Chapter 4

When I came out of the room, my in-laws' bedroom door had also opened.

My father-in-law's face was ashen. He didn't even put on shoes as he strode toward the living room.

My mother-in-law sat on the bed, anxiously asking, "What happened? What's going on?"

I looked at her deeply, then also headed to the living room.

The living room light wasn't on—only the streetlight outside provided dim illumination. You couldn't see clearly what was happening.

But the crying and calls for help explained everything.

"Ryan, let go of me!"

"Please, I'm begging you."

I reached out and flipped the switch. With a "snap," the light came on, illuminating everything in the living room.

Linda's clothes were disheveled as Ryan pinned her on the sofa, struggling desperately.

Seeing us, she cried out, "Help me!"

My father-in-law pulled Ryan off and slapped him across the face. "You animal!"

Then another slap. "What kind of drunken madness is this!"

After two consecutive slaps, Ryan seemed to sober up a bit, looking at my father-in-law in confusion. "Dad?"

Linda sobbed uncontrollably. "I came out to use the bathroom, and he suddenly grabbed me. He even..."

"I didn't want to, but I couldn't fight him off."

Just then my mother-in-law dragged herself out with her broken leg. Seeing the handprints on Ryan's face, she demanded of my father-in-law, "Why are you hitting our son?"

"She's just a nanny—so what if our son slept with her? It's no big deal!"

Linda said aggrievedly, "Just because I'm a nanny means anyone can abuse me?"

My mother-in-law responded righteously, "What else?"

"If my son hadn't been drunk, you think he'd look twice at you?"

"Him sleeping with you is your good fortune!"

Although I already knew what kind of person my mother-in-law was, hearing these words directly still shocked me with her shamelessness.

My father-in-law was furious. "What are you saying!"

Just as my mother-in-law opened her mouth to respond, Linda suddenly clutched her belly and looked at my father-in-law.

"James, my stomach hurts so much."

"Please save our child."

I looked at my mother-in-law. She stood frozen like she'd been struck by lightning.

My father-in-law was both shocked and delighted. "You're pregnant?"

Linda nodded through tears. "James, will the baby be okay?"

"My stomach really hurts. Am I going to lose him?"

My father-in-law quickly said, "Don't talk nonsense. I'll take you to the hospital."

He half-supported, half-carried Linda out the door.

My mother-in-law instinctively tried to follow but forgot about her broken leg. She stumbled and fell.

Her face contorted in pain, yet she still managed to call out, "What do you mean 'James'?"

"What child?"

"Linda, you bitch!"

"Ah, my leg! It hurts so much!"

I sighed and took out my phone to call 911.

See? How kind I am.

Then I looked at Ryan. He'd actually leaned back on the sofa and fallen asleep.

Did they use too much of that drug? Would the paramedics be able to tell when they arrived?

I shook him hard several times, then avoiding my mother-in-law's line of sight, pinched his arm hard twice. He groggily opened his eyes.

I said with concern, "Ryan, Mom's leg needs medical attention. You've had too much to drink, so stay home. I'll let you know if there's any news, okay?"

I coaxed him into the bedroom. The drug must have worn off because he didn't make a fuss. As soon as he lay down, he started snoring.

I looked at him deeply, then closed the door and came out.

Soon, the ambulance arrived.

As she was being loaded into the ambulance, my mother-in-law kept cursing. "That bitch!"

"I'll kill her!"

"I'll kill that bastard child!"

The doctor efficiently hooked my mother-in-law up to equipment while exchanging glances with his colleague.

The drama was right in front of them, but they couldn't fully enjoy it. I imagine they were dying of curiosity.

At the hospital, the doctor wheeled my mother-in-law off for examination.

After a while, the doctor told me her leg was fine, but her tailbone was fractured.

Also, my mother-in-law's blood pressure was too high—it had shot up to 180.

The doctor said for a long time to come, my mother-in-law would need bed rest and to stay calm and avoid stress.

I said gratefully, "Thank you, doctor. I understand."

Looking at my mother-in-law in the hospital room demanding to be discharged, my eyes were full of mockery.

What to do? The days ahead held nothing but stress for her!