I followed his order without question. I wondered what he wanted to do now. But was he really treating my wounds?
A feeling of happiness started blooming in my heart, but I tried to convince myself that it was just temporary.
Who knew how long it would last?
I could feel a sharp pain, followed by a feeling of numbness. It seemed he had injected some anesthesia into my wound.
Now that I thought of it, my back was the place they tortured the most. I was whipped nonstop.
I wondered how bad it looked. Was it worse than my face?
I then could feel him start moving his hand; based on his actions, it was confirmed now that he was treating my wound.
Did this mean he still cared about me? And his anger was because of my wound?
"Ma-Matt, are you treating me now?"
I decided not to call him Russo since that would just remind him of the past. It would only make him angrier and hurt him.
"What do you think? Just shut up for now!"
I shut my mouth, and without understanding why, tears started coming out of my eyes. I wanted to scream. I didn't deserve this. My mind then started thinking about what happened to him after he left the familia.
I still remember both of them showing me a photo of Matt.
'Did they hit him after that? Knowing Matt, he would fight back, but at that age, there was no way he could win.'
We were ten years old when the incident happened, imagining he went off on his own at that age. Despite his warning, I couldn't help but ask.
"At what age did you meet your adoptive parents, Matt?"
"Didn't you hear me say to shut up!? Why do you even care?"
"I…" My words trailed off. I wanted to say I was sorry, but I knew he would get angry again.
The treatment took quite a while; based on what I felt, he did almost 35 stitches. He then made me sit up and began bandaging all over my body.
As he did this, I realized the anger in his eyes was still the same. It hadn't changed at all. If anything, it was even more intense now.
"Wear your clothes."
He then walked to the kitchen. I didn't make a move this time; I just watched him in a daze. I knew he would get angry, but somehow, I hoped he did, at the very least, so I could confirm the reason why.
The curiosity was killing me.
Matt took out a cup of noodles, poured hot water on it, and then put it on the table in front of me.
"Eat, I will return later."
With that word, he left me alone. I looked at the ramen; it had a miso beef flavor, which was my favorite. I became more confused by his actions.
Was this a coincidence? Or did he give it to me on purpose?
But honestly speaking, isn't it clear he still cares for me? I just didn't dare to accept this as the truth because if it wasn't, I would be hurt far deeper.
With tears falling from my eyes, I started eating it. In the past, this kind of food wouldn't make me bat an eye, but now, for me, this cup of ramen was the most delicious food in the world.
Even better than that A5 wagyu I had eaten before. The warm food didn't just fill my stomach; it also warmed my heart.
On the side, I then realized Matt also gave me some medicine. There were a few, and based on the brand, I recognized some.
One was to help digestion, and the other was to treat my infected wound.
My eyes locked on those, and my heart throbbed with even more pain. Just how did I deserve this?
With my position at that time, I could have gone out on my own way to look for him, but I didn't do that. I just let it go and tried to forget everything.
Deep down, I knew I was afraid to face him, but then, what was the cost?
Because of me being a scaredy-cat, Matt was probably living in hell until he got adopted.
"Matt… Russo… You are right; this is my punishment…"
I took all the medicine, then drank it in one gulp. I then threw the cup of ramen away and washed the utensils I used.
Looking at my own reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but gasp. What I saw was an abomination, so ugly beyond comparison.
I couldn't help but respect Matt for staying calm despite seeing this. I touched the mirror's surface; my smooth skin was no more. It was all exposed flesh filled with twitching muscles.
My nose was so damaged to the point I could see part of the bone.
'No wonder it's still so painful even now. When it heals, I will probably turn even uglier…'
I looked at the mirror in silence.
"Just what am I even thinking? How could I impose myself on Matt?
That car, his job… His life is also in shambles now; he doesn't need me here."
Decided, I wore my clothes again. I also wore a mask. This time, I think I will be fine. I am prepared. If someone wants to violate me again, I will just open the mask; I am sure they will quickly run away.
They will probably think I am a ghost or something. I walked toward the wall, seeing his graduation picture. Matt was barely smiling despite graduating with honors.
"How could my week of torture even compare to your years of pain…
I am sorry, Russo, really sorry. If God ever gives me a chance, I will make things right."
I then walked toward the entrance. I tried to open the door and realized it was locked.
I looked around, searching for the key, but there was none. I fell to the floor and then broke down again.
He did it on purpose; he locked me inside his apartment.
If he were hitting me or treating me harshly, I would probably not feel like this, but now…
What have I done to deserve his kindness?
I clutched both my knees and wept in my sorrow.