Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 1: Mi Li
"Doing things you don't like and seeing things you don't want to see." I had always been resistant to being a Mortician, but out of necessity, I reluctantly accepted my fate. Now, I was slowly getting used to it and even began to entertain the idea of embracing it.
Mi Li was surprised and replied, "Oh! Our thoughts and perspectives are so similar!"
"Yeah." I hadn't figured out how to respond to her yet.
She continued, "I once suffered misfortune. I thought that growing up would make that incident fade away, but it not only didn't fade, it has lingered in my mind, haunting me repeatedly, causing me immense pain and making me reluctant to connect with others."
I understood what kind of misfortune a girl might be too shy to speak about because I was aware of the issues between men and women. There were many news stories where girls were victims without specifics mentioned. I cautiously asked, "When did this happen? How old were you then?"
"It happened a long time ago when I was eleven or twelve, in fifth grade."
"Who else knows about it?"
"You are the first. My family doesn't know."
"And how old are you now?"
"Eighteen."
"We both share a common affliction. We are friends too. If you're willing, could you tell me what happened?"
Mi Li fell silent.
After a long pause with no response, I thought she had logged off. I prepared to leave and check what to eat for dinner.
Ding—
"Mi Li" appeared again and said, "You must promise that this secret cannot be leaked; otherwise, I will be left with no way out."
One can only imagine how much courage it took for her to share this hidden secret from her heart.
As a psychologist, the first rule is to keep all patient information and conditions confidential, as well as anything related to the patient.
Grandpa doesn't know I'm doing this psychology work. If he found out, he would definitely disapprove. It's unreliable, won't fill the stomach, and is just child's play.
"What’s wrong?"
Hearing her mention death, I couldn't help but think of "Peng Caifu's" "Wife," who was "Hanging by a Beam."
Perhaps there really exists a magnetic field of mutual attraction between people, formed by various factors such as timing and location.
"Mi Li, I believe that if you trust someone, regardless of who they are, you will speak your mind without hesitation and won't doubt their integrity. If you don't trust someone, it's best to say nothing at all. You can't force it; even if the other person isn't someone you trust, any assurances are meaningless."
"Mm."
"Would you like to hear my story?" I hurriedly offered reassurance, fearing she might hesitate and swallow her words back.
"I want to hear your story, but before I listen to yours, you need to patiently hear my story first." Mi Li seemed eager to reveal the secret she had been holding inside. She had no doubts about me, which made me very happy.
Mi Li's story—
Many years ago, when Mi Li was still a girl, an elderly lady with white hair and a warm smile came to their home.
Her mother told her to call the old lady "Auntie."
This is an aunt from my mother's side of the family.
In terms of seniority, Mi Li should indeed call her Grandma Auntie.
Under her mother's suggestion, Mi Li sweetly called out, "Auntie."
This kind-faced Auntie looked at Mi Li, who was well-behaved and adorable, and instantly took a liking to her. She then said to Mi Li's mother, "I want to take this child to the city for a few days."
Mi Li's family lived in a town, while Auntie lived in a big city.
The splendor of the big city, with its dazzling shops, bustling streets filled with people, and a variety of colorful billboards, was what Mi Li longed to see.
She quietly stayed aside, watching to see if her mother would agree to let Auntie take her away.
To her surprise, her mother readily agreed, which made Mi Li incredibly happy. She felt like a little bird flitting around, jumping between Auntie and her mother.
Finally, Auntie took her to the big city.
The big city was indeed very different from the town.
Everything here was so novel to Mi Li; she couldn't take her eyes off it.
Auntie's house was large, with three bedrooms and a living room.
The decor in the house was unique and elegant, with a faint fragrance that Mi Li really liked.
Auntie did not live with her children; she lived with her husband, who would later be known as Grandfather.
Grandfather was in good health, his face glowing with vitality. When he saw Mi Li, his eyes lit up with delight. He welcomed her warmly and immediately set about buying her favorite foods and fruits.
Mi Li felt a bit overwhelmed by the attention, and she and Auntie were immensely grateful for Grandfather's kindness.
Auntie took her out to buy groceries, explaining the bridges, tall buildings, and various shops in the area.
Indeed, Mi Li learned a lot here. What was missing in her town was available here, and what was present in her town was even better here.
One day, Auntie went out.
At home, it was just Mi Li and Grandfather.
Grandfather's heavy breathing could be heard from afar.
Mi Li was drawing.
This was the new sketchbook and brushes that Auntie had bought for her.
Mi Li had always loved to draw, especially portraits of people.
When Grandfather entered the room, she recognized his heavy breathing.
Grandfather approached her and asked, "What are you drawing?"
"An angel..." The word lingered in Mi Li's throat as she suddenly froze. Grandfather's hand reached around her neck—then he touched her front before pressing against her from behind.
Mi Li was so frightened that she burst into tears.
Grandfather covered her mouth, and something hard pressed against her back—instantly, frightened, Mi Li bit his hand and broke free, running away.
She ran straight into Auntie, who was coming back through the door.
"Grandfather is bullying me." At that moment, Mi Li didn't understand what was happening; she just thought Grandfather was scary and was picking on her.
Seeing Mi Li cry and hearing her words, Auntie teased, "Grandfather loves you; how could he possibly bully you?"
"No, Grandfather had a big worm sticking out."
Auntie realized something was wrong with Mi Li's words and hurried inside. She saw her partner flustered, trying to tidy up his clothes. Furious, she called their children to come home and deal with the situation.
I felt Mi Li's heart bleeding here; I could understand her pain at that moment.
"And then, how did they handle it?"
"They sent me home, and I never went back to Auntie's house again."
A lecher like that is considered handling it?
It truly is a case of family shame that cannot be aired. They buried the matter just like that, while the victim, Mi Li, was left without anyone to turn to.
She didn't dare tell her family about it, nor could she share her inner turmoil with friends or classmates.
No wonder!
She had mild depression but was still a relatively strong girl.
I suddenly felt an impulse to protect her.
But if I stepped out, would she think I was being too reckless?
"Mi Li, you are wonderful and strong. I hope you continue to be strong. Promise me you'll take care of yourself; there will come a time when we meet at the same starting line."
Mi Li fell silent.
One minute passed, then two, then three without any response, and her profile picture turned gray.
As soon as her profile picture changed to gray, I began to worry about her safety.
This was the first time I felt concerned for someone in my heart.
Comment 0 Comment Count