Chapter 5 chapter Five

Nancy got up to prepare breakfast, and Senator Brad Billy took another nap.They overplayed it a bit last night, he was over 50 after all.Nancy used to be his secretary, a petite and sexy black woman, who resigned after the two had an affair and went to Portland to find a job.Their secret love affair has lasted for 10 years. Nancy is very loyal to him and carefully keeps this secret for him. She has only one request. Brad must ensure that he spends at least two weeks with his daughter Lesha every year.And, once he retires from politics, he will have to admit Lesha's identity.Brad readily complied with the request.

Every year at this time, Brad takes a week to meet with his sympathizer and daughter.Lesa was already four years old, a very beautiful girl who was becoming more and more fond of her father.To be honest, if Lesa and the presidency are put in front of him now and he is asked to pick only one, he may not necessarily choose the latter. In his sleep, he felt something soft touching his face, it was Lesha's little hand.Brad opened his eyes, smiled and pulled her to his side, kissing her little cheek.Lesha said happily: "Dad is awake! Dad is awake! Mom told you to wake up, the plane is about to take off."

"Okay, Dad, get up now." He quickly freshened up, changed into the clothes he was wearing, and took Lesa's little hand to the restaurant.Nancy had prepared an omelet, soda crackers, and milk for him, and both mother and daughter sat at the table staring at him while he ate.Lesa asked: "Dad, are you coming back for Christmas?" "Come back, Dad will bring Santa Claus along to bring many presents to Lesa." Lesha smiled happily, and asked again: "Brother Gardas is back?" Brad looked at Nancy, who nodded slightly.Nancy told him last night that she had shown Lesa a picture of Gaddas, and she said, "Your lady... we've just avoided each other, but I hope Lesa and Gaddas can get along in harmony." Ryder agreed to her approach, anyway, his son already knew about his father's affair.

"Brother Gardas is going to college in Hawaii, so he may not come back this year. If I come back, I'll bring her here, okay?" Lesha tilted her head and thought for a while: "Does he also want to take the yellow school bus?" Brad smiled: "No, it's going to fly a long, long way." Lesa sighed like an adult and stopped talking.But she didn't forget about it.A car horn blared outside the door, and it was Secretary Mike Siwartz who came to pick him up.Brad put on his coat and kissed his mother and daughter goodbye. Lesa suddenly said in his arms, "I want to write a letter to my brother."

Brad was truly amazed, she and Gaddas had never met, and there was a huge age difference, how could she never forget this half-brother?Is blood relationship really playing a role in the dark?He moved to kiss his little daughter: "Okay, I will also tell Gaddas and ask him to write to you." The Allegheny Airways A-300 is about to take off.Brad and Mike were the last to board the plane, to first class.It was a clandestine trip, and of course there were no welcoming crowds and obnoxious reporters, which made Brad feel much quieter in his ears.There were four other passengers in the first class, they seemed to be a family, a well-bred black man in his 30s, a blond white woman in her 20s, and an eight or nine-year-old boy with shiny black girl.A tame German Shepherd lies at her feet.Sitting on the outside was a man in his 40s, his calm eyes seemed to be always guarded, even though he was sitting in a comfortable aviation chair, the spring in his body did not relax.Brad smiled slightly, he was familiar with this kind of person, he must be the family's bodyguard.

Brad nodded to them and turned away. He didn't want to socialize with anyone else on this trip.The man and woman nodded back, obviously not intending to chat.But there was something about the little black girl that attracted him. After the plane took off, he couldn't help turning his head to look at her again, and the little girl also cast a cold glance. There is no doubt that this is a couple and their daughter, but judging from the black features of the little girl, she is not necessarily the daughter of a white mother.What caught Brad's attention was the way the daughter ate.After boarding the plane, she kept eating fruit, and quickly emptied the fruit plate.The stewardess looked at her curiously, smiled and brought another plate.When she was eating pineapple, she was clearly asking her father how to eat it.When the father did not speak, he just set an example for her.

