Chapter 5 — The Door Closes, You Also Leave

The one who almost died was me. Yet in his eyes... The one cornered was her. I only answer with one word. The other side was silent for a long time. Then send another message. 【You weren't like this before.】 I stared at that sentence. Then suddenly burst into laughter. What kind of person was I before? The one who always leaves a way out for you. Is the person who always finds every reason to justify Tham Nhu. The one who swallows all the self-pity in his heart. Before, I always thought that generosity was kindness in a relationship. Until the moment that door was locked... I understood. There are types of kindness... In exchange for your own life. That night, I slept restlessly. In the dream there was only smoke and fire. Over and over again, I frantically banged on the door. Time after time, I heard Can Nghiem say:

“I'll try to endure it a little longer.”

When I woke up, the pillow was wet with tears. Mom sat next to me, gently stroking my hair.

“Kha Kha, don't be afraid.”

I parted my lips, trying to make a hoarse sound. It was the first time I spoke since the fire. Mother's tears immediately fell. I speak very slowly. Every word hurts like a tear in the throat.

“Should...shouldn't I let her stay?”

Mom hugged me tightly.

“The wrong person is the one who harms you.”

“But it's not because I'm soft-hearted.”

Leaning in my mother's arms, I finally couldn't hold back anymore. Tears kept flowing.

“I called him.”

“He heard it.”

“But he didn't open the door.”

My mother's voice trembled in my ear. But every word was painfully clear.

“Because he thinks... I can endure better than her.”

My whole body stiffened. It turns out what broke me the most... It wasn't the fire. But I finally saw Can Nghiem's personality clearly. It's not that you don't know I'm in pain. It's just that in his heart, Tham Nhu needs to be saved first. Can wait a little longer. But in the middle of a sea of fire... Just a little slower. It can also be the price of a human life. On the fourth day, the recording from the camera in the living room was finally extracted. Present there were the police, fire department, lawyers and my parents. I sit in a wheelchair. The right arm is carefully placed on a soft pillow. When the screen lit up, the living room appeared intact as it was before the fire. On the sofa are Tham Nhu's coat and pillow. On the tea table was also placed half a glass of wine, next to a glass scented candle. 2:42 am. Tham Nhu wore my pajamas and walked out of the room. She went into the kitchen to pour water first, then opened the drawer and took out a lighter. The fire broke out. She lit the scented candle, then placed it on the small round table next to the sofa. My mother squeezed my shoulder. 2:57 am. Tham Nhu picked up the heating bag that was still plugged in and touched it. Perhaps feeling it wasn't hot enough, she conveniently stuffed it under the pillow. She also placed the electrical outlet close to the edge of the carpet. 3:09 am. Next to the pillow started to smoke. The recording has no sound. But the smoke grew thicker and thicker. 3:13 am. Can Nghiem rushed in from the main door. Perhaps awakened by the smell of smoke, he ran through the living room and rushed to the bedroom door. He kicked open the door. A few seconds later... You Carry Tham Nhu out. At that time, Tham Nhu woke up. Her arms hugged his neck tightly. Can Nghiem put her down right about two steps from the bedroom door. She stood very firmly. Never collapsed. Not losing control at all. She turned her head to look toward the bedroom. Then turn the lock on the outside of the door handle. Close the door. On the screen, the door slammed shut before everyone's eyes. My father jumped up. The chair scraped hard against the floor, emitting a harsh, chilling sound. I stared at the screen. Hands and feet are cold. 3:14 am. The door vibrated violently. It's me inside, frantically banging on the door. Can Nghiem stepped forward. He put his hand on the door handle. Just turn it slightly. Just slide the outer locking latch back. I will be able to go out. He didn't. At that moment, Tham Nhu suddenly rushed forward and hugged his arm from behind. Her mouth kept moving. It seemed like she was crying and begging. Can Nghiem turned his head to look at her.