Chapter 3

So, when Yvonne answered the call that day, she was at the veterinary clinic across the street from the hospital.

My heart grew colder as I scrolled through an ocean of updates that seemed to go on forever. As it turned out, my endless understanding had been rewarded with nothing but layer upon layer of deceit.

Just then, I received a message from Michael. "Vonne and I were busy having dinner earlier, so we just remembered you went to the hospital, Samson. Vonne asked me to transfer you some money for your medicine. She said if I don't, you'll start making a scene again. Hurry up and accept it, Samson!"

I stared at the ten dollars Michael had transferred to me. The corner of my mouth twitched, and I rejected it. "That won't be necessary. Keep it and buy yourself a birthday present. After all, that's about all you're worth."

Less than a minute after the message was sent, Yvonne called me. The moment the call connected, she launched into a tirade before I could even say a word.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Samson? Michael was the one who remembered to transfer you money for your medicine. It's fine if you don't appreciate the gesture, but why do you have to be so damn sarcastic?

"I'm passing the phone to Michael right this second, so you'd better apologize to him properly. It's his birthday today. Don't rain on his parade!"

After listening to her accusations and complaints, I curled my lips. "Why on earth should I apologize, Yvonne?"

"Do you actually think you're in the right, Samson? Since when did you become so twisted? You know damn well that Michael grew up poor, yet you used money to mock him. I want you to apologize to him right here, right now, Samson!"

My silence only added fuel to the fire. "Fine. Since you refuse to apologize to Michael, don't spend another penny of my money from now on, Samson! Didn't you look down on the money he sent you?

"When you finally realize your mistake and apologize to him, I'll consider forgiving you. So, reflect on what you've done!" Having said her piece, she hung up on me.

Less than ten minutes after the call ended, I received a notification on my phone informing me that Yvonne had frozen all the cards under my name.

Lying on the hospital bed, I gazed out the window with eyes full of bitterness.

The little girl beside me batted her eyes. Moments later, she looked at me with a face full of sympathy and asked, "Mister, did you get into a fight with your wife? What did you do wrong? Why is she so mean to you?"

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "One can do no wrong yet still be at fault in the eyes of someone else."

The little girl looked at me with a bewildered expression. "I don't get it, but Mommy told me that being free and happy is what matters most!"

Her words caught me off guard. I stared blankly at the little girl before me and realized she was right—being free and happy was what mattered most.

I turned my head toward the window, a trace of bitter desolation in my eyes. Perhaps I'd just been too exhausted lately. Before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep.

I was woken up by a nurse, who told me it was time to settle my hospital bill. I casually handed her my credit card, only to freeze as I remembered Yvonne had frozen all of them. I tugged at the corner of my mouth and said softly, "Never mind. I'd like to be discharged today."

"Huh? Mister, you're leaving the hospital today?" The little girl from the adjacent bed came bouncing into the room with a small robot in her arms. It looked strangely familiar.

"Where did you get that robot, little one?"