08

8

Only Sally looked at me with concern.

"She has tendencies toward depression. Are you her family? Does she have any other relatives?"

"What about her boyfriend? The one who was always by her side before."

The doctor was very persuasive, speaking slowly. I understood.

She said I now have strong suicidal tendencies, which are difficult to treat. Even years later, I would need someone by my side. She warned us to be prepared for a long battle.

But at this moment, my spirit was too exhausted to go through legal procedures to defend my rights.

Sally and I were like stray dogs, our escape forcing us to leave the land where we grew up.

Conrad won first place in that competition, earning an opportunity to study abroad.

He made that crucial phone call at a critical moment.

When I answered the phone, I heard the whooshing of wind on the other end.

"Melody, wait for me for three years. I'll come back and marry you."

Conrad's voice was incredibly gentle.