My smile froze, my heart jerking uncontrollably.
“Thank you. My boyfriend is coming to pick me up.”
I turned my head, looking left and right, when the same clear, soothing voice chimed in again: “It seems like your boyfriend isn’t the one picking you up.”
Even though it was the sweltering heat of summer, and the air was stifling, hearing his voice made everything around me feel refreshing.
I understood exactly what he meant.
Since Lila lost her sight because of him, Gene Wells has taken her everywhere he goes.
He’s been more attentive than a doting parent, treating her like the most fragile thing.
And I’ve become Lila’s caretaker—peeling shrimp when she wants them, shelling walnuts with my bare hands.
Countless days and nights, I’ve either followed Gene Wells around or stayed by Lila’s side.
Sure enough, Lila’s sweet voice reached my ears: “Thank you for the corneas, sister. I’ll make sure to take good care of them.”
“I’ll also take good care of Gene for you.”
I rubbed my arms, goosebumps rising.
When people ask for something, they instinctively reach out, just like I was reaching for the ghostly figure.
“Gene, where’s the guide dog?”
A thin layer of sweat appeared on my nose, and the dizziness began to creep back.
I hadn’t had a sip of water or a bite of food all day.
My stomach churned with acid, and I must have looked terrible.
Lila’s dismissive laugh cut through the air—she was always so bright and showy.
Like a fiery red rose, beautiful and thorny.
I had been raised in a greenhouse, just a wildflower on the roadside, forever in the shadows of the dazzling stars.
“Gene has been with me these days and hasn’t had time to get the guide dog.”
“A few days ago, I accidentally broke my old one, so you might have to wait a few days.”
I awkwardly withdrew my hand, casting a helpless look at the passersby.
The person seemed to waver between helping or ignoring me, but I couldn’t hear their decision.
Then Gene Wells dragged me away.
“Jennifer, did you really think a stranger would help you? A guide dog costs thousands.”
“Only a fool would pay for it.”
“Just leave quickly and stop making a fool of yourself here.
It wasn’t until he shoved me roughly into the back seat that my brain finally started working again.
Just two hours ago, he wasn’t like this at all.
At least before I signed those consent forms, he was patient with me.
He even went so far as to sweet-talk and persuade me.
And now? Now that he’s got what he wanted, he won’t even bother pretending anymore.
“I’m going to be with Lila this afternoon to look at rings.”
“You find something to eat at home yourself.”
I stared blankly at the white figure and whispered, “I can’t see anymore, Gene.”