There was a smile on the corner of Brad's mouth, my Lesa has never had such a good appetite!He thought, who are these people?They flew in first class with bodyguards, but the little girl clearly had a rustic look on her body.Brad picked up the fruit plate on his little table and gave it to her father, smiling and said to her father, "Her appetite is really enviable. What's your name, little girl?" The little girl looked at him warily, and reluctantly replied, "Thank you, my name is Hetty." The senator patted her head and returned to his seat.The little girl seemed to pause slightly when she reported her name just now. This expression was very secretive, but it couldn't escape the senator's sharp eyes.So maybe she was referring to a pseudonym.And her expression!A girl of this age should be a carefree and happy angel, but she is clearly pretending to be hostile, and her parents seem to be careful with her all the time.The little girl emptied the fruit bowl again.When the lunch was delivered on the plane, the little girl also ate 3 portions.Her parents were somewhat embarrassed.Of course they don't limit their daughter's food intake, but their eyes always seem to be a little evasive.Brad's intuition was very keen, and he whispered to the secretary: "Look up the names of this family."

Mike left calmly. He returned quickly, sat down and said in a low voice, "It's Steven and his daughter Hetty. The ticket was booked by PPG." "PPG?" "Ok." The senator nodded. From the hint of the secretary, he immediately thought of the organ theft and mutilation case that had been widely reported by the media, as well as the scandal about cancer patients that occurred in PPG three years ago.So, this indifferent little girl, this little glutton, is that little cancer man?Yes, he remembered that the report said that they used the name Steven when they lived in seclusion in the mountains.At this moment, Hetty was leaning on the bodyguard and talking in a low voice, speaking very quickly, and suddenly both of them couldn't help laughing.This was the first time I saw her smiling face on the plane. The bodyguard kowtowed her head threateningly, then took her into his arms and kissed her forehead.It seems that the bodyguard is quite fond of her.The little girl noticed that the uncle sitting next to her had been looking at her, so she turned around, leaving him with a back...

The Senator smiled and turned away.In recent years, he has been avoiding the debate on cancer patients, because he instinctively feels that there are many factors that cannot be controlled by human beings in this topic.Today he can't escape, a alive and kicking cancer patient is beside him, you can feel her strong vitality, like countless electric sparks crackling in her body.He recalled the horrible assumptions about cancer in the public opinion circles, and then squinted at Hetty's indifferent face—you could feel the little girl's hostility to society.Perhaps the combination of "cold" and "powerful" is even more frightening.

He couldn't help but think of his own Lesha. According to reports, the cancer patient was only 3 years old, one year younger than Lesha, but her size and intellectual development had far surpassed Lesa.Perhaps this comparison has some symbolic meaning.If two people are put in a deadly arena, who will be the winner?The answer is no doubt.However, the reproduction and survival of living things——is the most ruthless gladiatorial struggle. The plane stopped at Philadelphia International Airport, and a four-door Mercedes-Benz picked up the family.Mike went to the parking lot and drove their Rolls-Royce. The senator got into the car and confessed to Mike: "Give me a copy of the information about cancer patients when you get back." He saw Mike's questioning eyes , explained succinctly: "It cannot be avoided. After cancer patients return to human society, this matter will soon become a political focus again. We must prepare in advance."

