Later that night, I took a six-hour bus ride and then switched to a motorcycle taxi to return to the village. When I walked into the house, the old phone I had left on the dining table flashed with twenty missed calls.
As soon as I called back, my university advisor’s thrilled voice burst through the speaker.
“Nadine. I have found a treatment for cerebral palsy.”
Instantly, the ache in my chest melted into a warm rush. I never expected this.
After ten whole years, Dr. Daniel Pearson still cared deeply about Matty’s condition.
Clutching the phone, my voice came out hoarse with emotion. “Professor, when can we start the treatment?”
“I have already contacted the specialists abroad,” he said without pause. “Three days from now, I will come to the village and take you overseas.”
As soon as I heard that, guilt tightened around my throat. I couldn't help but think about how, because of Chris, I had decisively quit my mentor’s research project all those years ago.
“Thank you, Professor.” My voice cracked.
Just as I hung up, the wooden door behind me creaked open.