fearful to have it done today heh."
"GOOD!! Good. Smart girl. I raised you right," she said in relief, "I'm going to call a dentist I know and ask them their prices for you too. So we can compare and get this done the right way."
"Haha okay Mom. Thank you so much.... ^_^" In that moment, as I finished the call with my Mom, I don't know why it hasn't hit me before, but I'm taken cared of. HAHAHA OFC MY PARENTS TAKE CARE OF ME. Okay. Hey. I know this episode could have been more profound, but hear my out.
A year away from home, at Smith, and then the past year being at home... I still haven't adjusted in my head that yes I'm "independent" but at the end of the day, my parents have my back.
I'm coddled in love.
I'm loved. What the.
And on the ride home, as my father asked me about the details of the negotiations and how much I needed this procedure, he asked because he cared. My mother eagerly wanted to know because she cared. I tried my best to remember that moment. The way my Dad's back looked against the driver's seat, the way the sun was setting, the feel of my phone -- freshly warm from calling my Mom. This simple moment.
Those simple moments. Was love. Proven.
Not by some existential out or in rule. Not by geometry theorems and proofs.
When my Dad drives out to Bellaire to pick up groceries, and without asking my sister or I if we wanted any, he would bring home our boba drinks. 60% sugar. Less Ice. Extra pudding. He made sure to tape the written order in his truck in case "I ever went and thought you guys might want some :)"
When my Mother pushes a hot cup of bitter herb medicine into my hands. "Ngoc, you drink this now and you will thank me 40 years from now. Now bottoms up!" I grimace the entire time.
When it's 1:30 AM and Yen is still asking me, "Ngoc, how's your day?" Heck, girl. That girl loves me even when she's at her last braincell.
Episode 50. Was meant to be profound. It's merely love.
Back to it. Ngoc.
We're half-way and half-way leads to love. ^_^
The truest love. In the simplest things. I hope you'll share my vision, for just a few minutes today, and recall to yourself those simple things done by others that made you feel warm. Cared for. Just... at peace. Because you're loved. Whoever you are. <3
Sending virtual hugs!!!
Your forever girl,
Ngoc
P.s. EPISODE 50!!!!OHMIGOD. IM HALF WAY TO MY GOAL. AND TO THINK THIS EPISODE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE PROFOUND. I ALWAYS IMAGINED IT WOULD BE MORE PROFOUND. THERE ARE OVER 10 EPISODE 50s. WAITING IN MY DRAFTS. YET THIS IS THE ONE I CHOSE TO PUBLISH. BUT THIS IS PROBABLY the most fitting. Episode. Ever.
Simple love. <3
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