"Hit me again..."
"Maybe that'll convince you."
I didn't hit him again.
I didn't stay either.
This time—
I turned.
And walked away.
Fast.
Before he could say anything else.
Before he could touch me again.
Shu Lin."
His voice followed—low, warning.
I didn't stop.
My hand reached the door, gripping it tightly.
"Don't walk out like this."
Closer now.
Too close.
I could feel him behind me.
That presence again—heavy, suffocating.
"If you leave now—"
I opened the door.
Cold air rushed in.Felt like Freedom.
"I am leaving."
My voice didn't shake this time.
For once—it was certain.
A pause.
Then—his hand caught my wrist.
Firm.
Familiar.
You'll regret it."
Not loud.
Not threatening.
Worse.
Certain.
I looked down at his grip.
Then back at him.
And slowly—
I pulled my hand free.
No," I said quietly.
"I already regret staying."
Something flickered in his eyes.
Gone in a second.
But I saw it.
And this time—
I didn't wait.
I walked out.
The hospital felt colder than before.
Brighter.
Harsher.
Every step echoed too loud, my heartbeat matching it.
What if I was late?
What if—
No.
I pushed the thought away, moving faster.
The corridor.
The door.
Her room.
I stopped just outside it.
My hand hovered over the handle.
Shaking.
Because this time—
I was scared to look.
Slowly—
I pushed it open.
The room was quiet.
Machines beeped softly.
Steady.
Alive.
And there she was.
Lying still.
Pale.
But breathing.
Relief hit so suddenly my knees almost gave out.
"Mom…"
My voice came out barely a whisper.
I stepped closer.
Sat beside her.
My fingers wrapped gently around hers.
Warm.
Still warm.
"I'm here."
The words felt fragile.
Like they might break if I said them too loud.
For a moment—
everything felt still.
Safe.
Like I made the right choice.
Then—
a shadow moved at the door.
My breath stopped.
Because I didn't need to turn—
to know who it was.
And somehow—
that felt worse than if he had followed me all along.