The patch of skin that had been struck had faded in just one afternoon. Yet for several nights afterward, Raymond silently stared at that spot, tears glimmering in his eyes.
Violet had not understood. "Why are you crying? I'm fine."
With reddened eyes, Raymond buried his face in the hollow of her neck, his voice hoarse. "I hate myself for not being able to protect you."
Back then, he had felt heartache over injuries of hers that no longer even hurt.
And now, after she had been slapped ninety-nine times, he was busy tangling himself up with the very person responsible just one wall away...
Raymond, you really have become utterly heartless toward me!
Another day passed before Raymond finally returned to the hospital room.
He changed Violet's dressing himself and drew her into his arms
