Thud!
I dropped the phone on the ground because I couldn’t hold it anymore. Tears welled up in my eyes and blurred my
vision.
That was the daughter that I doted on. How could they bully her like that?
My heart ached and so did my chest.
I felt that every cell in my body was experiencing excruciating pain.
I grabbed Chris’s hand and cried, “I’m dying, Chris. I beg of you to find a good charity house for Laura. The one I went to said that Laura’s not eligible. I know you have connections to make this happen. Please, I beg of you…”
After saying those words, I passed out.
When I woke up again, I had tubes all over my body.
All I could smell was disinfectant as well.
Chris and Rory were both sitting by my bed. When Rory saw me waking up, she grabbed my hand. Her eyes were red and swollen from all the crying.
“Catherine, are you a fool? Why didn’t you tell me that you were sick?”
I forced a smile on my face. “It’s no big deal. I didn’t want to cause you any trouble.”
“You’re dying! You’re fucking dying! And you’re telling me that’s not a big deal?” shouted Rory.
“Watch the noise.” I used my identity as a patient and tried to calm her down. 1
Rory held my hand tightly and began crying silently.
I looked at Chris and smiled apologetically at him. “I’m sorry for causing you all this trouble.”
“No, it’s no trouble at all.” Chris shook his head. He sounded like he was about to cry as well. “Don’t worry,
Catherine. I’ll take good care of Laura. I’ve asked for the best medical team to come and treat you. You’ll be alright.
11
“Thank you.” I looked at him gratefully. “Thank you, Chris.