"OK." The car stopped at the gate of the private apartment, the lights flashed several times, and the gate opened automatically.Winding boulevards, well-manicured grass, private gardens full of sculptures and fountains, and an indoor swimming pool on the left, with transparent walls and ceilings, like a crystal palace.To the right is a tennis court.The car drove for another 5 minutes and stopped in front of a building. Behind the tall copper pillars was an open floor-to-ceiling window. Several servants were fiddling with flower pots on the shelf.An old man in dark blue home clothes was waiting at the door.As soon as the driver opened the door, Suma hurriedly got out of the car and threw herself into Old John's arms.The two hugged and kissed, Suma smiled, but there was light in her eyes. Then John hugged Paul and asked about his troubles.Suma led Haila to the old man: "Hala, this is grandpa." Old John leaned down with a smile and kissed her forehead. Grandpa, grandma.In the past three or four years, Haila has heard her parents say it countless times, so these two words are full of warmth.But this is a thing of the past. Since she knew her cancer status, she no longer longed for the caress of the world.Can this grandfather accept himself sincerely?When kissing and kissing her grandfather, she can make a calm evaluation in her heart.Grandpa's kiss is very warm, but there are too many "etiquette" elements in his kindness, which is not the natural venting of family affection, such as she and her mother. She has known for a long time that her nerve response speed exceeds that of ordinary people, and she is the only "fast person" in this "slow world".This enabled her to view grown-ups' scheming as calmly and slightly ironically as a urchin observes ants.Before leaving the mountain residence, Paul and Suma called her to go, and said solemnly: "Hella, after returning to human society, please remember two points. First, no one but me and Suma Reveal your organ regeneration abilities to anyone." She said calmly at the time: "I know. Otherwise they would be staring at my organs like vultures." The parents looked at each other deeply.Hella read their thoughts right away: they felt relieved that they didn't have to say those horrible words to their daughter themselves.Paul coughed lightly, and continued: "Second point, don't let people know that you can send out little purple snakes." Hela said calmly: "Yes, if people know that I killed Edmund, they will definitely be filled with righteous indignation. Although he is a heinous villain, he is the same kind of human being after all. Human beings will not allow aliens to kill themselves of the same kind." There was so much resentment in these calm words that both parents looked sad.But they couldn't be persuaded.Now, when hugging her grandfather, Hela remembered Paul's warning: Don't tell anyone your secret except me and Suma.anyone.So, this kind grandpa also belongs to the list of "should beware of"?And grandma?Grandma was in the room, supported by a nurse, and walked over tremblingly.Suma rushed forward and hugged her mother tightly, tears streaming down her face.Hela glanced at her grandmother, and immediately made a calm judgment: her grandmother has been shrouded in death.The black air of death was floating on her face, and she was about to run out of oil and the lamp would dry up. "Hella, come to meet grandma." Grandma leaned down and kissed Hela with difficulty: "Welcome, little Hella, I hope you like your new home." John held a dinner for them. In addition to his family, there was Howson and Ian who had met once. Hillard, and Albert, a tall, thin lawyer.The servant wanted to take Maya away, but she barked angrily and bit Hela's clothes.In the end, she had to place a food plate under the table for it. Maya was very satisfied, and she snuggled up at Hela's feet and calmed down. Hela's seat was between her parents. She frowned and looked at the six or seven knives and forks placed beside the plate.Paul whispered to her that the order of using a knife and fork is from the outside to the inside.Hela was very tired of these cumbersome rules, but soon she could use them freely.When she was wolfing down at the dinner table, everyone at the table looked at her with smiles.Only the madam didn't know much about the inside story, and looked at her eating with a little surprise.Suma explained with a smile: "Look, Mom, Hela has a huge appetite. She has been like this since she was a child." Madam thought for a while, then asked softly: "Does she go to school? How do you plan to arrange her?" "We've been teaching her at home. Hella is very bright and has completed secondary school." Mom snorted dissatisfiedly: "Are you still planning to get married? You are already 27 years old." Suma couldn't answer.Before Hella took a clear life path, she didn't plan to get married.But she didn't want to tell the truth to her seriously ill mother.Mrs. Robertson looked dissatisfiedly at her husband and several advisers under her husband, complaining in her heart that they dragged her daughter into this quagmire.But she didn't say a word, just said wearily: "I'm sorry, I have to take my leave first, everyone eat well." John sent his wife away and returned to the table.He talked and laughed happily at the table, toasted Paul and Howson from time to time, and asked about the situation in the past three years.But Hella knew that this enthusiasm was only on the surface. In fact, their concern for themselves was a kind of proficient etiquette, just like dealing with the daughter of a distinguished guest, and their conversation had been avoiding some kind of thing. Before leaving, Howson went to the living room to say goodbye to Hela. He smiled and said to Suma: "My mission is over, I really hate to leave little Hela. Can I visit her often in the future?" "Of course. We'll be mad if you don't come." "If... there are any difficulties, please let me know in time. OK?" Paul and Suma