I laughed. And my laugh became louder and louder.
This made everyone recoil in shock.
Since the amount involved exceeded one thousand and five hundred dollars, I was sentenced to three years in prison, plus compensation for material and emotional damages.
I attempted suicide several times in prison, yet I was miraculously saved each time.
A year later, I had my sentence reduced because of good behavior and was released early, but I left with nothing. However, I had come to terms with many things.
When the car reached our destination, Leo went to the restroom to touch up his makeup.
Kelly stood beside me and apologized in a low voice, "I'm sorry."
“What happened back then—it was our fault. Next time, I’ll tell Leoto to watch his behaviour.”
I raised an eyebrow. The Kelly I knew back then would never have bowed to me. But she was now willing to apologize to me.
I looked at her, a little puzzled.
“No need,” I said evenly. “You’re husband and wife. Seeing you just brought back some old memories, that’s all.”
A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes. One I could not understand, nor did I care to dig into it.
Fortunately, Leo returned. It seemed he had forgotten everything that happened in the car.
“Back in the day, the three of us loved pooling our money for chili. Let's eat our fill today.”
However, Kelly did not agree with him.
“Back then, Mac ate chili for our sake. His stomach was sensitive and couldn't handle too much spice. How could you forget?”
“It's okay, my stomach is fine now.”
Years of consistent care had long restored my body and mind to peak condition.
My phone suddenly rang. And the big word “Wife” flashed on the screen.
I answered.
A clear, pleasant woman's voice with a hint of grievance sounded. “Honey, taking the little one on TV was more exhausting than ten days of my work. When you get back, you'll definitely say I've lost weight.”
In the background, the little boy's babyish voice piped up, “No way! Daddy, Mom got hit by some uncle today and they were having so much fun ....”
“You little rascal, you're just trying to dig a hole for your mom! That was the host!”
Listening to the lively commotion on the other end, I couldn't help but smile.
I looked up to see the mall's giant screen displaying a woman's charming face, solemnly answering interview questions.
Beside her, a little pink bundle with sparkling eyes darted between the two, pure and adorable.