I said, “Five million in damages, isn’t that enough to win her favor? Consider it compensation for the emotional, physical and reputational damage over the years.”
John frowned, looking at me with unfamiliar eyes, “You…you weren’t like this before.”
I sniffed, chuckling softly, “Really? You weren’t like this to me before either. You never made me apologize to those who did wrong, never made me feel wronged, never gave my things to others and never hit me.”
His eyes reddened, his lowered brows filled with complex emotions. “I’m sorry, I…”
“No need to apologize, everything is fine once the money is there.”
He gave me a check, cooked dinner for Maria and then took me to the hospital.
On the way, John promised me he would never let me suffer again and would live a good life with me. I didn’t reply, just looked at my plane ticket for tomorrow morning.
I needed to see a doctor about my leg, to get a prosthesis installed, to escape all this pain and abyss. In the hospital room, my parents sat by the bed, a hint of guilt on their faces. Maria sat up abruptly.