Chapter 5
3/5
I didn’t want to air our family’s dirty laundry, so I thought for a moment and gave her Daniel’s number.
I said, “Call this number and ask. From now on, talk to him about Ryan.”
Joyce hesitated but agreed and hung up.
With nothing else to worry about, I started planning my trip.
Surprisingly, I got more and more excited.
I planned a six–month route all at once.
world
Thinking about the trip made me happy, so I decided to go shopping for some clothes to take photos of.
As I walked, I ended up near the amusement park by the food.
street.
The park was crowded, and I tried to squeeze in but couldn’t, so I decided to leave.
Suddenly, someone tugged at my clothes.
“Madam, you came to play too?”
I looked down and saw the same boy I had met at the kindergarten.
He was holding the toy I gave him.
Chapter 5
His face was dirty, but the toy was clean.
I felt a soft spot for him and crouched down.
“I am just passing by. Why aren’t you in school?” I asked.
The boy pointed to a stall selling lotus pods.
4/5
He said, “My grandma is selling lotus pods there. I’m with her.”
I was surprised because he was about the same age as Ryan, and I thought he went to the same kindergarten.
“Madam, wait here. I’ll be right back,” he said and ran to the stall.
He returned with two big lotus pods.
He said, “Madam, eat. They’re sweet.”
I couldn’t take things from a child for free, so I took him to the stall to pay.
The old lady understood and refused, but I insisted on paying.
I was tired, so I sat down to rest and chat with the old lady.
“Tommy’s dad used to work in a coal mine,” she said. “Before he got paid, the mine collapsed.
“The boss gave us three thousand dollars to avoid responsibility.
Chapter 5
5/5
We had no choice but to take the money. Soon after, Tommy’s mom stole the money and ran away.”
I looked at Tommy Keat and felt sad.
I walked over to him and took his hand.
“Do you want to go inside and play?” I asked.
I saw the excitement in his eyes, but he hesitated.
“Your grandma agreed,” I said.
Tommy nodded eagerly and pulled me inside.
He looked around curiously.
We walked to the center of the amusement park, and I bought a balloon for him.
Suddenly, someone slapped it away.
Ryan’s face was red with anger.
He shouted, “Who is this little beggar? Why are you holding my mom’s hand?”
