Chapter 10
14
Later, Mrs. White called me.
She hesitated on the phone, first apologizing for Patrick.
“Linda, I know it’s all Patrick’s fault. We’ve given him a serious scolding. You’ve been like a aughter to us, and it pains us deeply to see how he’s hurt you. Auntie wants to apologize
on his behalf.”
Then, her voice became hesitant, each word seemingly forced out. “Can you… can you, for
the sake of all the years we’ve taken care of you, give him one more chance?”
“Patrick really loves you. After the wedding fiasco, he locked himself in his room, not eating or drinking, just repeating ‘I was wrong, forgive me.‘ He only left the house when he found
out you were in the country.”
Mrs. White’s voice broke with emotion, a hint of sobs creeping in: “He’s my only son. What
am I supposed to do now?”
“I promise, Patrick will never make the same mistake again.”
I was silent for a long time.
Mrs. White rarely showed vulnerability like this. It was the first time I’d ever heard her
speak to me with such a pleading tone.
I remembered how, since I was young and my parents had passed away, I often found
myself alone at home. Patrick’s parents would invite me over for meals.
If they went out, they would always take me along.
I appreciated their kindness.
They had brought warmth into my otherwise dull childhood.
But… what can I say?
£ i
Sunk costs shouldn’t influence major decisions.
L
17:25
Finally, We Got Lost
Ch
I decided it was time to put an end to thús,
“Auntie, the five years of blindness I endured have been enough to repay your kindness
“I’m sorry, but I can’t agree to your request
“From now on, Patrick and I have no ties whatsoever.”
Mrs. White sighed deeply, She didn’t say another word before hanging up.
