I grabbed a white towel nearby, wrapped myself, and held a glass of red wine. Barefoot, I walked to the balcony, leaning on the railing with my spare hand. I sipped the wine and looked out at the brightly lit world.
Even though I couldn’t see his face clearly, I recognized him instantly, leaning against the car door.
From my vantage point above, I watched him. He looked up at me, yet the true distance between us was vast.
Perhaps the physical distance, preventing me from feeling his presence, allowed me to watch him so calmly. I never imagined I could regard him with such composure.
Suddenly, a coat draped over my shoulders.
"The night is cool, and you're in a low mood. Don't drink so much," said a voice.
Then a large hand took the wine glass from me.
I turned to find a ruggedly handsome face close to mine. I slightly smiled, "Holly, you are here."
He glanced briefly at the street below, then led me inside.
Three years ago, Holly had saved me. He found a suitable kidney donor and spent a fortune restoring my appearance, removing all scars from my body.
Driven by a strong desire to get back at Evan, the coat slipped from my shoulders.
I stood before Holly and said, “Take me.”
Holly appeared startled initially, then sighed. He bent down, picked up the coat from the floor, draped it over me again, kissed my cheek, and gently embraced me, whispering, “Don't demean yourself for revenge. Remember, nothing is worth you sacrificing your dignity, my beautiful girl.”
I pushed him away and sat on the sofa, murmuring, “How could I forget that you never touch women.”
He ruffled my hair. “Woman, don’t challenge a man's pride; the consequences can be severe.”
Holly sat beside me, and I rested my head against him, feeling utterly exhausted.
“If you’re unhappy here, then go back.”
“My grandfather is ill; he’s the only family I have left. I can’t let anything happen to him.” I closed my eyes, speaking wearily.
If possible, I wouldn’t have come back. I didn’t want to see the face that haunts my nightmares.
“Don’t worry, it will be alright.”
Holly’s warm hand covered mine. In these three years, this man had been my source of warmth, helping me to keep going through my most painful times.
Fueled by hatred, I made Holly stay in my room for the night, knowing the man downstairs was watching. Since there was an audience, the show wouldn’t stop halfway.
Holly covered me with a thin blanket. “Sleep well!” As he turned to leave, I grabbed his large hand.
I lowered my gaze, unable to meet his eyes, “Can you stay with me tonight?”
Holly saw right through me, yet said nothing explicit.
Feeling a bit embarrassed at being so transparent, I whispered, “Thank you.”
Ever since I returned, my sleep had been troubled with nightmares, the terrible visions magnifying in the dark. Often I woke in the middle of the night and sat until dawn.
As I stepped outside, a handkerchief covered my mouth and nose. I struggled but quickly felt weak and dizzy. I was vaguely aware of being placed into a car before darkness overwhelmed me, and I lost consciousness.
