My mate, filled with unwavering love and determination, spared no expense in seeking the best medical treatment for me.
He was hell - bent on avenging my suffering.
But then, in a quiet and desolate stairwell corner, I overheard a conversation.
Frank's voice, filled with hesitation and doubt, echoed through the empty space. "Sister, was it really right for us to do this to Alice, just to prevent her from participating in the belly - dance performance and ensure Jenny could carry out the blood - moon ceremony?"
My sister Sarah let out a cold, mocking laugh.
"Frank, you simply don't understand. Alice has always been a show - off. She's well aware of how much Jenny has been looking forward to this performance, yet she keeps throwing obstacles in her way. Jenny, being an adopted daughter, has always had to walk on eggshells in this family. She has no one to rely on in this world. I will never allow Alice to ruin Jenny's chance. If she stands in the way, she can't blame me for being ruthless."
"But Alice is your own flesh - and - blood sister," Frank's voice carried a tinge of reluctance.
"So what if she's my sister? On a daily basis, she bosses Jenny around, flaunting her status, and has long since cast aside the family bond. In my heart, Jenny's happiness is of utmost importance."
Upon hearing these words, my tears silently trickled down my cheeks.
I couldn't stop my body from trembling uncontrollably, and the tears of despair gushed out like a flood.
So, my misfortune wasn't an accident at all.
It was a deliberate act by my most trusted mate and my own sister, all to eliminate me as a stumbling block for Jenny.
After they finished their discussion, the two of them walked into the room.
"Alice, it's me, Frank. Don't be afraid. I'll protect you forever, and no one will ever bully you again,"
My sister was sobbing pitifully, her face a picture of distress.
"How dare they hurt my sister like this? I should have them torn limb from limb and thrown into the sea to feed the fish," she cried out.
"Rest assured, even if it costs me my life, I'll cure you and make sure you can continue belly - dancing," Frank added, feigning determination.
I stared numbly at Frank's masterful act, my voice weak and filled with disbelief. "Really?"
"Of course it's true," .
Frank, his heart wracked with guilt, dared not meet my eyes.
The nurse, holding a water cup, approached the bedside with utmost caution.
Gently, she propped up my head, attempting to slowly pour the water from the small spoon into my mouth.
However, my lips seemed to be glued shut, refusing to part no matter how hard she tried.
I lay there, my body rigid.
The room was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by the nurse's soft sighs and the faint sound of her futile attempts to offer me a sip of water.
"Please, girl, cooperate a little and drink some water," the nurse pleaded.
She tilted the small spoon slightly, trying to let the water droplets trickle slowly along the corner of my mouth.
However, most of the water slid down my cheek, soaking the pillow.
I fought with all my might to regain control of my body, willing even just my lips to move.
But every muscle in my body seemed to have lost its connection to my will, remaining completely unresponsive.