Chapter 5 — When I Don't Need Them Anymore

He jumped up, the chair was pushed back a bit.

"What do you want in the end? I've apologized, made up for it, and am here with you every day. Tell me, what else do you want me to do?"

I raised my head to look at him. Look for a few seconds.

“I want you to leave.”

“…What did you say?”

"Leave my hospital room. Get out of my sight. From now on, never appear in front of me again."

His chest heaved violently several times.

“Do you know what you're talking about?”

Before I could open my mouth, the hospital room door was pushed open. Co's father, Co's mother and To Uyen Ninh rushed in. To Uyen Ninh's face was full of tears, Co's mother supported her, and Co's father behind her was so impatient that he rubbed his hands continuously.

"Canh Tham! Something big has happened!"

Luc Canh Tham turned around.

"What is up?"

Ba Co gasped:

"Today Uyen Ninh went to a gathering with friends and had a conflict with someone in a restaurant. She accidentally hit someone. The other person wanted to report to the police and called 110."

To Uyen Ninh hid behind Co's mother, shaking like a leaf.

"Brother Canh Tham, I didn't mean it... She scolded me first. I just pushed her lightly and she fell... I'm so scared, I don't want to go to the police station..."

Luc Canh Tham frowned.

"Are you seriously injured? If it's just a minor injury, it's okay to reconcile, compensate and apologize. The police will take statements and may have to be detained for a few days. Call a lawyer first..."

“No way!”

Mother Co panicked.

"Uyen Ninh's body is so weak and her personality is cowardly, how can she stand a place like a detention camp?"

Co's father's eyes slowly turned towards the hospital bed. Switch to me. He hesitated a bit.

"Nien An... Niem An's body is stronger than Uyen Ninh's, her temperament is... also more tolerant."

"Or... let Niem An replace Uyen Ninh in there for a few days? Just a few days. Wait for Canh Tham to finish processing and then pick it out."

The hospital room was silent for a second. Even Luc Canh Tham turned his head to look at Co's father.

"Uncle. Niem An just had an abortion, and a few days ago she injured her ribs. She can't..."

To Uyen Ninh suddenly rushed forward and grabbed Luc Canh Tham's sleeve.

"Brother Canh Tham, please, I'm really scared. You won't mind, right? Sister... just help me this time."

Luc Canh Tham looked at To Uyen Ninh, then looked at me. His lips pressed tightly then released, released then pursed again. At that moment, two people wearing uniforms appeared in front of the hospital room door.

"Who is the person who beat the person? Please cooperate to go to the station to take a statement."

To Uyen Ninh screamed, buried her face in Luc Canh Tham's chest, her whole body almost hanging on him. Co's mother grabbed a policeman's hand and repeatedly said her daughter's health was not good. Ba Co looked at me with pleading eyes. The whole hospital room became a mess. From beginning to end, I didn't say a word. Just quietly watch the drama before your eyes. After that, Luc Canh Tham closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes again, he looked towards the two policemen. Raise your hand and point towards me.

“She is the litigant.”

From beginning to end, I didn't say a single word. I pulled out the IV needle on the back of my hand. Get out of bed. Step by step, step by step. When passing by Luc Canh Tham, he reached out and held my arm. Use very strong force. His voice was hoarse.

"Three days at the most. I'll take care of it, and I'll definitely take you out. After that, you can do whatever you want."

I bowed my head and looked at his hand. Then slowly I reached out my hand, finger by finger, removing his hand. Don't say anything. After removing his hand, I followed the two policemen out of the hospital room. As I walked through the hallway, I heard Co's mother's voice behind me:

"Nien An, Mom and Dad have run out of options. Wait until Uyen Ninh is okay, we will definitely make it up to you well."

I don't stop walking. Three days in detention camp. The sound of the iron door closing sounded heavy. The inside mixed with the smell of antiseptic and musty smell. The cold white light shines day and night. Hard bed. The people in the room kept talking, so loud that my temples twitched. The wound on my body still hurts. I curled up in the corner, leaning my back against the wall. Don't cry. Don't cause trouble. Just raise your head and look at the sky outside the small iron window high above. On the afternoon of the third day, the door opened. The blinding white sunlight made me squint my eyes. As soon as the phone was turned on, two messages immediately appeared. The first news was from Co's mother:

"Nien An, Mom and Dad have to attend a very important party so they can't come pick you up. Please take the car home yourself. When I get home, I'll cook delicious food for you."

The second news is from Luc Canh Tham:

"The company suddenly has a very important meeting, I can't go. You go home and rest first. I'll come visit you tonight."

I opened my circle of friends. The first post is by To Uyen Ninh, posted ten minutes ago. There are four photos. One picture is of Co's father and Co's mother hugging her, all three smiling extremely brightly. One photo shows Luc Canh Tham standing next to her, pouring water for her. One is a dining table full of exquisite dishes. The last panel is a hand holding a glass of wine, behind is a warm yellow light. The status line reads:

"It's just a mild cold, but the whole family treats it like a serious illness. The feeling of being cherished in the heart... is so good. Grateful."

I looked for a few seconds. Then turn off the screen. The phone vibrated again.