I figured my life would stay quiet. But nope. Three months later, I went back to my old house to grab some documents, and just as I got to the door, someone practically lunged out of the shadows and clamped onto me.
“Mom! You’re finally back! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
It was Henry.
He looked rough–gaunt, scruffy, like he hadn’t seen daylight in weeks. His eyes locked onto mine, all desperate and pleading.
Startled, I pulled myself together and shoved him back, totally blank–faced. “Pretty sure you’ve got the wrong person.”
“Mom, are you still mad at me?” he stammered, eyes filling with guilt.
I just turned to unlock the door, ignoring him.
But he stepped in front of me, refusing to move. Then, like he was trying out for a tragic soap opera, he dropped to his knees, his eyes bloodshot and pathetic.
“Mom, I know I messed up! I went crazy and let Mona mess with my head. She convinced me you were out to ruin them, so I left with her… But I get it now, I was so wrong. Please, forgive me!”
Wow. He really had an excuse ready for everything.
Suppressing a laugh, I just smirked. “So, what finally got you to snap out of it?”
Henry’s face twisted, something dark flashing in his eyes. “That woman… she’s nuts!
“She only got close to me because my kidneys were a match for her daughter, who has renal failure!
“She acted all sweet to get me to donate one. And when I refused, she had me kidnapped to take it by force!”
He paused, voice dripping with self–pity as he looked up at me, eyes all doe–like and pleading. “I barely escaped. Now I’ve come back to you. You’re the only person who’s ever really cared about me. I’ll take care of you from now on. Just… don’t turn me away.”
I stayed silent, staring at him, which must’ve set him off, because he gritted his teeth and slapped
himself. Hard.
“It’s all my fault. I was ungrateful, heartless. If you’re still mad, I’ll keep going until you’re satisfied.” He slapped himself again, each one harder than the last.
And he didn’t stop, pounding his face until it was swollen and bleeding.
“Enough.” I couldn’t help myself I reached out, stopping him mid–slap.
Henry froze, his swollen face lighting up with the smallest glimmer of hope. “You’ll forgive me?” he asked, his words slurred.
I didn’t say yes or no. I just looked at him, stone–cold. ‘I’ve got nothing left. The restaurant’s gone, and
1/2
