Chapter 67: An Unfamiliar Emotion

The murderous intent in Dickson's eyes had been unmistakable. Thinking about what his subordinates had uncovered, Jonathan had a rough idea of Dickson's likely choice.

Before Sierra could grasp the meaning behind Jonathan's words, the doctor emerged. His expression grim, he spoke directly: “If he’s your friend, I suggest you call the police.”

The voice carried a trace of anger as he continued, “This is nothing short of inhumane torture. I can’t believe that in this day and age, a human could still be treated like this?”

A feeling stirred in Sierra’s heart. She asked, “Can I see his report?”

The doctor handed her Dickson’s medical report. She flipped open a page, and the words on it stung her eyes: Ruptured spleen, oral injuries, rectal prolapse, foreign object retention, bite marks, whip wounds…

She couldn’t keep reading. Snapping the report shut, she felt as though another Daphne was reaching out to her for help. She lowered her head without speaking, but the aura around her made those nearby deeply uncomfortable.

Jonathan didn’t like seeing Sierra like this. He suddenly placed a hand on her shoulder. “Do you want to save him? I’ll help you.”

Ten minutes later, Sierra and Jonathan entered the hospital room. By then, Sierra had regained her composure. Jonathan’s words had pulled her back from that suffocating darkness, and she finally understood what he had meant earlier. If she hadn’t gone to find Dickson today, she might have heard of his death tomorrow. He had been ready to die along with those people. But Dickson wasn’t the one who had done wrong; he shouldn’t be the one to die. Just like Daphne. She had only wanted to earn a little money for her mother and brother, to get out and see them sooner. But in the end, all that awaited her was death.

When they entered, Dickson was already awake. Seeing them, a flash of humiliation crossed his face. Sierra spoke slowly. “There’s no need to feel ashamed. You did nothing wrong. They are the real monsters.”

Dickson was only 19. When Daphne was sent to prison, he had been just 16. A 16-year-old boy had borne everything on his shoulders. Too young to work legally, he had survived by scavenging through garbage to support himself and his mother. When he came of age, he worked many jobs. But without a diploma or skills, his job options were limited to waiting tables or delivering food. His wages weren’t enough to cover his mother’s medical expenses, so not long ago, he had gone to that club. A friend had told him it paid well. And it did. He earned several times more than before. But he also saw what true darkness looked like. At first, he had thought enduring a beating would be the worst of it. He never imagined he would be subjected to nearly half a month of torment. Countless times, he had wanted to die. But whenever he thought of his mother, he forced himself to endure. He knew that if he died, his disabled mother wouldn’t survive either. He told himself that at the very least, he had to be there for her.

Chapter 67: An Unfamiliar Emotion

He felt filthy, worse than a stray dog on the streets, but at this moment, someone was telling him that it wasn’t his fault. The real monsters were them.

Finished

Dickson couldn’t hold back anymore. At first, silent tears fell. Then he broke into full, unrestrained sobs. Years of suppressed emotion finally burst free. Sierra watched the boy cry, her eyes reddening. She lifted a hand, gently patting his shoulder without a word. When he had finished venting, she finally said, “From now on, you can think of me as your sister. I only have my grandma, so from now on, the three of us will be family. The past is in the past.”

Dickson looked at Sierra, his eyes flickering. After a long moment, he said, “You promised to tell me how Daphne died.”

“I did,” Sierra nodded. “And I will. But not yet.” She would tell him once everything was over. For now, she only wanted Dickson to live. Looking at him, she saw a reflection of the helpless girl she had once been. But she was much better off than Dickson now. She had Lily, who cared for her, and Jonathan, who had always been there to help.

Dickson, comforted by Sierra’s words, spoke up, “Sierra, from today on, you’re my sister!”

Sierra smiled, truly happy. She turned to Jonathan and said, “Jonathan, I have another family member now.”

But Jonathan couldn’t smile. Looking at Sierra like this, something in his chest felt heavy. It was an unfamiliar emotion. He had never felt this way before. But ever since meeting Sierra, it was as if his heart had come to life, finally capable of feeling.

Dickson’s injuries were severe. After releasing his emotions, he drifted back to sleep. Sierra and Jonathan left the room, and only then did Sierra speak. “Mr. Yeager, can you tell me who those people are?”