Chapter 8

As I awaited the outcome, the burden of my feelings became nearly unbearable. My breathing was labored, my chest heaving, my face hot and flushed. In that final moment, I imagined the bone cancer cells spreading throughout my body. The agony was so severe it almost dulled my senses, and my skin was drenched in cold perspiration.

The odor of sulfur clung to my clothing, mingling with the overpowering scent of decomposition, permeating the space and making it even more stifling. My thoughts were muddled, disconnected from reality. Yet despite the confusion clouding my mind, one question persisted: upon my death, would I reunite with my daughter? Would she view me as an undeserving, cruel father?

The pain became too much to bear, and I blacked out.

A stern voice jolted me back to consciousness. I was being hoisted into a vehicle, with no words exchanged. Their intentions were clear without explanation. I mustered what little strength remained in my weakened body to cooperate.