True to her word, as soon as we got home, Darlene went on a posting spree with the photos I’d taken–first Twitter, then Instagram, and finally TikTok.
She didn’t just share the photos; she uploaded tearful videos on each platform.
The internet exploded with the scandal, and the effect was immediate–Raymond came home that very day.
Before Darlene could even feel vindicated, Raymond rushed in, pinned her to the floor, and began savagely beating her again, delivering one brutal punch after another.
Initially, Darlene tried to dodge the blows, but eventually she could only clutch her chest and beg: “Honey, I’m sorry! Please stop–my chest hurts so bad!”
But Raymond paid no attention, continuing his assault until his anger was somewhat spent. Seeing Darlene’s pale face as she clutched her chest and whimpered, he only snorted in contempt.
“You’re built like a tank. Stop acting fragile–it’s disgusting.”
After his cold mockery, he walked out without looking back.
Whether from rage or genuine pain, Darlene’s face turned ashen, her agonized cries growing increasingly faint.
I watched everything from my hiding place, only emerging when I heard Caleb return. Together, we rushed Darlene to the hospital.
After extensive tests, I learned that high blood pressure combined with extreme stress can trigger a heart
attack–sometimes fatal.
Fatal? Really?
As I was lost in thought, the doctor cautioned me from the side: “Your mother needs to avoid stress. You two caught it in time, so there’s no major damage, but she’ll need proper care from now on.”
From that day forward, Darlene remained hospitalized.
Raymond had moved in with his mistress, and Caleb, accustomed to being waited on hand and foot, couldn’t be
bothered to care for our mother.
Since
my
obstacles weren’t completely eliminated yet, I reluctantly took on the duty of bringing her meals every day.
After a few days of bringing meals, Darlene’s hospital roommate looked at her enviously and said:
“Daughters are such a blessing. Look at yours–even with her busy job, she still makes time to bring you food every day. My son hasn’t shown his face once since I’ve been in here. Who knows what he’s so busy with.”
Hearing this, Darlene immediately shot me a nasty glare and twisted her mouth in disgust.
“What’s so great about having a girl? They just end up getting married and leaving anyway. Look at her–ugly as sin, skin like dirt, and that mouth like a pig’s snout. Nobody would take her even if she came free. She doesn’t look like me or her father. If I hadn’t given birth to her myself, I’d swear someone switched my baby with this mongrel.”
“Hey, remember my son? The one who brought me to the hospital that day? He’s tall, handsome, and brilliant. Once he gets into college and eventually marries and has children, my life will be complete. I can’t imagine what kind of girl would even be worthy of him.”
Unlike the contempt in her voice when talking about me, Darlene’s face lit up when discussing Caleb, as proud as a
rooster after winning a fight.
As Darlene continued gushing about Caleb, her roommate’s expression shifted from initial envy to furrowed brows. Eventually, she managed only a tight, insincere smile before scooting further away from Darlene, while throwing me a sympathetic glance.
In Darlene’s eyes, even though her son had only shown his face during admission, he was still her dutiful, perfect
boy.
Meanwhile, I–the unwanted daughter–was expected to slave away for her as if it were my natural duty.
As a female, the greatest cruelty I’d experienced in life came from another woman–my own mother. How ironic.
Perhaps because I’d endured so much malice and torment from her, now her words no longer hurt me. I couldn’t even summon the energy to be angry anymore. It simply wasn’t worth it.
After delivering lunch like completing a chore, I headed off to work on foot.
In the scorching July midday heat, the sun was so brutal it made everything wilt. No one in their right mind would be outside in such extreme weather unless absolutely necessary.
But as I passed the park near our house, I witnessed something I’d never forget!
Under a tree not far away, Caleb had his arms wrapped around a thin, tall young man, kissing him passionately.
Yes, Caleb…
Kissing a boy…
I was so shocked that I stood frozen, staring at the two guys making out, completely forgetting to move along.
My stare must have been too obvious because they noticed me. Caleb said something to the other boy, and they walked toward me, holding hands.
Chapter 10
