When The Wind Stops, True Feelings Remain - Chapter 8

David had shown them the report, his hands shaking. Mark’s eyes filled with tears.

“Sarah really has cancer. And we treated her like that. I’m so sorry. ” He slapped himself hard.

Jessica scoffed.

“She s always been dramatic. Probably faking it. ”

David yelled, “Shut up! I’m a doctor! I checked the records myself!” Jessica ran to Mom, crying.

“David, you never yelled at me! Do you hate me too? Mom, I don’t belong here. ”

I should just leave. Mom hugged her protectively, glaring at David.

“How dare you speak to her like that! Cancer is cancer! It’s her fate. She shouldn’t have been born anyway. ”

“Then Dad, usually silent, slapped Mom across the face. Tears streamed down his cheeks.”

“She’s your daughter! Your flesh and blood! She’s dying, and you don’t even care! What kind of person are you?” Everyone froze.

He’d been married to Mom for almost forty years, always subservient, never arguing.

He must have hated her in that moment to do such a thing. Mom kicked Dad out, divorced him, leaving him with nothing.

“Where’s Dad now?” I asked Michael, my voice frantic.

“He left, refusing any help from Mark and David. Sold everything he owned, rented a small apartment. He’s been searching for you ever since.”

“He’s the one who told me about the cancer. That’s why I came back.”

I’d thought I’d severed all ties with my family the day I discovered their betrayal.
But now, all I felt was a longing for my father.

I wanted his homemade noodles.

Michael’s phone rang. It was Mark.

He put it on speaker.

“What’s wrong?”

“Dad…he had a brain hemorrhage. He…he might not make it. He keeps asking for Sarah.”

“He was always so healthy. How could this happen?” Mark hesitated.

David grabbed the phone.

“It’s that bitch Jessica! She told everyone Sarah was dead, then sold Mom’s shares to our biggest competitor! Miller Industries is about to be taken over!”

“Mom went to Dad, blaming everything on Sarah, saying she was a curse. He had a stroke right then and there.”

My fists clenched.

My body trembled.

“Take me home, Michael.”