Ch. Forgot what 4 Forgot what 4

**4** 

Mom closed the door. 

Willow, who had been holding it in all evening, was now crying, slumped over the table. 

Dad’s heart ached looking at her, and finally, unable to contain his anger, he slapped me. 

I wasn’t prepared and fell to the floor awkwardly. 

My head hit the corner of the table. 

It buzzed with pain. 

Mom clutched Willow’s shoulders, looking heartbroken and furious. She turned to me: 

“Lily, don’t blame your dad for being so harsh. Tonight, you truly, truly disappointed us!” 

“Did you forget Mom’s countless warnings?” 

“Why did you come downstairs without permission? Why did you talk to him? Are you really that pathetic?!” 

Blood dripped from the wound on my forehead, flowing into my eyes. 

My vision blurred into a crimson haze. 

Clutching the bleeding wound, I tried to explain: 

“I’m sorry, I thought he had left. I didn’t mean to…” 

Willow suddenly grabbed my collar, screaming hysterically: 

“Running downstairs dressed like that, deliberately parading your bare feet in front of him, even bringing out that junk box to get his attention, Lily, who are you trying to seduce?!” 

“Do you even know Christian’s standing? Do you know your own? How dare you even *think* about him?!” 

“Do you know that because of your indiscretion tonight, I might lose him?!” 

“Are you really that desperate for male attention? Seducing your own sister’s boyfriend!” 

With that, Willow opened the door and walked out. 

Mom desperately grabbed Willow: 

“Willow, where are you going at this hour?” 

Willow looked at me with hatred: 

“This house, it’s either me or her. If she stays, I leave!” 

Soon, the sound of a car engine starting echoed from the garage. 

Mom sighed deeply. 

Dad slammed the door in a fit of rage. 

I quietly spoke: 

“Should I stay out tonight?” 

Mom hesitated for a few moments: 

“Where would you go?” 

“I’ll stay at a hotel. I always stayed at hotels when I was abroad, I’m used to it.” 

Back then, I couldn’t endure the inhumane torment. Whenever I had a chance, I’d escape from the hospital. 

I’d stay in the cheapest motels. 

Trying to avoid the painful treatments they arranged for me. 

But Willow always found me quickly and brought me back. 

Mom was silent, then after a moment, she nodded: 

< 

“Tonight was indeed your fault. So go stay out. Once your sister calms down, Mom will 

pick you up.”