4

“ Tara, if it weren't for you paying to compensate the school for the experimental equipment, I would have been expelled long ago. From that moment on, I vowed in my heart to protect you for the rest of my life." Chapman's words brought me back to reality. I watched Tara throw herself into his arms with tears in her eyes, already numb. The gap between people is as vast as the gap between humans and dogs. I could never compare to Tara. Everyone loves her. But I am despised by all. “Chapman, your words are enough. It’s not in vain that we fell in love. But how can I let you take out a high-interest loan? It would ruin you. In the end, it’s my fault. She must be angry and hiding because I took you away from her. As long as she can forgive me, I’d even kneel before her…” Tara buried her face in Chapman’s chest and began to sob softly. Chapman hurried to comfort her, “Tara, don’t say that. You’re not at fault. With her temperament, no one would be happy being with her.” “Exactly. She’s so petty, hiding away over such a small matter. She’s clearly from the countryside—she doesn’t know any manners!” Mom chimed in, then turned to look at Dad. “Honey, her phone isn't answering. Try to contact someone else. I don't believe she can hide herself away to the ends of the earth!” Dad frowned as he flipped through the address book, but he'd never cared about me, so how could he contact anyone who knew me? Just then, an unexpected call came in. I leaned in to look, and it was the number of Dean Geoff from our hospital. “Mr. Lee, I heard you went to the hospital to look for Valerie today. I still have some of her belongings here. Please come by and pick them up when you have time.” My father answered the phone on speakerphone as usual, so everyone heard what Dean Geoff said. My father’s first reaction was still disbelief. “Dean Geoff, how old are you? Why are you following Valerie’s lead in deceiving people?” Dean Geoff sighed deeply, “Mr. Lee, Valerie has been gone for half a year. I thought you had already come to terms with your emotions, but it seems you still… Never mind. Her belongings will remain here with me. Come pick them up whenever you’re ready.” After saying that, Dean Geoff hung up the phone. My mother’s expression shifted from blankness to suspicion. “Honey, Valerie… is she really dead?” Tara spoke softly, “The hospital director said it himself. It can’t be a lie, but my sister was always in good health and she a doctor herself. How could she suddenly…” “Doctors have such demanding work schedules and irregular hours. I remember before we broke up, she could perform ten surgeries in a single day. Who could endure that kind of intensity?” Chapman added. My father, upon hearing Chapman's words, clenched the phone and hummed disapprovingly. “She died well, died peacefully, then she didn’t need to deal with anything here!” I closed my eyes and sighed bitterly. Dad, you got your wish. Are you happy? And my father, right before my eyes, actually smiled. But it wasn't a smile of relief; it had a hint of calculation to it. That smile made me feel uneasy.