Chapter 3: Luck is on My Side
700 Words
Jaokha
I woke up to a new morning, thinking it must be quite late. I wondered if everyone was suspicious and knew by now that I didn't sleep at home.
"Ah!" Just moving made my whole body hurt. How am I going to get home without arousing suspicion? Can I even walk back home?
I forced myself out of bed in a terrible and heavy state, feeling like I was carrying the weight of the world. I was dizzy, had a headache, and my body ached all over. Last night, he had been so rough with me that I couldn't bear the pain and passed out.
I picked up my clothes, which looked disheveled from being tugged at. Although they weren't torn, they were all stretched out from the force. But I had to wear them to get out of here because this was his house. If anyone saw me, it would definitely be a big deal.
"Ow!" Every step I took was painful and left me sore, but I had to force myself to do it.
I quietly sneaked out of the room. Seeing no one, I continued to the stairs. Looking down, it was silent, which forced me to hurry down the stairs as fast as I could. Luckily, no one was there, so I managed to leave that man's house and painfully walked back to my own home.
I rushed into the house as fast as I could, relieved that no one was home. Since last night, after talking to me, Older Sister Jancha disappeared and hasn't returned yet. As for my mom, she probably went out to meet her friends as usual. So, I had the chance to safely get to my room and didn't forget to lock the door.
"Phew!" I can't take it anymore; I need to sleep. I'm exhausted and aching all over, feeling like I might have a fever. Just forcing myself out of that house left me barely able to lift my legs. I guess I need to sleep now.
Knock, knock, knock. The sound of knocking woke me up, and I sensed the darkness. Don't tell me it's evening already. Did I sleep that long? But why do I still feel so sleepy?
"Yes?"
Why is my voice so hoarse?
"Jaokha, are you alright, dear? I haven't seen you come down since morning," my mom's voice called out.
"No, I'm just feeling a bit headachey and want to rest," I tried to shout back to my mom with a hoarse and sore throat.
"Let me come in and check on you. Your voice doesn't sound good," my mom said anxiously, but I was even more anxious.
"No, Mom! You might catch my cold. I've already taken some medicine and just need to rest for a day or two." I'm telling the truth. I really do have a fever now, but I don't want Mom to come in because I'm afraid she'll see my body and notice.
"Are you sure, dear?"
"Yes, Mom. I don't want to turn on the lights either. Don't worry about me."
"Alright, but if you need anything, call me, okay? I'm worried."
"Yes, Mom."
"Okay, then rest well." Then Mom's voice faded away, which immediately relieved me. At least in two days, the fever should subside, and the marks should fade. I can cover them with a foundation. But the reason I don't dare leave the room now isn't because of the fever or the marks that can be hidden; it's my awkward walk.
What's wrong? Well, when I walk, it looks awkward. Especially to someone who's been through this before, I'm sure they would notice. I'm afraid Mom will figure it out, so I have to wait until it gets better before I dare to leave the room.
But the most important thing is, up until now, I still don't know why that man did this to me. I don't know what I did to him because the way he looked at me last night was filled with hatred.
But oh well, even though I'm upset, since it has already happened, I can't ask for anything. And most importantly, I probably won't see him again.
- Writer
