Chapter 3The Call From Eighteen Years Ago

"Who are you pretending to be sick for this time?"

The ward door swung open again.

Jason walked in leisurely in a brand-new pair of limited-edition sneakers.

Although he was three years younger than me, he'd been fed well his entire life. He was tall and muscular.

"Not bad, Jessica. That pitiful act of yours was pretty convincing."

He pulled a chair over, sat down, and crossed one leg over the other.

"I know depression is hard on you, but after the stunt you pulled yesterday, Dad didn't sleep all night. His blood pressure hit 160 this morning.

"I'm not smart. That's why I only got into vocational school. You're the genius who got into Crownstone College. You'll definitely make a lot of money someday.

"So help me out. You wouldn't just stand by and watch Mom and Dad sell their blood so I can stay in school, would you?"

He pulled a crumpled sheet of paper from his pocket and tossed it onto my blanket.

"Mom and Dad said Crownstone College gave you a pretty generous scholarship.

"You're just a girl. You won't need much money at school.

"So why don't you hand it over and let me use it for my living expenses?

"Just sign this, and we'll all stay one big happy family."

It was a declaration voluntarily surrendering my scholarship fund from Crownstone College.

Attached with it was an authorization agreement transferring the entire scholarship fund directly into Jason's account.

I stared at his calculating face.

"Get lost."

Jason's expression froze before he dropped the kind act.

"Jessica, don't push your luck!"

He shot to his feet, grabbed my hospital gown by the collar, and yanked me off the bed.

"You really think getting into Crownstone College makes you special?

"In this family, you're nothing but a money-losing burden!

"Mom and Dad already said it. If you don't hand over the money, they'll go to the media and tell everyone you refuse to support your parents and abuse your little brother!

"Let's see how you'll make it through college after that!"

My eyes went wide. It felt like an invisible hand had wrapped itself around my heart and squeezed.

The door opened once more. Marielle and Gary walked in.

Seeing Jason clutching my collar, Marielle didn't stop him immediately.

She walked over, pulled Jason away, and carefully smoothed the wrinkles on his shirt.

"Jason, why waste your energy getting angry with her? You'll only upset yourself."

Gary approached my bed with a cold expression. He retrieved a pill bottle from his pocket and slammed it onto the nightstand.

It was my antidepressant medication.

"Jessica, I asked the doctor. This so-called depression of yours is the result of having too much free time!

"One bottle of this stuff costs up to a hundred. It's a complete waste of money!"

He twisted open the bottle right in front of me.

He then poured every pill into the trash can.

The tablets scattered across the bottom of the plastic trash can.

"I'm doing this for your own good!" Gary declared self-righteously.

"Even doctors say all medicine has side effects!

"It's these drugs that ruined your brain and turned you against your own family!

"When you get married someday, if your husband's family finds out you're mentally ill, would they still want you?"

Marielle immediately chimed in.

"Exactly, Jessica. Our family isn't well-off, and Jason still has to go to school.

"Giving him your scholarship fund is for the good of the family.

"Parents only ever want what's best for their children. You don't actually think we'd harm you, do you?"

I stared at the pills lying in the trash. My whole body trembled.

Those pills were the only thing keeping me alive through countless sleepless nights spent solving practice problems.

Now, they had cut off my only lifeline.

"Sign it."

Gary shoved a pen into my hand.

I looked at all three of them. There were no tears left to cry.

"Fine. I'll sign."

The moment I finished signing, Marielle smiled in relief.

She carefully folded up the agreement like she had won the lottery.

"That's more like it. You'll be discharged tomorrow just in time for Jason's appreciation banquet for his teachers.

"All our relatives will be there. Behave yourself, and get rid of that sour expression."

The three of them left completely satisfied.

I was alone in the ward again.

I retrieved my phone and turned it on.

It rang immediately.

"Jess! How are you? Don't do anything stupid! Your dad and I are coming!"

My young mom's voice was filled with panic.

"Jess, don't be afraid! I found a way!"

My young dad's voice was hoarse and filled with anguish.

"I looked into it. If we're in the right electromagnetic field and are willing to pay a high enough price, we can break through the barrier between time and space.

"I don't care if it costs me ten years of my life. I'll come save you!

"Jess, wait for us!"

Holding the phone tightly, I slowly closed my eyes.