9
“That’s impossible. The Carters are the richest family. How could he end up in here too!”
“Nothing’s impossible. Maybe I don’t understand your circles, but I know that people with no use are discarded.”
William was indeed a discarded piece.
But he wasn’t actually working sewing machines in prison. He was in a mental hospital.
The doctor said he had severe schizophrenia. I didn’t know if it was true or fake.
Until that day when I ran into him again.
The school arranged for volunteers to do community service at hospitals and nursing homes.
I ran into him while cleaning rooms at the mental hospital.
William was sitting quietly in a lounge chair reading a book, wearing blue and white striped hospital clothes.
Suddenly, he looked up and saw me.
William actually smiled: “Wren, you really came to see me.”
I was a bit surprised. I didn’t expect him to recognize me so clearly.
William had none of his previous cold indifference or manic behavior. He was as gentle as a big boy.
“How have you been lately?”
“Very well. The people here are all interesting, but I miss you. My feelings for you are sincere.”
“I want some strawberry milk. Would you give me your strawberry milk again?”
Before I could answer, two older orderlies came over to take him back.
“Oh dear, don’t be scared, miss. He calls everyone Wren.”
“He’s always saying he’s the grandson of the richest family. Just listen and nod, but don’t take it seriously!”
As he was being led away, he suddenly threw a tantrum, shouting: “My grandfather really is the richest man! The person I love is Wren Fisher! I’m waiting for her to come get me! I’m not crazy at all!”
“See what I mean? A real rich family’s grandson in our place? As if.”
I watched him leave from a distance, thinking of when I drowned in my past life.
Back then, I was condemned by everyone, unable to hold my head up anywhere.
Even the cafeteria ladies would deliberately give me less food. At the library, my notes and books would be thrown on the floor.
I kept my phone turned off because as soon as I turned it on, countless insults would pour in. My number would be flooded with calls.
They called me a thief, an ugly duckling, said I didn’t deserve to live.
My family was far away in the village. They didn’t know what had happened to me, and I didn’t dare tell them.
I was probably close to having a mental breakdown then too. If I hadn’t fallen into the river and drowned, I might have ended up in a mental hospital.
But thankfully, heaven gave me a chance to live again.
“What are you thinking about? Wren, you’re not thinking about William again, are you?”
Rowan wore the same volunteer vest as me, looking at me with puppy dog eyes.
“He’s a mental patient now, you shouldn’t think about him anymore.”
“I’m not thinking about him. I was just wondering, what if I became mentally ill too?”
But Rowan laughed: “How could you possibly become mentally ill? But even if you did, I’d still like you!”
I couldn’t help but ask: “Then when did you start liking me?”
Rowan blushed. I thought he’d say it was the day of the sports meet.
But he said softly: “It was a long, long time ago. Do you remember the first day of school?”
“Everyone else had parents dropping them off, but you were alone carrying two big duffel bags. Such a small frame with so much strength.”
“I immediately thought that girl was so special. I really wanted to get to know her.”
“But you never gave me a chance, until that sports meet.”
I looked at him, suddenly realizing that someone could like the real me.
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