"Get out!"
The furious shout tore through the pitch-black night.
Lightning flashed, revealing the bloodless face of the boy, startling Willa who had just gotten off work so much that she stumbled backward. Recognizing the boy, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Ronald, what happened to your head?"
Ronald's gaze was cold as he brushed past her.
Willa glanced at the closed door, remembered Ronald's background, and felt a twinge of heartache. She hurried forward, grabbing Ronald's arm. "Ronald, did your mom hit you again?" Ronald looked down, his eyes shadowed.
He was a child born out of wedlock.
His mom, chasing after a life of luxury, became the mistress of a wealthy man, her ambitions growing until she even aspired to replace his wife. Her scheme, however, was discovered by Mrs. Malone. Not only did she fail in her attempt to climb the social ladder, but she also managed to infuriate the Malone family!
They were forced to leave Imperial City, relocating to a small, obscure town.
Used to a lavish lifestyle, his mother turned to alcohol to cope with their downfall.
When drunk, she'd smash things around.
More often than not, Ronald was her target for venting her frustrations.
It was his fault, in her eyes, that the Malone family hadn't accepted her.
When sober, she'd hug him and cry, then return to her cycle of drinking and lashing out... a vicious loop that was well known throughout their street.
Willa was a local, widowed after her husband died in a car accident, struggling to make ends meet with her daughter.
Having grown up in a single-parent family herself, she could particularly empathize with Ronald's situation.
"Ronald, have you eaten?"
Still in middle school, Ronald had to work part-time at a garage to earn money right after school. By the time he got home, before he could even think about food, his mom would have already unleashed her fury on him. "Come to my place."
Willa smiled. "I've got some fresh ribs. How about I make us a nice rib soup tonight?"
Ronald shook his head. "No, it's okay."
Having grown up in such an environment, he was all too familiar with the complexities of human kindness.
Willa wanted to help, but Ronald didn't want to burden her with his problems, knowing he couldn't repay her kindness.
"Come on, let's go."
Willa, feeling sorry for Ronald,
dragged him back to her house,
talking about her daughter along the way. "Kari hasn't had ribs in ages
She was just asking about you yesterday. It'd be nice if you could keep her company for a bit."
At the mention of Kari's name, a spark of light seemed to pass through Ronald's eyes.
Kari was well-known throughout their street, a veritable prodigy
rumored to have a shot at gettin
into the best high school in the area.
With her good looks and academic prowess, parents adored her.
Kari, taking after Willa, was particularly fond of Ronald.
Willa opened the door, calling out, "Kari, Ronald's here!"
Click!
Kari emerged from her small
be thirts-old girl on the brink of
bedroom, still in her school uniform,
a
adolescence, her features delicate
and refined.
"Ronald, you're here."
Her almond-shaped eyes, brimming with a misty warmth, lit up at the sight of him. Taller and more slender than her peers, she stood out. "You've got a wound on your head; sit down, let me take care of it."
Startled by the sight of Ronald's injury, Kari opened a first-aid kit, pulling out antiseptic, cotton swabs, and bandages.
Ronald sat in silence.
Willa brought out some strawberries, small and slightly bruised but fragrant.
"These are from a roadside stand. Have some to tide you over until dinner." "Thanks, Ms. Russell."
Willa retreated to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Kari, no stranger to Ronald's troubles, efficiently dressed his wounds.
Sitting on the couch, Ronald broke the silence. "I heard you just had midterms?"
"Yeah." Kari, tidying up the first-aid materials, looked up. "Ronald, you're good at math. Can you help me with some problems?"
Despite his circumstances, Ronald was known for his academic excellence.
He agreed without hesitation.
Kari retrieved her math book, filled with neat notes that made the textbook look almost pleasant.
"Which part don't you understand?"
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