Willow threw her arms around me, crying. “Daddy, I promise I’ll drink milk every day from now on so I can grow up strong. I’m gonna protect you. I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again!”
I gave a bitter smile at how convincing they looked—so full of concern and care.
But it was these two who had hurt me the most. I shut my eyes, trying to block out the pain. They must’ve thought I wasn’t feeling well because they called doctor to give me pain killer. And they stayed right by my side, one on the left and one on the right. Soon enough, the pills kicked in and I drifted back to sleep.
When I opened my eyes again, it was late into the night. The bed was empty on both sides. Sharon and Willow, who had sworn to stay with me, were nowhere to be found.
I slowly sat up and opened the door. Across the hall, in the room opposite mine, I saw Elroy curled up in Sharon’s arms like a rag doll.
“Sharon, stay with me tonight, okay?” he said softly, his voice full of joy. “Everyone finally recognizes me as the general manager. I’m in a cloud nine…”
Sharon playfully pinched his nose and replied sweetly, “I told you, Elroy, as long as you’re happy, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”