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Curses against me turned to sympathy.
At the hospital, lying in bed,I gazed at blooming magnolias outside.
"You can't come in!"
"Let me see Anna.I owe her an apology."
An argument erupted outside.
After the truth came out,Daniel called that night,but I didn't answer.
"Anna,I'm sorry.I was wrong!Please,give me another chance to care for you."
"I'm sorry.Please forgive me."
Security arrived,escorting Daniel out.
I closed my eyes,exhausted.
Two years,730 days,17,520 hours.
He had all those chances to see me,but he never came.
If he didn't want me then,why beg now that the truth was out?
Nathan entered,his clothes disheveled,face angry.
"Sorry you had to see that."
"About your decision last time—please reconsider.The doctor says chemo could give you one or two more years.Sure you won't try?"
He sat beside me,pouring water.
"No.I spent two years in one prison.I don't want my remaining life in another."
"Fine.Wherever you go,I'll accompany you."
Nathan kept his word.He quit his law practice and travelled with me to wherever I wanted to go in the country.
In cancer's late stages,I couldn't travel.He brought me to my hometown,a quiet southern town.
Life there was peaceful—no curses,no corruption.
Sunlight filtered through sycamore leaves and warmed me,I felt like I was back in the safety of my mother’s womb.
Nathan handed me a letter.From the handwriting,I knew it was Daniel's.
"Burn it."
Cancer had progressed too fast.I could barely move,relying on Nathan's care all day.He stayed true,always by my side.
"You sure you don't want to read it?"
"No."
Nathan took the letter out but didn't burn it.He opened it.
It was Daniel's confession.
The letter detailed everything.
When Sophie joined the investigation,she subtly suggested that there was a traitor in the team.Daniel brushed it off,trusting both women.
Until a confrontation,when he held Sophie's hand and took her side instead of Anna’s,things changed.
Anna distanced herself,ignoring calls and messages.Meanwhile,Sophie presented evidence that Anna was the mole.Daniel still trusted Anna.
[You said you'd be an honest journalist,exposing society's injustices.I chose to believe you,so Sophie's death hit me so hard.]
That night,Sophie called,claiming Anna was going to kill her for gathering the politician's evidence.
Daniel didn't believe her but still drove to the factory.
The explosion erupted,Sophie died,the evidence vanished,and only Anna survived.
Most people trust what they see.It was then when Daniel finally believed Sophie's claims.
He personally posted Anna's crimes online and sent her to prison.
[Anna,I know my regret seems ridiculous now,but please,give me one chance.I just want to see you one more time.]
[Please,I can't sleep.Every night,I see you suffering in prison.Let me see you one last time.]
Nathan lit a cigarette,took a deep drag,and burned the letter with the ember.
Affection that comes late is worthless.
As a man,Nathan understood Daniel's motives—just seeking peace of mind.
In prison,Anna waited countless nights for Daniel,but he never came.What use was his regret now?
Daniel didn't love Anna.
Fifteen days later,Anna died under the sycamore tree.
Until her death,Daniel never saw her again.
