Talk To Me

40. Facing your fears

Wale and Todo had spent days trying to convince Kind to take a break, urging him to escape his thoughts with a well-deserved vacation. But Kind shook his head, declining their tempting offer. "Even if I went, I doubt I'd enjoy it. My mind's too heavy with everything that's happened, and I'd just end up being a burden to you, Wale. I haven't left Todo's house in over a month, and while I may feel fine, it's clear something isn't right. Swalha offered to help me sort through that week I was gone, but...I think this is something I need to face on my own. I already know what I'm afraid of."

Finally, the day had arrived—the big day. Wale suggested they visit Cherry first, but Kind was determined to see her sister instead. She had been transferred to a rehab facility with restricted visitation, except for Todo's mother. Today, however, they had been given an exception.

Cherry's sister looked more than pleased to have visitors other than Todo's mother, though her face twisted when she saw who it was. "Oh, lovely—two people I despise. It would've been polite to bring my sister along."

Kind took a moment, carefully considering what he wanted to ask her. But seeing her smug expression, he decided otherwise. She showed no remorse and seemed defiant in her actions. Wale, however, wasn't one to let go so easily. He began asking about his uncle's hired mercenaries, but Cherry's sister kept her lips sealed until, finally, she looked at Kind, sneering. "Is there a reason you're here, or are you just the silent sidekick?"

"I came here to understand why you did it," Kind said, his voice steady. "But it's clear there's no point. Looking at you now, I feel sorry for you. I suppose what I needed was just to see you, face to face, and pity Cherry for having you as her sister."

Cherry's sister scoffed. "Oh, how noble of you to pity me. Was there anything else? Maybe you'd like to ask why you were only attacked by two guys instead of more? Or did you come to say thank you because, deep down, you enjoyed it?"

"Enough," Wale interrupted calmly, reaching under the table to hold Kind's hand. She noticed the gesture, smiling coldly. "The same hands that held my sister are now holding yours—how sweet. I hope you never forget those two I left behind for you. Maybe you'll think of them every time you and your 'lover' are together."

Wale maintained his composure, though Kind could feel the tension in his grip. "Actually, they confessed to doing nothing of the sort. So, I'm afraid to disappoint you. Apart from the aphrodisiac you ordered, nothing else happened. Imagine that." He tightened his hold on Kind's hand, keeping his voice steady.

Cherry's sister's expression flickered briefly with surprise, and Wale seized the opportunity, laying out her future post-rehab. It was no shock she hadn't been told—Todo's mother was likely waiting to use her for all she was worth. Realizing this, Cherry's sister glanced away, her expression wavering as she asked if she could speak to Todo's mother. Wale smirked. "Be afraid. Every cruelty you inflicted on Kind? You'll pay for it for the rest of your life."

She scoffed. "You two are made for each other. As for my sister—she's carrying your child, Wale. You'll never get rid of us. We'll be watching, just waiting for you to slip. She nearly ended the pregnancy, you know? I had to stop her, of course. Such a fool, not seeing the power she holds over both of you."

Kind spoke up, his voice calm but cutting. "You're so consumed by your misery that you'd rather drag Cherry down with you. You mask it as concern, but all you've ever done is leech off her, clinging to any opportunity you can use for your gain. I wouldn't be surprised if you handed her details to Wale's uncle and pushed her until she lost her pregnancy years ago." Rising from his seat, he added, "And now you know why I pity you. If you ever do wake up, maybe you'll realize the real source of your pain. Until then, enjoy the mess you've made of everyone else's lives." With that, he nodded to Wale, signaling it was time to leave.

On the ride home, Kind broke down in tears, his pain pouring out in a way Wale had never seen before.

Wale gripped his hand tightly, overcome by guilt. He hadn't realized the depth of Kind's struggle and felt a sharp sting of regret for his own selfishness. Vowing to protect him, to shield him from this pain in the future, Wale kept silent, holding Kind's hand the entire way back to Todo's.

They sat in the car a while once they reached Todo's mansion, Kind staring vacantly.

Wale stayed quiet, letting him have his thoughts, wishing he could find the right words to comfort him. At last, Kind murmured, "I couldn't separate her face from Cherry's, and I didn't want to carry hatred for Cherry because of what happened to me. I'll have to coexist with her, after all, she's going to bear your child, and knowing you, you'd bring that child to me whether I wanted it or not. The child is innocent in this, and the thought of resenting someone I haven't met weighed heavily on me."

Turning to Wale, he added, "But now, I feel like I've made peace with it. If that vacation is still on the table, I'd like to go. And soon."