Chapter 13
The nurse flipped through the medical records and replied, “The patient does have heart and lung issues.”
Stella paused for a moment before asking. “Will she die from it?′′).
The nurse hesitated, unsure how to respond. But the foster mother waved her off dismissively
“So she won’t die? Then it’s nothing serious. No need for treatment”
And just like that, Iris was forcibly dragged back home.
As soon as they stepped inside, Stella immediately threw a pile of chores at her–sweeping the yard, chopping firewood, and feeding the pigs
No one had done any housework while she was gone for the past three days. They had all just been waiting for her to return. Inis endured it in silence. Seeing her obediently getting to work, Stella sneered and spat on the ground
“Bringer of bad luck! Do you have any idea how much money I wasted on your hospital stay? And you have the audacity to buying your freedom for five thousand dollars? Hah! Keep dreaming!”
Ins clenched her teeth and said nothing
Her birth parents would be arriving soon.
She just needed to endure a little longer, and then she would finally be free from this misery.
She worked tirelessly until the sun began to set
Just then, Wendel rode in on his old bicycle, kicking up dust as he approached.
When he spotted Iris, he was visibly startled.
“Ins? Why are you back? Didn’t I tell you to stay in the hospital and rest? What are you doing here?”
Without looking up, inis answered flatly. “Nothing. Mom said it was a waste of money, so she pulled me out?
Wendel’s face darkened. “She really=”
to talk about
He stepped off his bike, storming toward the house and shouting. “Mom! Didn’t I tell you to let Iris stay in the hospital for a few more days? What are you thinking?”
Stella came stomping out of the house, grumbling under her breath.
“Why should she stay there if she’s not dying? You may not care about money, but I do! You’re really starting to forget who your real family is. You’re not even married yet, and you’re already siding with an outsider! Once you do get married, are you planning to tie me to a tree and leave me there?”
Frustrated, Wendel snapped, “Mom, that’s not what I meant! And wasn’t it your idea for me to many Iris?“2
“You–I
For a brief moment, Stella was at a loss for words. But instead of responding to him, she shot a glare at Iris and barked, “I said she’s not staying in the hospital, and that’s finall This is my house–you don’t get to make the rules here!“&
With that she spun around and stomped back inside.!
Wendel let out a heavy sigh and took the broom from Iris‘ hands.
“Go rest. I’ll take care of this.”
But Ins shook her head. “Just leave it. Let’s go inside and eat.”2
She turned to leave, but Wendel reached out and stopped her
His brows furrowed in concem, and his tone was laced with frustration
“ins, what’s going on with you lately? You’ve been acting strange. Did I do something wrong?”
Ins clenched her fists!
Tek. Did he really not know? Or was he just pretending to be oblivious?
Either way, she wasn’t in the mood for this conversation.
“It’s hot. I’m just not in the mood,” she replied coolly
Wendel had no choice but to drop the subject.
Silence lingered between them as they went about their evening routine
When dinner was ready, is set the dishes on the table for the family &
But one person was missing.!
Esther was nowhere to be seen.K
Even when Stella called her for dinner there was no response.
Wendel was the first to stand up, about to go look for her, when suddenly, Esther emerged from Ins‘ room.
The sight of her made Iris‘ heart skip a beat.!!
She had hidden her parents” letter deep in her wardrobel
Could Esther have found it?
Esther looked visibly shaken, her whole body trembling as if she had just seen a ghost!
Alarmed, Wendel rushed over.“Esther, what happened? Are you okay?”
2:23 PM H
Alarmed, Wendel rushed over.“Esther, what happened? Are you okay?”
Esther’s lips quivered, her voice barely above a whisper. “1–I’m fine.“}
