Chapter 7 — Twenty Years of Reclaiming Justice

The nurse's voice was a bit hesitant.

“She kept calling someone's name.”

I asked hastily.

“She called... Giang Ha.”

That name was like a thunderclap. Exploded in my head. Why him? I am no stranger to the name Giang Ha. He is a classmate with Nguyet Nguyet. Also the top student in the entire grade. A very handsome young man. Nguyet Nguyet mentioned it several times before. Said that Giang Ha studies very well. People are also very nice. But I never thought. At the most desperate moment. The person my daughter called was him. My four sons and I immediately returned to the hospital. Haven't reached the hospital door yet. I heard a choked cry coming from inside. It was Nguyet Nguyet's cry. Full of despair. Full of helplessness. Like a wounded little animal. My heart ached again. I pushed the door and walked in. Nguyet Nguyet is sitting on the hospital bed. Hug your knees tightly. Bury your face deep into your arms. The thin shoulders trembled intermittently. Next to the hospital bed. A male student also wearing a hospital gown was standing awkwardly. In his hand was a peeled apple. Don't know if I should bring it. Or should I withdraw my hand? That is Giang Ha. There was also a very obvious bruise on his face. See us. Giang Ha is like meeting a savior. Just like a child doing something wrong. He bowed his head. The voice was very quiet.

“Auntie... sorry.”

“You... you didn't take good care of Nguyet Nguyet.”

I walked over to the bed. Gently stroke your daughter's back.

“Nguyet Nguyet.”

“Mom is home.”

Nguyet Nguyet raised her head. Eyes red and puffy. Just saw me. The baby immediately cried harder. It rushed into my heart. Cry until your voice is hoarse. As if I wanted to pour out all my self-pity. Every fear. All the pain during the past time. I hugged my daughter tightly. It's like embracing my whole world.

“It's okay.”

“Nguyet Nguyet.”

“It's over.”

“The bad guys all have to pay the price.”

I briefly told her what happened at school. The baby's crying gradually subsided. But my body was still shaking slightly. My eyes suddenly stopped on the wound at the corner of Giang Ha's mouth.

“Giang Ha.”

“What's wrong with your face?”

He reflexively reached out and touched the corner of his lips.

“No... it's nothing.”

“I accidentally bumped into it.”

His eyes avoided. I turned to look at Nguyet Nguyet. The child bit her lip. Tears fell again.

“Giang Ha was beaten because of her child.”

I stopped. Nguyet Nguyet choked up and continued.

“When Trieu Khai spread rumors about you.”

“Only Giang Ha stood up to defend me.”

“He went to explain to the teacher.”

“Also go to the school forum to delete the post.”

“Then…”

“Then Trieu Khai led someone to stop him in an alley and beat him.”

My heart sank. In that dark night of bullying. There is still a small ray of light that exists. When everyone chooses to stand and watch. Or follow along. Or step on one more foot. Then there is only this skinny teenager. Choose to step forward. I looked at Giang Ha. I'm grateful in my heart. Just tormented.

“Thank you.”

“I'm sorry, too.”

“My family has implicated you.”

Giang Ha quickly waved his hand.

“Auntie, don't say that.”

“I just did what I should do.”

He stopped for a moment. His eyes suddenly darkened.

“Just...”

“I didn't expect them to be evil to that extent.”

“I didn't expect your strength to be so small.”

In that voice. Full of self-blame. In the world created by adults. A world full of prejudice. Full of practicality. A teenager's kindness is so fragile. So weak. Tham Chu stepped in front of Giang Ha. He gently patted your shoulder.

“It's not my fault.”

“The wrong person is this world.”

“But after today.”

“That will change.”

He looked out the window. The afternoon sunlight was quietly pouring into the hospital room.

“We will try to make this world…”

“Treat honest people more kindly.”

Luc Minh also stepped forward. He took out a business card from his pocket. Give it to Giang Ha.

“Giang Ha.”

“About you being assaulted.”

“If you agree.”

“I will represent you legally.”

"Initiate a lawsuit against Trieu Khai and related people."

Giang Ha was stunned. He bowed his head and looked at the business card in his hand. Red eyes. The first time since we entered the hospital room. I saw light appear in that young man's eyes. A very small ray of light. But enough to tear through the darkness.

“Litigation costs and all expenses incurred.”

“We will bear it all.”

Giang Ha looked at the business card in her hand. A hesitant look appeared on his face.

“But…”

“My parents…”

I understand what you are worried about. With a normal family. They don't want to. Nor did he dare to confront someone as powerful as Trieu Ve Dong.

“You don't need to worry.”

I softened my voice.

“Your parents, I will talk to you personally.”

“I just want to ask you something.”

“Do you want the people who beat you to pay the price?”

Giang Ha raised her head to look at me. The hesitation in his eyes gradually disappeared. Instead, there is the steadfastness and courage of a teenager. He nodded vigorously. Right at that moment. The hospital room door was pushed open. A middle-aged woman rushed in.