Chapter 6

No mother could bear to see her child hurt, and mine was no exception. Once I showed her the bruises, she never mentioned marriage again. After a few days of observation, Mom was finally ready to be discharged. When we got home, I found that my old room was exactly as I had left it. Thanks to Mom's frequent cleaning, it was also spotless. During this time, Darren called non-stop, so I immediately blocked his number. While Mom was asleep, I also blocked his number on her phone, sparing her any unnecessary distress. "Mom, what do you feel like eating today?" I asked, wrapping a scarf around my neck as I got ready to go shopping. The once-quiet house now felt alive, and Mom's mood had improved. She cheerfully told me she was not picky. The snow was falling heavily as I walked to the supermarket under my umbrella. Unexpectedly, Darren was waiting outside. He was covered in snow, with frost clinging to his eyelashes. He looked like he had been waiting for a while. Admittedly, I wa