Standing over 6t tall, his presence stood out in any room. He wore expensive suits with ease and exuded the confidence of a successful man. “I’m just preparing for tomorrow’s meetings,” Elizabeth answered with a smile. “I’ll put them away soon.” Richard leaned against the kitchen counter, holding a glass of whiskey. “You’re too kind.
You sacrificed too much of your time for those troubled kids.” Elizabeth said nothing. Richard never tried to understand why she cared so deeply for the students he called troubled. Can you imagine making $10,000 a month just from YouTube all from home? That’s exactly what I did with it stories. No face, no voice.
Check the link in the description if you’re curious. Where’s Olivia? Richard asked. In her room. I think she’s doing homework. Richard frowned. Shut away again. She’s been acting strange lately. Go check her room. Elizabeth frowned. She might be busy right now. And she’s a 15year-old girl. She needs privacy, too. There’s no privacy in this house.
Richard’s voice was cold, leaving no room for discussion. Go check on her. Elizabeth nodded silently, putting away her papers and choosing to obey to avoid an argument with her husband. She had long believed that maintaining peace in the home was her responsibility. Olivia’s door was closed. Elizabeth knocked gently. Olivia, may I come in? When there was no response, she opened the door quietly.
In the dimly lit room, Olivia was lying on her bed. Wearing a plain simple t-shirt and sweatpants. She was looking at her smartphone, but immediately darkened the screen when her mother entered. Are you okay?” Elizabeth asked worriedly. Instead of answering, Olivia curled up. Her long brown hair covered her face, hiding her expression.
“My stomach hurts.” Elizabeth sat on the edge of her daughter’s bed again. “That’s the third day. Do you have a fever?” She reached out to touch Olivia’s forehead, but her daughter pulled away. No fever. I just don’t feel well. What about food? Do you want to eat something? I could heat up some soup. Olivia shook her head slightly. Not hungry.
Elizabeth looked around the room. The walls that were once decorated with bright colors and photos of friends were now bare. Her once cheerful and outgoing daughter had changed into someone else entirely in recent months. Her grades had dropped. She no longer spent time with friends and she stayed shut in her room at home. How was your English test last week? Got a C? Olivia answered vaguely.
A C? You always got A’s in English. What happened? Don’t know. Just couldn’t concentrate. Elizabeth felt Olivia’s body tense as Richard’s footsteps echoed in the hallway. He stood in the doorway with his arms crossed, saying, “She’s sick again. Irritation seeped into his voice.” Elizabeth looked up at Richard. Her stomach hurts.
“It’s been going on for days now.” “Teenage makebelieve,” Richard said callously. “She just wants attention. Don’t use illness as an excuse for your falling grades.” Richard, she really enough. He cut off his wife’s words. Don’t cuddle her. When I was her age, I didn’t miss school even when I had a fever. Teach her toughness.
Olivia remained silent, facing the wall. Elizabeth placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder, but Olivia didn’t move. You’re going to school tomorrow. Understood? Richard commanded. Olivia just nodded slightly. After Richard left the room, Elizabeth gently stroked her daughter’s hair. “If you’re really worried, I can take you to the doctor.
” “Dad won’t allow it.” Olivia’s voice trembled. “Then Elizabeth searched for words. We could go secretly.” Olivia finally looked at her mother. Her eyes were empty, their former sparkle gone. “It’s okay. It’s just a stomach ache.” Deep down, Elizabeth felt this wasn’t just a stomach ache.
It was something in her daughter’s eyes, an unspeakable sadness and fear. But she couldn’t see the cause. You can tell me anything, Elizabeth whispered. “There’s nothing to tell,” Olivia turned away. “Leave me alone.” Elizabeth left the room with heavy steps. Downstairs, Richard had turned on the television and started watching the news.
He had entered Olivia’s life 5 years ago when she was only 10. After Elizabeth’s former husband, Daniel died in a car accident, Richard offered them stability and protection. 2 years later, he formally adopted Olivia, becoming her legal father. The relationship had been good at the beginning, but something began to change.
It started with small changes. Olivia’s rebellious attitude. Richard’s increasing strictness. Elizabeth thought it was just a right of passage through adolescence. But now her intuition told her something more serious was lurking beneath the surface. When she entered the living room, Richard gave her a cold look. Don’t take her to any doctor.
It’s a waste of money. Don’t use insurance for such make-believe illnesses. Elizabeth nodded quietly. The next morning, Elizabeth watched from the living room window as Olivia boarded the school bus. Her shoulders were slumped and fatigue emanated from her entire body. She hadn’t eaten breakfast and her face remained pale.
I wonder if forcing her to go to school was really the right thing to do, Elizabeth muttered to herself. Of course it was, Richard said, appearing behind her. Already dressed in his business suit, he was ready to leave for work. If you cuddle her, she’ll always remain weak. Toughness requires strictness. Elizabeth nodded silently.
She knew that questioning her husband’s disciplinary philosophy would lead to a lengthy argument. Richard was about to leave for a 3-day business trip, so at least the house would be quiet during that time. Keep a close eye on Olivia while I’m gone. Always know what she’s doing, Richard emphasized before leaving. Don’t forget to check her phone.
Elizabeth felt a slight disgust but answered, “Yes, I understand.” She had always felt uncomfortable with Richard interfering with Olivia’s privacy, but she had partly gone along with it under the pretext of parental responsibility. After Richard left, Elizabeth headed to her workplace, Albert High School. Waiting for her in the counseling office was her colleague and close friend, Sarah Martinez.
Elizabeth, you look terrible, Sarah said worriedly. Another allnighter with casework. Elizabeth managed a tired smile. No, I’m worried about Olivia. They moved to the back of the office where other staff couldn’t hear them. Elizabeth confided in Sarah about Olivia’s behavior over the past few months, declining grades, thinning friendships, and especially the concerning recurring illnesses.
Richard says it’s just make believe. He won’t even let me take her to a doctor. Sarah’s expression darkened. What? That’s strange. It’s about her health. He calls it a waste of money. But I think Olivia is really sick. Nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and more than anything, there’s no light in her eyes.
Sarah took Elizabeth’s hands. Listen, Elizabeth, you’ve helped hundreds of children as a counselor, but it’s strange that you can’t help your own daughter now. A child’s health comes first. You should act on your own judgment. Tears welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes. Sarah’s words expressed the voice deep within her own heart.
