The sound of something shattering thundered from the second floor. Crash! “Get out!” Viona’s scream echoed throughout the house. “I SAID GET OUT!”
The caregiver standing not far from her could only bow his head. Viona stood beside her bed, breathing hard. Both her hands were clenched into fists. Her long hair was disheveled, while the white cane she usually used lay not far from her feet. “Why does Mom keep looking for people to take care of me?” she shouted. There was no answer.
Her mother could only look sadly at her daughter. “I just want someone who can look after you.” “I don’t need a caregiver!” “Miss Viona, I’m sorry if my service hasn’t been good enough,” said the young man who had only been her caregiver for two days. “Shut up! I don’t need you answering me!” she snapped.
The young man immediately lowered his head. “Now get out of my room! Get out!” The caregiver finally left. After the caregiver’s footsteps faded away, Viona lifted her face toward the door that had just closed. Her vacant eyes had been unable to see anything since the accident three months ago.
The world that had once been full of color now held nothing but darkness. And that darkness had changed her heart as well. Viona had once been known as a cheerful girl who laughed easily and was friendly with everyone. But ever since the accident, she had become someone who was difficult to approach.
Especially for men. Who knew how many caregivers her mother had brought in? Some lasted one day. Some gave up after a few hours. Even a man famous for his patience had only lasted two days after Viona deliberately threw a glass that happened to hit him in the head.
Yet this morning, her mother had brought another new man. And this time, Viona was determined. He wouldn’t last long. Her mother’s voice could be heard from the living room, speaking with someone. Viona, who had just come down the stairs, stopped immediately. “My name is Elkan, ma’am.” “Yes, Elkan. My daughter’s name is Viona,” her mother said, introducing her. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll do my best to look after Miss Viona.” “No need. I can take care of myself!” Viona cut in sharply from the stairs.
Her mother sighed. “Viona, you need someone who can look after you.” “I don’t need him, Mom. Just tell him to leave.” “Viona…” “I can take care of myself,” she cut her off. “If you can, then why did you almost fall down the stairs yesterday?” Viona fell silent. “That’s because I haven’t memorized the position of the steps yet.” “That’s exactly why I’m finding someone to help you.” “I don’t want a man helping me.” “Why?” Viona bit her lip.
That question always made her chest tighten. Because whenever she heard a man’s voice, memories of the past came crashing back into her mind. The accident. The screech of brakes. Shattered glass. Then darkness. And after that, Viona’s life was never the same again. “I hate men,” she finally replied. The room suddenly fell silent.
Then someone spoke from behind her. “Then I’ll do my best to be the exception.” Viona froze. That voice… deep and calm. It didn’t sound nervous in the slightest. Viona lifted her face. “No!” “But ma’am has already hired me. And starting today, I’ll be looking after Miss Viona.”
Footsteps approached. Viona instinctively took a step back. “Don’t come any closer.” Elkan stopped. “All right, Miss.” That simple answer only irritated Viona further. “Why aren’t you leaving?” “Because ma’am hasn’t told me to leave.” “Now I’m telling you to leave.” “I can’t.” “Why?” “Because I’ve already accepted this job.” Viona let out a cynical laugh. “All the previous caregivers said that too.” “I’m different.” “Everyone always says they’re different.” Elkan was silent for a few seconds. Then he said, “Then I’ll prove it today.”