Chapter 5

All I could hear was ringing in my ears, and my hands wouldn't stop shaking.

Back when I was little, Mom would save up white flour all year, and only when Dad came home would she make us ravioli as a treat.

I just wanted to hold on to those days when it was the three of us, together...

I only had this tiny bit of longing left, only this bit!

Yet, they treated me like this.

"Andrew, you're hurt! Let me take you to the medic and get you patched up," Maisy said, her voice full of concern.

She took Andrew by the arm and led him out of the room.

I fell to my knees, cradling those few ravioli in my hands, and broke down in uncontrollable sobs.

Just then, the landline started ringing like crazy.

"Rita, get to the hospital now! Your mom's fading fast!" The urgent voice came over the phone.

I ignored the pain, grabbed my crutches, and hobbled out the door, blocking Andrew's car just as he was about to start it.

"Maisy, get out! Andrew, you drive me to the hospital!" I demanded.

Blood still ran down Andrew's forehead. "Rita, I'm not mad about what happened. You don't need to apologize. I just need Maisy to take care of me," he said.

Maisy piped up in her soft, sugary voice. "Rita, the car only fits two, and you're not in any shape to go. I'll make sure Andrew's okay."

I pounded frantically on the car door.

"Get out! My mom's dying! I need to see her one last time!" I yelled, desperate.

Before I could finish, Andrew fired up the military jeep. The sudden movement threw me to the ground. I hit hard, blood streaking down my face.

"Andrew!" I collapsed on the ground, screaming my heart out after Andrew's military jeep.

Finally, a nice lady gave me a lift. But when I got to the hospital, Mom was already gone, a white sheet pulled over her.

My mind thundered, and all sound faded away.

My whole body shook, and for a moment, not even a single tear came out.

"Mom..." I managed to whisper, my voice barely there.

As I finally managed to speak, tears streamed down my face.

My hands shook as I gripped her cold hand under the sheet, pressing it to my cheek. But she'd never be there to wipe my tears again.

By the time I snapped out of it, I'd been sitting there in a daze for half an hour.

An old soldier rushed over to me. "Rita, I was your dad's old buddy. Don't worry. I'll help you handle your mom's affairs. Where's Andrew? Let me show you how it's done. We'll make sure your mom gets a proper send-off."

I looked up, dazed, and saw Andrew and Maisy downstairs in the dressing room, looking cozy together. I just shook my head.

"My mom never liked a big fuss. It's not her style. I'm leaving this place anyway. All I want now is for her to rest in peace," I said.

"Edward, I need a favor. I'm begging you. I want Andrew to pay for what he did to me," I pleaded.

Edward followed my gaze downstairs, his fists balling up instantly.

Once he heard my plan, his expression eased up. "Don't worry, kid. I'll take care of this for you."

After seeing Edward off, I followed Mom's body out of the hospital.

"Rita, sorry... I didn't realize it was about Madeline." Andrew stared at me for a moment, then finally managed to squeeze out some empty words that didn't mean a thing.

Maisy glanced at the white sheet covering the body, then spun around and dove into Andrew's arms. "Dead bodies freak me out."

Andrew gently shielded her eyes and murmured, "Don't look."

My chest was totally numb, like someone just tore a bloody chunk out of my heart and left it hollow.

After Mom's funeral, I came down with a raging fever. The wound got infected and knocked me flat.

It felt like my whole body was burning up, like I was soaking in boiling water.

Andrew must've felt guilty, because he actually stayed up all night watching over me.

Andrew said softly, "I made you some chocolate milk. Drink a little. You always loved this whenever you caught a cold as a kid."

He helped me sit up, and just as he lifted the glass to give it to me, Maisy came in holding a cup, her presence breaking the quiet.

Maisy said, "Andrew, that coffee you got for me smells incredible! Want to try some?"

I looked in Maisy's direction, my gaze lingering on her.

The memory stung. I'd pleaded with Andrew for so long before he finally had his comrade send me that coffee.

Andrew's hand paused midair, his face a little embarrassed. "Didn't you always say you couldn't get used to rare treats like coffee? Since Maisy likes it, I gave it all to her."

"Chocolate milk is the best. You loved it when you were a kid." He scooped up a spoonful.

"Not anymore," I rasped, my voice rough. "No matter how much I loved something as a child, I just can't bring myself to like it now."

Andrew couldn't explain it, but Rita's words hit him harder than he expected.

"Rita..." he said.

"There's a mouse! Andrew, save me!" Maisy shrieked suddenly, her voice shrill with panic.

Just as he was about to speak, Maisy, who was behind him, let out a scream and dove straight into Andrew's arms.