- 10.
I’d hoped to use this as an escape from Ethan,
but he stationed guards outside my room and
visited daily, bringing Chloe with him, their
presence a constant torment. Chloe’s
superficially kind, yet venomous smile was
unbearable. Perhaps sensing my revulsion,
Ethan stopped coming. During Julian’s rounds, I
slipped a note into his pocket: “Julian, help
me.” He acted swiftly. That night, he brought a
nurse, calmly having us switch clothes. Outside
the hospital, he gave me a new phone and some cash. I typed, “Julian, thank you!” “What
are your plans now?” I shook my head, a sense
of homelessness washing over me, dulling even
the joy of escape. “I have a spare apartment.
You can stay there.” I knew I shouldn’t impose,
but I had no choice. Grateful and embarrassed,
I accepted. The apartment was small but cozy.
Unlike the Ethan’s cold luxury, it radiated
warmth and care. A photo sat by the bed.
Julian, catching my glance, quickly put it away.
く
He left for his shift, hesitating at the door, his
hand hovering over my head before falling to
his side. “Rest well.” His words eased my
tension. For the first time in days, the thought
of rest appealed to me. Since leaving rehab, I
hadn’t slept properly, haunted by nightmares. Though grateful for the apartment, afraid of
soiling the bed, I drew the curtains, curled up
on the sofa, and closed my eyes.
