Chapter 12
Ryan arrived very quickly.
It was clear he was extremely anxious.
He had even put on mismatched shoes.
“Why didn’t you stop my dad when he was drinking?”
“How could I possibly stop him?”
1/4
“How could you not stop him? You didn’t drink at all. Don’t tell me my dad drank your share too?”
I couldn’t find words to argue back.
I didn’t know if Jasper had drunk on my behalf, but he definitely helped block several toasts meant for me.
How frustrating. Why was I feeling guilty?
“Forget it. When my dad falls asleep, come out. Let’s talk.”
Ryan and I walked to the hospital corridor to chat.
He lit a cigarette.
“Thank you for today.”
Chapter 12 “For what?”
“For not leaving and bringing my dad to the hospital.”
“It was my responsibility.”
2/4
“It was your responsibility, but you could have easily ignored my dad because you hate me.” He paused, then continued, “Actually, thinking carefully, you’ve never done anything to hurt me, but I…”
“About what happened with your dad last time, I want to formally apologize. I was just talking nonsense in the heat of the moment. Can you forgive me?”
“No.” I looked straight into his eyes.
“Ryan, you know what? I’ve been saving money all this time, hoping to go abroad with you.”
“Because you said you’d take me to Australia to get answers. from my dad.”
“I saved for three years, and just when I almost had enough…”
“He found a mistress.”
He froze for several seconds.
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ve made peace with it. The day we broke up, I withdrew all
Chapter 12
the money and bought a gold bracelet for my mom. She was overjoyed. Why should I look for a father who abandoned me and has poor character? It’s not like I don’t have people who love me.”
3/4
He stared at me for a long time, until he finished his cigarette, before speaking again.
“Okay.”
“Are you hungry? I can order some takeout for you.”
“For me?”
“Ryan, you might be misunderstanding. I brought your father to the hospital because it’s what any decent person would do, not because I still have feelings for you.”
“If I wanted takeout, I’d order it myself.”
He looked at me several times, then suddenly started laughing.
“Alright, alright, Sara. I underestimated you before.”
“I’m just now realizing you’re quite different from what I imagined.”
“Oh.”
I turned and walked away.
“Hey, aren’t you curious about what’s different?”
Chapter 12
“Not at all.”
I closed the door and returned to the hospital room.
I spent the entire night in the ward without sleeping.
4/4
I don’t remember when I fell asleep, but it was the doctor who woke me up.
“Young lady, wake up! Your drool is getting on the patient’s hand.”
I opened my eyes, completely disoriented.
Only to see that I had fallen asleep with my head resting on Jasper’s hand.
B
