When I hurried to the hospital, I saw my brother standing alone in the hallway, looking helpless.
My brother blinked his eyes and spoke with grievance, "Claire, I just went downstairs to take out the trash. At that time, Madelyn took Mom out."
I felt short of breath. I was afraid my brother would say the news I couldn't bear to hear in the next second.
My brother sighed. "Claire, you were right. The road near the market has had a lot of accidents lately," he said.
I struggled to hold onto the wall. I asked, word by word, "How is Mom?"
"Mom is fine. She only has minor scratches. But Madelyn...she's in trouble," he said.
Madelyn had multiple fractures all over her body. The oncoming car hit her and knocked her several miles away.
I couldn't hold back my laughter. My brother looked at me with a puzzled expression. "Claire, isn't Madelyn your best friend? Why are you so happy?" he asked.
I let out a cold laugh. "Best friend? More like a demon friend!" I sneered.
3
When I went to visit Madelyn in the hospital, I saw her lying on the bed, wrapped in bandages from head to toe.
Madelyn shot me a venomous look. "Your mom insisted on taking that shortcut, ignoring my advice. You need to compensate me for my medical expenses!" she demanded.
The car accident wasn't something my mom could have predicted. Besides, Madelyn suggested going to the market to buy food.
I glanced at her indifferently. "My mom's legs haven't been good lately. Yet you still insisted on taking her to the market. What were you trying to do?" I asked.
Madelyn struggled to sit up. She lashed out, trying to grab my hair. "It's all your fault, you bitch," she screamed.
I quickly grabbed her wrist, holding her in place. "Blame me for what? Blame me for not lending you money a few days ago, so you went to my house to borrow from my mom?" I asked coldly.
Mom had already told me why Madelyn came today. It was just to borrow money from her.
Madelyn gave up. Her wounds were tearing open and bleeding. "Claire, I need the money urgently. Can you lend me some, please?" she pleaded.
I didn't answer. I took out my phone and called Madelyn's alcoholic father. "Madelyn is in the hospital. Come quickly..." I said.
Madelyn's face turned pale. She grabbed my hand, pleading lowly, "Don't tell my dad. He'll kill me."