Chapter 98
Left with no choice, I wandered back to the prayer room, fell onto my knees in front of the religious statue, and prayed with all my heart.
If God was willing to listen to me, I would give up everything so Grandma could live. She should have enjoyed her post–retirement life instead of suffering because of me.
After what felt like forever, I lifted my head and noticed that my surroundings had changed. Surprisingly, I was back by Shane’s side again.
Shane alighted a flight with Dad. The sky was dark in Jackville. They left the airport and took a modified SUV. I suspected it was a bulletproof vehicle because of how solidly built it was.
Jackville looked very different after we left downtown. Back in our country, streets were brightly lit at any hour of the day, unlike Jackville. Here, the further we wandered away from the city, the more deserted our surroundings. I looked out of the window, but it was pitch black outside.
The pale moonlight scattered around us, revealing the outline of mountains in the distance.
I heard some stories about Jackville, People said the mountains here could eat you alive.
Jackville’s economy struggled from a long–term civil conflict. Its citizens struggled to make a living and survive under the gunfire from two opposing forces. Because of that, many evil forces grew and expanded in the territory. Crimes were prevalent.
Dad handed Shane a set of fast food. “Eat something. You’ll get to see her in 10 hours or so. You can’t starve.”
Shane probably did not take any food on the flight. His face betrayed conflicted feelings, even a hint of nervousness.
I could make out some of his thoughts at that moment. On the one hand, he was dying to meet me, but on the other hand, he feared the changed woman I might become. He struggled to picture our future together if something bad had happened to me.
I loathed his indecisiveness. I would rather he took a firm stance every time so Amber wouldn’t play him like a fiddle.
I worried for Grandma. Now that Amber was by Grandma’s side, she would certainly try to hurt Grandma, I couldn’t do anything but worry because I couldn’t get to Grandma.
Back at Jackville, Shane struggled to take the food offered to him. The driver reminded him, Boss, you should eat. Things are different here in Jackville. If a war erupts, you could go days without eating.”
11
The driver, tall and tanned, wore a pair of flip–flops on his feet but carried a gun on his waist.
Chapter 50
Hearing stories about Jackville could not beat witnessing the situation firsthand. Shane immediately took a bite of the food. He croaked, I wonder how she’s doing.”
The driver replied, “You might be able to save those who were brought into the parks if only you arrived early. Come late, and…”
Shane clutched the burger tightly. “What do you mean?”
The driver clarified, “If she were a woman, she’s likely damaged for life. Even if you saved her, she’s as good as dead.”
Chapter99
