Glass-Torn Heart

After Delila was discharged from the hospital, the family gathered around her. They could not bear to let her move an inch.

I drifted in the corner of the living room. A bitter chill rose from the depths of my soul.

They did love me when I was little.

But as I grew older, my excellence in academics and abilities only made Delila’s resentment toward me more apparent.

When she was six, Delila stole Mom’s jewelry, planted it in my room, and accused me of the theft.

I could not defend myself and was severely punished by Mom and Dad.

In middle school, Delila grew jealous when I got first place in our grade.

She secretly tore her own exam papers, splashed ink on her textbooks, and tearfully told Mom and Dad that I had deliberately prevented her from studying.

In college, when Kelvin first came over for dinner, she purposely spilled soup on herself. While pretending I had shoved her, she fell to the floor and “sprained her ankle.”

That was the first time Kelvin ever looked at me with disgust.

From that day on, my parents began nagging that I was unworthy of the gentle and considerate Kelvin.

Delila’s schemes never ceased. She was like a vicious wolf cloaked in the guise of an innocent lamb, splashing all the mud on me while hoarding all the affection for herself.

My family always believed her tears while scolding me for being unreasonable.

Looking at my parents’ loving faces, my heart felt like it was being torn apart. The pain was so intense it nearly robbed me of the strength to float.

Dad started cursing me again.

“If Carol doesn’t come back and apologize to Delila soon, I’ll disown her!”

Kelvin paused with the water cup in his hand, as if he wanted to say something.

“Actually... Carol wouldn’t risk her own safety to harm others; would she...”

He seemed to recall something. A flicker of concern appeared in his eyes.

But when he met Delila’s eyes, which were filled with hurt and resentment, the words on the tip of his tongue vanished.

Mom seemed to see through his thoughts and spoke to him earnestly.

“Kelvin, you’re a good boy. But that girl, Carol, has a wicked heart. She’s not worthy of you.

“Look at our Delila. She’s gentle, kind, and sensible. You two are truly meant for each other.

“Why don’t you two get together?”

Delila’s face flushed instantly, and she lowered her head shyly.

Her gaze toward Kelvin was full of hope.