“…He said it’s quieter in the study,” Emmeline said.
Rosaline did not say anything. She knew her son desired quiet places.
Emmeline knocked on the door and said, “Abel, your mother is here to see you.”
There was a short moment of silence before Abel’s voice was heard. “I’m fine, Mother. You don’t have to see me.”
“Why can’t I see you? I know you’re ill, but you’re still my son, and I’m worried about you!” Rosaline said while frowning suspiciously.
“I have a skin disease,” Abel said. “I’m slathered in ointment, and I’m in my pajamas. It’s not very appropriate.”
“You’re my son! I’ve seen you naked before! Why are you so shy all of a sudden? Open the door and let me take a look at you. I’d feel uneasy if I don’t see you,” Rosaline said.
“It’s very contagious, Mother. I don’t even let Emma see me. You should leave.”
“What illness is it?” Rosaline became even more uneasy. “You should be in the hospital! Why are you staying at home?”
“The doctors have already attended to me,” Abel explained patiently. “They slathered ointment all over me and told me to stay at home. I’ll visit you in a week.”
“You don’t have to lie to me,” Rosaline said unhappily. “Open the door and let me look at you!”
It was the first time Abel thought his mother was so stubborn.
“Open the door!” Rosaline knocked on the door. “You don’t have to explain to me. Is it so hard to show yourself to your mother?”
Abel thought for a while and went to the bathroom to look at himself in the mirror.
The cracks on his skin had faded a little compared to a few days ago, but it was still horrifying.
He wondered what his mother would think of him.
He also knew his mother would not give up if she did not see him.
“Alright then.” Abel tidied his black night robe and stood in front of the door.
“Mother, you can come in yourself. Emma, you should stay outside.”
Emmeline was silent. She wanted to see Abel very much.
However, she knew that Abel did not want to show his weak side to her.
“Mm, okay. I’ll stay outside,” Emmeline said.
Abel opened the door slightly, and Rosaline squeezed in.
In the next second, Emmeline could hear Rosaline’s scream.
After that, Abel exclaimed, “Mother! What’s wrong, Mother?”
Emmeline immediately pushed the door open.
She saw Rosaline slumped on the floor, unconscious. Abel crouched next to her.
“Wake up, Mother!”
“What happened?” Emmeline asked.
Abel abruptly turned his head around and revealed his cracked face to her.
“Ahh!” Emmeline gasped in shock. “What… What happened to you, Abel?”
Abel was furious. “Get out!” he roared.
Emmeline did not go out. Instead, she crouched next to him and hugged him tightly. “Abel, does it hurt? Blood is coming out of the wounds. It must hurt a lot, right?”
“I’m telling you to get out!” Abel said coldly and shoved her away. “Who let you inside?”
“Don’t tell me to get out, Abel. I’m not going out. I want to protect you. It’s all my fault. You’re suffering all because of me. I didn’t think it would turn out this way…”
Rosaline gradually regained consciousness and heard what Emmeline said.
“So it’s you!” She lifted a hand and slapped Emmeline.
Abel quickly grabbed her hand. “What are you doing, Mother?”
“It’s all her fault, right?” Rosaline hugged Abel. “How are you going to live like this, Abel? I can’t bear to see you like this!”
“I’m fine, Mother. I’ll be okay soon.” Abel comforted his mother. “It’s only a skin disease. It’ll only take a few days to recover.”
“I heard Emmeline say it’s her fault! You have to tell me what happened, Abel. What did she do to you? I’ll avenge you!” Rosaline said angrily.
