Listening to the attending doctor's helpless scolding, I forced a smile. "I can manage by myself."
Shortly after leaving the hospital, a torrential downpour suddenly began.
I ducked into a dessert shop on the corner and as I turned, I saw Willard holding a spoon with a beaming smile while Jolene leaned in and took a bite of the cake he was offering.
That limited-edition platinum bag was slung across her arm, still gleaming. And the watch on her wrist was the gift Willard had claimed last week was "for an important client."
I pulled out a mocking smile and ran home through the pouring rain.
When Willard came back, I had just finished my shower and my hair was still dripping wet. He froze when he saw me. "What happened? You look like a drowned rat."
"I went to the hospital," I said.
His expression instantly froze. "Why did you go to the hospital today?"
I chuckled, "I've told you this so many times."
Willard ran his fingers through his hair in irritation. "I've been so busy lately, I forgot. Anyway, your injury's healed, skipping one visit won't kill you."
I watched him in silence. "The doctor said if I don't take proper care of it, it might flare up again."
That man fell silent, his eyes flashing with irritation when he looked up again. "Are you trying to bring up that scar again?"
So, my reminder had become a bargaining chip for him to take credit.
Willard became furious when I remained silent. "Why are you giving me that expression again? I just didn't go with you to the hospital. Do you have to be so dramatic?"
I glanced at his shirt collar and murmured, "You forgot to wipe the cream off your collar."
Willard instinctively reached for his collar, but then his hand froze midair. "You … "
I slowly added, "The watch on Jolene's wrist suits her well."
His face instantly turned a deep shade of red. He pointed at me, shaking with anger. "You followed me, huh? Cynthia Serrano, are you sick? She just got back to the country and isn't used to things yet. What's wrong with me taking her out to clear her head?"
"She's been alone since she was a child, with no one to depend on. She's so pitiful! All she has is me!"
"Why do you have to be so nitpicky? Is that funny?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, that's funny. I was alone when I went to the hospital, too and you didn't seem to feel sorry for me."