I couldn't conceal my battered face from Phoebe. She was enraged and berated me for 48 hours non-stop. I wept as she shouted, cowering beneath the blankets, "You're so cruel, constantly picking on me. Let's visit my mother; you surely can't win an argument with her."
Phoebe remained quiet for a while, then tenderly caressed my hair, whispering, "Once you're feeling better, we'll go see your mom, alright?"
I recognized her deception, and I knew recovery wasn't in my future. But to spare her worry, I forced a smile and nodded in agreement.
I made greater efforts to heal, taking pills and enduring injections, despite my arms being discolored and puffy. Wesley observed from afar, clenching his jaw and slamming the door shut.
During the night, I overheard him quarreling with Phoebe. "Phoebe wants to see her mother, can't you comprehend that? What's the harm in letting her go?"