“Mom, how are you feeling?” Vera finally let out a breath of relief as she saw Ca open her eyes.
“What are you doing back here?”
“I came as soon as I got Mae’s call.” Vera tucked the nket around Ca’s shoulders.
“Are you feeling any pain?” Vera asked again, concern etched in her voice. “A little dizzy,” Ca replied, her words faint and breathless, her whole body weak.
“The doctor said that’s normal. You need to rest for the next couple of
days.”
Ca didn’t answer, her eyes drifting around the room.
“He didn’te.”
Ca almost looked relieved.
“Mom…” Vera hesitated, her lips pressed together. “Let’s get a divorce.”
Ca blinked, silent, but she understood exactly what Vera meant.
“I’ll take <i>you </i><i>to </i>the city. Maybe there’s still hope. The doctors here said it’s nerve damage and their technology just isn’t advanced enough. But in the city, there might be a chance.”
“I’m only holding <i>you </i>back,” Ca whispered, unable to move, but she reached out and gently patted Vera’s hand.
“No, Mom. I’m the one who’s been holding you back all this time.”
Vera had always known why Ca would rather endure the blows than leave. No matter how many times Vera pleaded, her mother only smiled and shook her head, insisting she was fine, stubbornly staying put in this
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small vige.
All of it–for her.
Ca knew her husband would never allow a divorce, and she was terrified that if she followed her daughter to the city, she’d be a burden. Worse, if Hamlin used searching for his wife and daughter as an excuse, he might find Vera’s address or workce, and then Vera’s entire life would be ruined by this man.
So Ca chose to confine herself to this vige, refusing <i>to </i>leave with
Vera.
Her own life was already more than halfway over, but her daughter still had a long road ahead–Vera deserved to be free. Ca had never known freedom herself, but her daughter still had a chance. Trading her own life for her daughter’s freedom was a good bargain.
If only she were stronger, Ca thought, maybe she could sever the rope tying Vera down. But no matter how far or high her daughter flew, she always ended up back in this tiny vige because of her mother.
“Mom, I’m not a kid anymore. I’m not afraid. I’ll hire awyer, and I’ll find you the best doctors. Please, divorce him. Come with me. I can take care of you.”
Vera’s tears flowed freely, each one striking Ca’s heart like a stone.
She had endured beatings and insults for her daughter’s sake, but in the -end, she’d only left Vera with even more pain and guilt.
“Alright. I’ll go with you.” Ca spoke each word slowly, as if summoning all her strength.
She didn’t know what the future would bring, but now that there was hope, the heaviness in her heart finally began to lift.
Ca recovered quickly, and before long she was ready to start physical therapy.
Vera found awyer from the city, got all the information about the divorce process, and gathered every document they’d need. Once she
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had everything in order, she brought thewyer home.
As soon as the door swung open, the stench of alcohol and spoiled food nearly made them gag. Vera shot thewyer an apologetic look and asked her to wait at the door while she rushed inside, flung open the windows, and started gathering up the empty bottles scattered everywhere.
She took one look at the kitchen, swarming with flies, and simply shut the door, deciding it was best not to look at the mess any longer.
Once the ce was somewhat presentable, she let thewyer inside. Then Vera headed to the bathroom, filled a basin with cold water, marched straight to the bedroom, and kicked open the door. Without hesitation, she threw the water right in the man’s face.
“What the hell?!” Hamlin sputtered, jolted awake.
“Get up<i>.</i>” Vera’s voice was cold and steady.
“So you think you can just do whatever you want now? Think you’re tough just because you’ve been out in the world?” Hamlin snapped, ring as he reached for the belt on the nightstand, ready tosh out at her.
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