Love From Darkness

Another Daniel

Daniel is happy that Lee's condition has finally improved. But his legs still can't walk normally. The doctor gave suggestions for surgery but Lee refused. Daniel didn't know why. He had persuaded Lee to do it, but Lee still refused.

"I want the money the company gave me to pay for Jo's school fees. I hope to go to university and work." Lee explained the reason why he refused to perform the surgery at such a high cost.

"But you'll have trouble walking and relying on a cane," said Daniel concernedly.

"No problem. I can depend on my other leg. With one leg I can still do a lot of things," said Lee with a smile.

Suddenly the door opened.

"Grandpa!"

That scream and the voice that Lee and Daniel missed so much came. Jo came running in and hugged Lee crying. Daniel was so glad Jo came. Even though he promised to pick her up.

"Yesterday he was crying on the bridge. So, because I really wanted to come here, I brought it all," said Bryan.

"Thank you. You are very kind," said Daniel.

"No problem. It's all our company's fault after all. But, why didn't Lee agree to the operation?" Brian asked.

"Lee has other reasons. He wants to use the money to send Jo to school."

Bryan really understands Lee's condition. He could understand why Lee put Daniel's future ahead of his own feet. Lee's broken leg is on the left. He may have difficulty walking but not so badly when it comes to activities. So that the money earned is better used for Jo who has a longer future and needs the money more.

"I want to talk to you both," Bryan said.

Daniel stared for a moment, then nodded. He immediately walked behind Bryan and stopped in front of the room. Away from the guard guarding the door.

"Are you really Lee's grandson?" Brian asked.

Daniel frowned. "Why ask that?" asked Daniel. He remembered Lee's message, when he first woke up, that Daniel was the grandson of a distant relative. But all died in the accident only Daniel survived and fell into a coma within a few days. And when Daniel wakes up he loses his memory due to a blow to the head. Therefore, Daniel had amnesia. Meanwhile, the local community did not know anything about Daniel, because since childhood, both Lee's relatives and Daniel themselves had never visited the Green Forest village. You could say their relationship was bad when Daniel's parents married. When the accident happened, Lee took custody of Daniel.

"Jo said you two weren't really brothers," Bryan said.

Daniel nodded. "It's true. We are just cousins. My parents and the rest of my family died in an accident. I was also seriously injured. Lee took care of me all this time. All my identity was lost so we waited for the village administration to return to normal," said Daniel.

"Are you sure?" Bryan looked doubtful.

"Of course. But why do you ask that?" asked Daniel.

"You are very much like our leader. He died a month ago."

"So you think I'm your dead leader. Weren't you present at the funeral?" asked Daniel curiously.

"Of course I came and saw firsthand. His body was washed away in the river. It's a family tradition." Bryan looks sad.

"Looks like you really love your leader. But, sorry I'm not him," said Daniel and then walked away.

"Wait!" Bryan's scream stopped Daniel in his tracks.

"I heard from the nurse you guys will be packing today. Let me take you home," Bryan said.

"No need to bother." Daniel was about to refuse.

"That's not what I meant. This is a company procedure. I could be scolded by the leadership if I ignore you."

Daniel no longer objected. Bryan has been very good to him as well as to Lee. So when Bryan helped her pack, she just kept quiet.

"Whose phone is this, Sis?" asked Jo.

"That's mine, Bryan's gift." Daniel answered while focusing on tidying the clothes in the suitcase.

"Can I borrow it?" asked Jo.

"Just put it on," said Daniel.

Rachel arrived at the door. "You guys are already leaving. I want to accompany you, but my job here is..."

"It's okay. There's Bryan who will take us," said Lee.

"Is that true?" Rachel was surprised.

"I'll take them," said Bryan. He turned and saw Rachel with someone familiar. "Marsha?" Bryan was surprised.

"Hi," said Marsha, showing a row of teeth. "I just wanted to take them home."

"You must be..." Bryan pulled Marsha out. "He's not the same Daniel as the Daniel we know. I've asked him. He really is Lee's grandson. I'm still not sure. Name and face are very similar."

"So you've looked into it. You really didn't report this to Alex?" asked Marsha.

"No. For what? They will meet later on their own. I heard Alex bought a house in Green Forest Village. I don't know what the purpose is?"

Marsha was surprised. "Really? Does this have anything to do with Daniel?"

"I don't think so. Daniel and Alex never met. I don't think so, it seems Alex has other goals. They are very suspicious, but I can't supervise him. Life is at stake," Bryan said. He said goodbye to take Daniel.

Rachel and Marsha helped load things into the car. Meanwhile, Daniel pushed the wheelchair that Lee and Jo used by his side. After everything is ready. Daniel immediately said goodbye to Rachel and Marsha.

"Actually I don't know why you two are nice to me. But thank you because I now have lots of clothes and don't starve in the hospital. Thank you," Daniel said while giving his best smile.

Rachel and Marsha were speechless. They both seemed hypnotized to see Daniel's sweet smile. After the car left, both of them realized that they didn't have time to say something.

The car slid back to Green Forest Village. They passed the bridge that had been inaugurated and also passed the market and people's houses. Until the car turns right before the forest. Then they arrived at the river bank which had a beautiful view.

"You live here?" Brian asked.

"Right. This is our house," said Lee.

Daniel helped her down and sat on the front porch. Meanwhile, Bryan unloaded things with Jo. After that, everyone sat down together. Daniel immediately served hot tea to Bryan.

"It's quiet, peaceful and cool here. I feel like I'll be coming here often," said Bryan.

Lee laughed. "We will always welcome you," said Lee.

"What about your next job?" Brian asked.

"No problem. Daniel is very smart. He has mastered medicine and I'm sure he can help people who are sick," said Lee.

After the tea was finished Bryan immediately said goodbye to go home. He felt lucky that day to know where Daniel's house was.