Chapter 3
589 Words
Marcus was rushed straight into surgery as soon as we reached the hospital. Several hours later, the doctor finally emerged.
My mom shot to her feet. Her knees buckled, and she nearly collapsed at the doctor's feet.
"How is my son?"
The doctor removed his mask, his expression grim.
"We saved his life, but the damage was too severe. We had to amputate both legs."
My mom went rigid, then collapsed backward. My dad caught her, his lips trembling.
My eyes reddened too.
I wasn't crying because I felt sorry for Marcus.
The scene brought back the moment in my previous life when my own legs had been broken and my parents stood by while a doctor explained my condition.
The doctor had warned that if I had arrived any later, my legs would be beyond saving.
My mom had only sneered. "Then let them be ruined. Maybe she'll finally learn her lesson."
Now it was their precious son's turn.
How does it feel now?
By the time Sophie reached the hospital, Marcus had already been moved to a hospital room. He was still unconscious.
A white blanket covered his lower body, but it lay flat where his legs should have been.
Sophie hovered in the doorway and whispered, "Dad? Mom?"
Neither of them acknowledged her.
Her lips trembling, she approached the bed.
"Marcus, I'm sorry."
My mom snapped her head up. Her stare was so cold and vicious that Sophie shuddered.
Sophie flinched.
My mom took two slow breaths and forced herself to stay quiet. The room was full of people, and appearances still mattered to her.
I walked over and set the food I had bought on the table.
"Mom, Dad, eat something. Marcus wouldn't want you running yourselves ragged like this."
My dad finally looked at me.
In the 2 years since I returned to the Bennett family, this was the first time my dad had truly looked at me. Before then, he had always seen me as an embarrassing burden.
Now I saw a trace of approval in his eyes.
"Lena, you've grown up."
I smiled. "I'm a Bennett too. This is the least I can do."
Sophie's face became even paler.
Being the Bennett family's daughter had always been Sophie's greatest source of confidence. Now that I had reclaimed my place, she was suddenly afraid.
Marcus woke the following morning.
The first thing he asked was, "Where's Sophie?"
Sophie rushed to his bedside. "I'm right here."
When Marcus saw her, he managed a weak smile.
"I'm just glad you're okay."
My mom burst into tears again, while my dad left the room without a word.
A doctor came in to examine Marcus and change his dressings.
As the doctor removed the bandages, Marcus stared at his empty pant legs and went rigid. His eyes widened as the color slowly drained from his face.
"Where are my legs?"
No one answered.
His voice rose sharply. "What happened to my legs?"
Sophie grabbed his hand, sobbing. "Marcus, don't get upset. The doctor said..."
"What did he say?" Marcus cut her off, his eyes bloodshot and wild. "Did they cut them off? Are my legs gone?"
Sophie went abruptly silent.
From the corner of the room, I said softly, "Marcus, the doctor saved your life. You..."
"Get out!"
He snatched up a pillow and hurled it at me.
I didn't flinch. The pillow bounced off me and dropped harmlessly to the floor.
As I watched him fall apart, I had only one thought.
'Welcome to hell, Marcus.'
- Writer
