Chapter 79

Neither Helena nor Jackson seemed to expect Kelly to retort in such a way. Helena froze for a second, then snapped, “What nonsense are you spouting? He’s your brother!”

“He’s my brother, not God! Every time he throws a tantrum, the whole family has to tiptoe around him. It’s fine if he acts like that at home, but this is a hospital. Could you maybe think about how others feel for once? Ever since he was admitted, it’s been chaos after chaos. The people here are just too polite to say anything. Maybe you two should try being polite, too!” Kelly said sharply.

“You—!” Helena’s face flushed with anger. She glanced at the other patients, who were clearly annoyed, and suddenly felt embarrassed. Her shame quickly turned to rage, and she lashed out at Kelly. “Do you even know what you’re saying right now?”

“I know exactly what I’m saying. I’m talking about your soul,” Kelly’s eyes met Jackson’s as he tried to get out of bed.

“If you’re really that bold, then go ahead. It’s about time you grew some balls, get up! I’ll even push your wheelchair for you, and stop disturbing other people!”

Jackson faltered. His lips trembled at the thought of himself in a wheelchair. Then he turned to Helena. “Mom, did you hear what she said?”

It had always been this way. Every time he made a mess, he’d twist the story first and make himself the victim. Then their parents would yell at Kelly without even hearing her side.

Helena was already turning as she yelled, “Can’t you just shut up for once? Your brother’s injured, and you’re saying these things just to upset him?”

“Fine. Then I’ll leave,” Kelly spat, turning toward the door.

“Where are you going? You’re supposed to stay and take care of your brother!”

Helena was always going on and on about Jackson. Kelly was getting fed up with her. “I’m going to eat. You only brought dinner for him. So what now? Only the sick get to eat?” With that, she quickly walked out.

Helena glared at her retreating back, something flashing briefly in her eyes. Was it just her imagination, or had Kelly changed? The thought washed almost instantly. Helena turned her attention back to Jackson, trying to coax him into eating.

Meanwhile, Kelly let out a sigh once she left the hospital room. She had rarely stood up against her parents her whole life. The boldest she had ever been was when she was applying for college. They didn’t want her to study medicine since they thought it would take too long. They wanted her to start working early to earn money and help Jackson. In the end, Kelly had gone on a hunger strike. She promised to cover her own living expenses, and only then did they finally give in. And now, somehow, she felt a little braver than before.

She found a small restaurant near the hospital, ordered pasta, and a glass of milk. She clinked the glass lightly against the edge of her bowl, giving herself a silent toast for being brave. As she sipped her milk, Kelly couldn’t help but think of Leon and wondered what he was doing right then.

At that moment, Leon was strolling through a mall in Jummondly. He was invited there by James Hati, a professor from Thameron University. James was assigned to accompany Leon on his trip. James was worried Leon might get bored alone at the hotel, so he’d invited him out for some shopping. That was why Leon had asked Kelly if she wanted a gift.

“This is a well-known mall in Thameron City. Lots of tourists come here to take pictures. They have lots of shops here, too,” James explained enthusiastically. They strolled casually through the mall. Just as James had said, there were shops everywhere, decorated with neon lights. The crowd buzzed with energy, and the shops overflowed with colorful, eye-catching wares.

Leon wasn’t particularly interested in shopping, but he didn’t want to turn James down. James, though, had his own hidden motive. His girlfriend’s birthday was coming up, and he’d been racking his brain about what to get her. Then, it was the perfect moment for Leon to show up. James figured that since Leon was good-looking, he was probably popular with the ladies and good at picking out gifts.

“Professor Butler, can I ask you for a favor?” James finally asked.

“My girlfriend’s birthday is coming up, and I was hoping you could give me some advice. What kind of gifts do women like?”

“Of course,” Leon replied.