“Please leave, all of you. I need some alone time.” Tears streamed down Shirley’s face. Even though she was speaking softly and her words were muffled, Matthew and Skyler both understood her well.
“Shir, don’t worry and don’t feel sad about it. Plastic surgery back home is highly developed and advanced. Once we’re back, we can get you surgery. Everything will be fine soon.” Skyler lifted her hand and pressed it against his face as he comforted her.
However, Shirley was oblivious to his action and repeated her words, “Sky, I need… I need some space.” Her pale lips parted, and she moved her tongue to produce muffled sounds.
“Let’s get out and leave her alone for now,” Matthew suggested to Skyler, feeling upset for the two. Skyler shook his head and wiped away a tear in the corner of Shirley’s eyes. “Don’t cry. I’m here. I’ll be by your side forever.”
What was supposed to be words of comfort led to an emotional breakdown. She cried loudly and incessantly, but her violent action pulled on the wound on her face, causing agonizing pain.
“Ouch… It hurts… She wanted to stop herself from crying, but the tears kept flowing as part. of a natural response. She couldn’t help but sob. Feeling anxious, Skyler stood up to hold her hand and her right cheek. “Shir, don’t cry. It’ll only hurt your wound. I’m here for you, and I will make sure you’re fully recovered. I’ll take care of the scar too. Trust me, okay?”
Her vision blurred up from the tears, and she sensed a drop of hot tear on her cheek-Skyler must be crying. She also knew very well that she would not be a good match for him if she was disfigured. She would not be good enough to stand beside him and call him her partner.
At the same time, Veronica, dressed in her patient robe, dragged her feeble body to Shirley’s room. She overheard Skyler’s words of comfort and Shirley’s cries, and she noticed the thick layers of bandages on Shirley’s face. She felt a pang of pain from the sounds and sights around her. Heartbroken, she had tears in her eyes.
When Matthew turned around, he noticed Veronica walking toward them. He quickly went up and hugged her without a word. Leaning against his chest, she took in the scent of him, thinking that it’d help with her sorrows, but she fell into a deep sadness instead. Sniffling, she pushed him aside and went up to Shirley’s bed. She was riddled with guilt at the sight of Shirley crying.
“I’m sorry, she offered an earnest apology. ‘It’s all my fault.”
Shirley tilted her head to look at Veronica and lifted her right hand. Veronica quickly took her hand. Shirley whispered, “Ron, it has… nothing to do… with you.”
Meanwhile, Skyler was seated with his back facing Veronica. He quickly wiped the back of his hand on his cheek, trying not to attract their attention to his tears.
“You should rest well. I’ve changed my room to make it easier for visits to you,” she consoled Shirley. ‘Don’t worry. You have me, Skyler, and Matt. We will restore your face back to how it was. Trust us.” She repeatedly cheered Shirley up, feeling concerned that Shirley might take things too hard.
Shirley nodded but immediately let out a squeal. “It hurts… It is so painful.” She reached out to touch her face without thinking, but Skyler grabbed her hand in time. “Where does it hurt?”
He suddenly noticed that the bandages on her face were soaked in tears. The tears were in contact with her wound, which was the reason for her pain.
“It hurts…” Shirley felt excruciating pain from the wound that made her tremble. Even though she did not feel like crying anymore, tears fell again due to the extreme pain.
