Chapter 9 True to her word , as soon as we got home , Darlene went on a posting spree with the photos I'd taken first Twitter , then Instagram , and finaly ro She didn't just share the photos ; she uploaded tearful videos on each platform . The internet exploded with the scandal , and the effect was immediate - Raymond came home that very day . Before Darlene could even feel vindicated , Raymond rushed in , pinned her to the floor , and began savagely beating her again , delivering one brutal pufich after another . Initially , Darlene tried to dodge the blows , but eventually she could only clutch her chest and beg : " Honey , I'm sorry ! Please stop - my chest hurts so bad ! " But Raymond paid no attention , continuing his assault until his anger was somewhat spent . Seeing Darlene's pale face as she clutched her chest and whimpered , he only snorted in contempt . " You're built like a tank . Stop acting fragile - it's disgusting . " After his cold mockery , he walked out without looking back . Whether from rage or genuine pain , Darlene's face turned ashen , her agonized cries growing creasingly faint . I watched everything from my hiding place , only emerging when I heard Caleb return . Together , we rushed Darlene to the hospital . After extensive tests , I learned that high blood pressure combined with extreme stress can trig a Fatal ? Really ? attack - sometimes fatal . As I was lost in thought , the doctor cautioned me from the side : " Your mother needs to avoid stress . You two caught it in time , so there's no major damage , but she'll need proper care from now on . " From that day forward , Darlene remained hospitalized . Raymond had moved in with his mistress , and Caleb , accustomed to being waited on hand and foot , couldn't be bothered to care for our mother . Since my obstacles weren't completely eliminated yet , I reluctantly took on the duty of bringing her meals every day . After a few days of bringing meals , Darlene's hospital roommate looked at her enviously and said : " Daughters are such a blessing . Look at yours - even with her busy job , she still makes time to bring you food every day . My son hasn't shown his face once since I've been in here . Who knows what he's so busy with . " Hearing this , Darlene immediately shot me a nasty glare and twisted her mouth in disgust . " What's so great about having a girl ? They just end up getting married and leaving anyway . Look at her - ugly as sin , skin like dirt , and that mouth like a pig's snout . Nobody would take her even if she came free . She doesn't look like me or her father . If I hadn't given birth to her myself , I'd swear someone switched my baby with this mongrel . " " Hey , remember my son ? The one who brought me to the hospital that day ? He's tall , handsome , and brilliant . Once he gets into college and eventually marries and has children , my life will be complete . I can't imagine what kind of girl would even be worthy of him . " Unlike the contempt in her voice when talking about me , Darlene's face lit up when discussing Caleb , as proud as a rooster after winning a fight . As Darlene continued gushing about Caleb , her roommate's expression shifted from initial envy to furrowed brows . Eventually , she managed only a tight, insincere smile before scooting further away from Darlene , while throwing me a sympathetic glance . In Darlene's eyes , even though her son had only shown his face during admission , he was still her dutiful , perfect boy . Meanwhile , I - the unwanted daughter - was expected to slave away for her as if it were my natural duty . As a female , the greatest cruelty I'd experienced in life came from another woman - my own mother . How ironic . Perhaps because I'd endured so much malice and torment from her , now her words no longer hurt me . I couldn't even summon the energy to be N … Ma Col Burned It All Down ! 14.2 % angry anymor® It simply want worth it . After delivering lunch like completing a chore , I headed off to work on foot , In the scorching July midday heat , the sun was so brutal it made everything wilt . No one in their right mind would be outside in action . unless absolutely necessary . But as I passed the park near our house , I witnessed something I'd never forget ! Under a tree not far away , Caleb had his arms wrapped around a thin , tall young man , kissing him passionately . Yes , Caleh …. Kissing a boy …. I was so shocked that I stood frozen , staring at the two guys making out , completely forgetting to move along , My stare must have been too obvious because they noticed me . Caleb said something to the other boy , and they walked toward me , holding hands .