Scars Written by Love

I got home and opened the door, only to be met with a blow to the head.

Evelyn screamed, swinging a stick at me. "Get out, you filthy tramp! We don't need you!"

Blood trickled from my forehead into my eyes, stinging like acid.

I raised my arm to block her. "Enough!"

She stumbled, the stick clattering to the floor. Then, like a switch flipped, she collapsed into sobs, wrapping me in a suffocating hug. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I'm sick. I didn't mean it."

I closed my eyes, bitter pooling in my chest. "I understand. Can I wash my face first?"

"Go ahead." She let go, fidgeting like a guilty child.

In the bathroom, I let the faucet drown out the world. Then I heard her voice outside. "She hides her emotions well. I hit her with a stick, and she didn't flinch. Isn't calling the loan sharks too much?"

Alarmed, I grabbed my phone and bolted for the door.

It flew open, and a gang of men in black stormed in, wielding baseball bats.

Evelyn shrieked, yanking me behind her in a mockery of protection.

The leader of the gang sprawled on the couch, blowing a plume of cigarette smoke. "When's my money coming?"

My voice trembled despite my resolve. "You can't change the deal."

He flicked ash onto my hand, the burn sharp. "I've been patient, but interest piles up. I'm generous enough to ask for one million instead of two."

"I don't have it," I said.

He shot up, grinding his cigarette into my palm. "No money? Then pay with your life!"

He grabbed Evelyn while his goons tossed a knife at my feet.

"One finger for ten grand. One kidney for a million," he declared. "Keep stalling, and I won't be so nice to your mom."

The situation was dire. Even if I didn't know their scheme, I had nothing left to give.

"One kidney for her life. Fair deal. Choose carefully," he added.

"I only have one kidney left," I muttered.

The cramped apartment felt like a trap, its walls closing in.

Under Evelyn's expectant gaze, I picked up the knife but hurled it out the window.

I was sick of their twisted game. They could see me as a gold digger, as they liked. I no longer cared.

I didn't need to prove myself or sacrifice everything for them anymore.

Evelyn gasped, then winked at the leader. He released her and waved a hand before his goons charged at me and pinned me to the floor.

"What do you want?" I yelled, glaring at him.