I nodded gently, my voice barely a whisper as I replied, "Uncle, I understand."
Cedar froze for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly before he let out a snort.
"It’s rare to hear you say that. And it’s been a while since I’ve heard you call me 'Uncle' with such respect."
"Sylvia, you’ve grown up now. I can’t spoil you the way I used to when you were younger. I admit I was too harsh when I scolded you last time. I understand if you hold some resentment in your heart."
He sighed, his voice softening as he looked at me.
"But if you can keep being as well-behaved as you have been these past few days, I promise I won’t raise my voice again. So stop sulking, alright?"
I nodded obediently, my heart heavy with emotions I couldn’t express.
Cedar’s eyes lingered on me, sharp and searching. I couldn’t meet his gaze, my eyes darting away, guilt bubbling up.
But then my gaze fell on a package sitting innocently on the sofa and my pulse quickened.
The expedited ID I’d ordered had arrived!
But why was Cedar the one to sign for it when I had clearly left my own number?
It was as if he read my thoughts.
"I happened to see the delivery when I came back, so I signed for it," he said in a hoarse voice, his gaze unrelenting.
He picked up the envelope, holding it out to me.
"This should be a document-type package, right? What’s inside?"
His eyes remained fixed on mine as he silently urged me to open it right then and there.
My hands trembled with nervousness and my mind raced, scrambling for a believable excuse.
Then, just as panic threatened to overwhelm me, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my good friend, a simple question mark.
This was our usual way of starting a conversation and it sparked an idea in my mind. Without missing a beat, I quickly flashed the phone in front of Cedar and pulled it away again.
"This is a credit card my friend applied for. She’s been working part-time to pay for her tuition, but she couldn’t sign for it, so it was mailed to me."
"You see, she just sent me a message asking if I had signed for it."
I watched Cedar’s expression, trying to gauge if he was convinced. To solidify my story, I carefully folded the paper envelope, revealing the edge of the ID inside.
"If you don’t believe me, here it is. It’s a credit card!"
I quickly sent a voice message to my friend, hoping it would tie everything together.
"Your credit card was just signed for by Uncle. I’ll bring it to you the day after tomorrow when you’re off."
The day after tomorrow was the day I was leaving, with the flight my supervisor had booked in the morning.
My friend knew my situation, so she would understand.
I quickly typed out a message and my friend instantly caught on to my meaning. Within seconds, her reply popped up.
"Keep it safe for me! My living expenses for next semester depend on it! Come to the dorm the day after tomorrow; we’ll have lunch together!"
I sent her a quick "OK" emoji.
With that, Cedar finally believed me. He got up and retreated to his bedroom to rest.
I made my way back to my room, only to realize my legs were unsteady beneath me.
Thankfully, Cedar didn’t come looking for me again. His fever must have been quite bad because that night, Monica took him to the hospital.
He didn’t return until the next day and later that evening, I sent a simple message to check on him.
But it was Monica who replied using his voice message, her voice almost too cheerful.
"Sylvia, your uncle is fine. He’ll be discharged tomorrow. Thanks for your concern on his behalf!"
That night, sleep came easily because tomorrow, I would finally be leaving this place.
After a quiet breakfast, I packed up my bulging backpack and headed straight for the airport.
When I arrived, my good friend was waiting for me and we embraced tightly, tears flowing freely.
"Sylvia, although I think it’s a little crazy that you’re leaving over a nightmare if it’s what you want, I’ll support you unconditionally!"
My supervisor and senior colleagues were already waiting for me at the boarding gate when my phone rang. It was Cedar’s call. I quickly handed the phone to my friend.
"This is my uncle. Please take care of it for me. I’ll contact you with a new number later."
Ten minutes later, I finally boarded the plane, my heart racing as the wheels of the aircraft lifted off.
