I remembered the day I was cornered by school bullies in an alley. My palm was sliced by a dagger during the fight. That day, I almost died.
But then Charles appeared, sweat pouring down his forehead. Without a second thought, he charged into the fight, taking them on alone—ignoring his own injuries.
His left ear was permanently damaged that day.
When the doctor told him his hearing loss was irreversible, I couldn’t stop crying.
But he smiled, poked my nose, and said, “It’s worth it if you worship me forever.”
Now, all I felt was bitter disappointment.
I shook off the memories and forced myself to speak, “Brother.”
He sneered, eyes ice-cold. “I don’t have a sister like you.”
Sophie hurried between us, the wedding ring on her finger stabbing at my eyes.
“Grace, he had a head injury. His memory might be a bit confused. Don’t take it personally. How could he not remember you as his sister?”
“You’ve always been here. He loves you like a sister, right?”
I clenched my fists, voice steady despite the ache. “Alright, I understand.”
Turning away, I caught sight of my mother waiting by the side, a hot towel in hand, her eyes anxious.