Chapter 6
I don’t know how they calmed Violet that nightЛ]
But for me, it hardly mattered anymore.
Early the next morning. I boarded a plane to the western mountains.]]
Ironically, I had always dreamed of visiting Montana because of something Blake once casually said to me:[]
“Birth is something we can’t choose, but everyone can change their life through their own efforts.“]]
So I had always hoped for the day I could break free.[]
Then, with my own strength, I could illuminate countless other lost souls.
The teaching volunteer application I’d submitted in college finally came in handy.[]
I figured at this point, it was a fitting coincidence–after all, I didn’t have much time left.]
The principal was a young woman with fluent English. When I asked if they got many volunteers, she smiled and replied:
“Most people come on a whim, but even that brief passion can bring many positive changes.”
Adapting to the local conditions took about a week.]]
During that week, Ethan called five times, and Blake sent one message.]]
I didn’t answer Ethan’s calls, but I saw the message:
“Stop being childish. I’ve seen your medical records. The situation is stable, treatable.”
“I misunderstood you, and I apologize. Come back and get proper treatment. There’s no need to risk your health to prove a point.”
I certainly wouldn’t risk my health out of spite.]
The Fosters weren’t stingy with me. The money they gave me would be enough for the best treatment.]
But I didn’t want to be trapped in the same cage, waiting for an uncertain future.[]
If the end was coming, I’d rather give myself freedom one last time. What harm was there in living a little more adventurously?
My first day teaching, facing those eager, knowledge–hungry eyes, I felt a quiet excitement stir within me.
They gathered around, curiously examining me, asking what the outside world was like.
I painted word pictures for them, dreaming together about futures beyond the many obstacles ahead.[]}
0
I loved their sun–darkened skin, their strong bodies. Like me, they weren’t carefully cultivated flowers, but had a different kind of powerful vitality.
About two weeks later, I saw familiar faces at the school gate–my biological parents.[]
A solemn–faced father and a grief–stricken mother.]
The man’s voice broke the awkward silence between us.[]
“Olivia Foster, using your health to blackmail us–do you want us to live with regret forever?“]
Mom’s eyes immediately reddened.]
You got sick, why didn’t you tell Mom and Dad?“]
Did I not tell them?
I couldn’t help feeling disoriented. Surely the nurse’s words hadn’t been that unclear that day.]
“I did tell you. You didn’t believe me, right?“]
As soon as I finished speaking, both of them froze, as if they hadn’t expected me to point this out.[]
Chapter 6
After all… I’ve always been an extremely patient person.[]
Whether from insecurity or unfamiliarity, during my six months at the Foster house, I always felt like an outsider.[]
Whenever misunderstandings or grievances arose, I almost never spoke
in
my own
defense.
I always thought if I just quietly did everything well without causing th
But only now did I wake up.]
worry, they would accept my existence.[]
The family bonds, fatherly love, motherly affection I craved had all turned to thorns, piercing me until I bled.[]
“Olivia, if you hadn’t constantly shown animosity toward Violet, we wouldn’t have doubted you.“[]
The man’s voice gained confidence.[]
I laughed.]
“I showed animosity? Is that what she told you?“[]
“What I may or may not have done to her–I think you know better than I do.“[]
e.0
I stared directly at them. This raw, unfiltered gaze was something the children here had taught me.
Their eyes were naked, sincere, crystal clear as they pulled you in.[]
From initial avoidance to current acceptance, I looked straight at my father.[]
Mom’s voice broke with emotion.[]
“Olivia, we had misunderstandings, but your health is what matters most now.”
“Come home with us, okay? After you’re better, you can act out all you want–Mom and Dad will indulge you.“]
