“Unlocked…big mistake,” I thought to myself, allowing the door to swing open. Watson’s no time, I dashed to the living room and grabbed everything that looked to be even slightly of value and stuffed it unceremoniously into a bag. Picture frames, left over money, devices, anything I could get my hands on was fair game. I looked around, noting that the windows were already covered by curtains, blinding the public to my crimes. Seeing that the living room had nothing left, I hurried to the kitchen, making quick work of emptying the silverware drawers into my bag as well. My eyes fastened on the toaster, but I decided against it as it would take up too much space. Instead, I opted for some glasses and and a seemingly expensive bottle of wine that the residents had carelessly left out. My last stop was to what looked to be the adult bedroom, as the other one had cribs and decorations all over. The master bedroom gave me a jackpot: jewelry, a nice watch, and designers bags. I wanted to look for a wallet, but a look at the watch told me I was close to overstaying my welcome. Leaving the house, I drove my care carefully to a pawn shop, owned by Mr. Broker, as he was known to people like me.

“Mr. Swift,” he said, welcoming me by my nickname, “back at it again, I see.” I shrugged, placing my bag of loot on his counter. “Yeah, well, when you’re like me you don’t got much of choice.” He took his time examining what I’d brought, satisfying by himself to carefully inspect each item. “So?” I asked, impatiently, “How much for all of it?” He took the bag and opened his register. “You outdid yourself this time, Swift.” He pulled out the biggest stack of cash I’d ever laid eyes upon and, after counting it, handed it to me. “I can give $2000 even for it.” I beheld my reward and stuffed it into my wallet. “Sweet! I’ll be back eventually, Mr. Broker. Thanks.” With that, I left and drove to my second stop. The city hospital. It was the part I dreaded about my burglaries, but it was the most important. I parked my car and took a comb to my hair, making sure I looked my like a respectable man then a lowlife criminal. Shoving on a different, more colorful jacket to contrast my black uniform, I made my way inside. “Excuse me, I’m looking for my fiancée. Yes, Ms. Grace Heartwell.” The secretary pointed to the room at the end of the hall and informed me that Doctor O’Sean was with her. I thanked her and entered. “How is she, Doctor?” His eyes moved from my fiancées still body to me. “Mr. Robinson, she hasn’t worsened, but she’s made no progress either. We don’t have much time before her immune system folds to the disease, though. The surgery is her best chance.” I sighed. “How much?” The doctor checked the paper that was attached to his clipboard. “You’re looking at $3000 for the surgery. The treatment afterwards- well, I can’t say yet.” Pulling out my wallet, I extracted the money I had just earned and handed it to him. “It’s $2000. Not enough, I know, but I can get you the rest.” The Dr. O’Sean took the money, counted the bills and looked back at me. “You are certain you can pay the rest?” he asked, looking at me skeptically. I nodded. “Very well then, I will have it scheduled.” With that, he left the room and I heard him converse with one of his coworkers. Meanwhile, I took a seat beside my fiancée and held her hand with both of mine. Her eyes fluttered and a smile came upon her pale face when she recognized. “Jack…” she said weakly. Tears formed in my eyes, though I matched her smile. “It’s all going to be okay, my love. I got the surgery. You’re going to live and we will be wedded outside of this place.” Grace looked at me confused. “You…you got the money?” I looked down, doing my best to keep the smile. “Well, not in full, but I will! You don’t need to worry.” She moved to ask me something else, but I could tell how tired she was. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and told her to rest. “Don’t worry yourself, Grace, it’s no good. I’ll come back tomorrow. I’ll get the money, no matter what.” She cast me a tired smile and closed her eyes, as if it was all she had the strength to do. As her breathing evened and her hand relaxed in mine, I kissed her cheek and left the room. “No matter what..” I vowed as I closed the door behind me.