It wasn't until a nurse pointed it out that I realized I had severely sprained my ankle along the way, resulting in a fracture.
At that moment, I had just enough money for one surgery, and I chose Caitlyn's well-being over my own, given her promising future.
That choice meant I'd never walk onto the stage and dance again.
Since she now viewed me as a cripple forcing her into dance, I decided to set her free.
With the surgery scheduled and Caitlyn due back from school, I didn't rush to the café this time. Instead, I entered the dance studio and reminisced about my days on the national stage. Those were glorious days, filled with the joy of performance and longing for those times.
Lost in those memories, Caitlyn arrived home.
The sight of me stepping out of the studio wiped the smile off her face.
Her face hardened, and she looked at me with utter disdain for me and everything dance-related. Suddenly, I remembered her promising to take my place on stage after my operation.
"Why the hell are you eyeballing me like that, cripple? It's freaking weird."
"Did the dance teacher rat me out again? I knew that old witch couldn't mind her own business!"
"Make me go to another dance class, and I'll jump right here and now. See if you want me dancing on a broken leg!"
Her words stung, bringing back all the efforts and sacrifices I had made for her to pursue her dreams.
I had invested heavily in her rehabilitation because dancing demands excellent physical health.
While my husband and mother-in-law refused to invest a dime in Caitlyn, I used their criminal threats to ensure they didn't stand in her way. Meanwhile, I started taking odd jobs to fund her tuition.
Now, she was using threats of self-harm to escape dancing.
Was I wrong to want her to break free from this toxic environment?
Was I wrong to want her to achieve her dreams on the biggest stage and see the world?
But now, I've come to terms with everything.
With the advancements in medical technology, my foot was no longer a major issue. I had a chance to return to the stage.
Watching her threaten me with that fierce look, I calmly responded, "Go ahead, jump. I'll have an ambulance on standby."
3
Her eyes widened at my even tone, and she repeated.
"I'm talking about jumping off a roof, not into dance lessons!"
I barely hid a smirk, weary of her foolishness.
"I heard you. Jump or dance, it's your call now."