said gratefully, "Okay, thank you." Howson spread his hands: "Come on, my little angel, my little lover, come and kiss uncle goodbye." Hela walked over quietly and gave him a long kiss.She also likes Uncle Howson very much. Although the time she spent with him is very short, she can feel that Uncle's love is sincere and transparent. "Uncle, you have to visit me often." "Sure. I'll bring you many presents." After seeing Howson off, Paul smiled and said, "I'm afraid I should say goodbye too." Suma reluctantly asked, "Shall we leave now?" "Well, I'm going back to visit Victoria and Jamie tomorrow. I haven't seen each other for three years. I'm afraid my son won't recognize me." Suma looked at him fixedly, with complicated emotions.Of course she knew that after returning to human society, it was impossible for her to live in the same room with Paul.But she was used to being with Paul, used to this kind of life without sex, and when she woke up at night, she would feel relieved to hear the snorting sound of the man in the bed.She said tactfully, "Hela won't get used to it after you leave." Paul bent down and hugged Hela to his lap: "Daughter, I'm leaving, but I'll be back soon. I'll come to see you often and play games with you. Do you agree?" "Okay. I know it's the only way." "Goodbye, Hella." "Goodbye, Dad." All three had insomnia that night. It was 3 o'clock in the afternoon when Paul got off the plane. He knew his wife must be working at this moment, so he called a taxi and went straight to his wife's gym.He spoke to his wife on the phone last night, and Victoria yelled: "Come back soon, take the earliest flight!" He seems to be able to feel the warmth of his wife from the phone, it has been 3 years.Sitting in the taxi, he rehearsed the scene of meeting his wife in his mind.When the fitness gym arrived, he asked the driver to wait for a while, and opened the door by himself.Fanatical black music reverberated in the exercise hall. Victoria was wearing a white exercise uniform and was leading dozens of students to twist their hips and kick their legs.From the eyes of the students, she saw that someone had entered the practice room, looked back, and immediately screamed and rushed over, with her arms hanging around her husband's neck, spinning non-stop. The students gathered around with smiles, and Victoria said excitedly, "I'm sorry, I have to stop today, you know? This guy hasn't been home for 3 years!" The students laughed loudly: "Let's go, let's go, we understand very well! Go back and swallow him whole!" They picked up their clothes, walked around the two, and quickly disappeared.Paul went out to dismiss the taxi, and his wife drove up.When Paul got into the car, the two hugged each other again. "Paul, it's been 3 years, you've only called twice, I think you must have forgotten me and my son!" She slammed on the gas pedal angrily. They returned home 20 minutes later, and their son hadn't come back from school. The two took a quick bath, hugged each other and went to bed, venting their passion accumulated for three years.When his wife undressed him, Paul grabbed his wife's hand and said with a smile, "Can you believe it? I have lived with Suma for three years, and I have never crossed the boundary of friends." The wife said emotionally: "I believe it!" She threw her husband down on the bed. At five o'clock Victoria rose to prepare dinner.Paul took off the phone and hung up the Oregon Primate Research Institute.It was Paul's colleague Prabowo who answered the phone three years ago: "Is it Paul? My God, where have you been hiding for the past three years?" Paul smiled without explaining, just asked, "How are you all? Where's the cloned pig Jilly?" "Gilly has been a mother for a long time. Paul, are you still working for PPG?" "Yes, for the time being, but I won't be staying here for long." The other party obviously hesitated, and after a pause, he said tactfully: "Paul, I think I still need to tell you about some things. In the past three years, the scientific community has formed an unwritten agreement: those who break the rules should be severely punished." My wife. It is very likely that no research institute is willing to accept you. Therefore, I advise you not to give up the work of PPG easily." Paul's heart sank, but he still said calmly: "Thank you for your kindness. Is Mr. Cleary there?" "Yes, I'll call him." After a while, Stephen's hearty voice came from the microphone: "Hello, Paul. You have finally returned to the human world. Everything is fine there." "Very good, but I have been isolated from the biological world for three years, and I am afraid I can't catch up." Stephen pondered for a while: "Are you planning to come back here? If so, I will try my best to arrange it." If he hadn't heard Prabowo's words just now, Paul would not have thought of how much risk his mentor had taken in this decision.He felt a slight lump in his throat, and said gratefully: "Thank you, Mr. Kerry. Prabowo just told me something about the situation, and I know the weight of your decision." Stephen smiled and said, "It's okay..." Paul interrupted him: "Thank you, but I'm not planning to leave PPG just yet. No, I don't have any plans. There's no way to plan ahead. I just feel that I'm far from being in debt. Pay it off. Who knows, maybe the rest of my life will be used to pay off the debt.” Klee heard his hardship, and comforted him: “Be more open-minded, please feel free to ask me when you need my help. Where are you now? " "At my house, listen, Jamie is back." "Have a nice holiday." By the time Paul came downstairs, Jamie was already at the door with the skateboard under his arm.He saw the man at the top of the stairs and stopped. Obviously, Jamie knew it was Dad who was back, but he wasn't ready yet.Paul smiled and said, "Is that my little Jamie? He's grown so tall already!" Only then did Jamie come over to hug his father: "Dad, I'll come to chat with you at night, Nick and the others are waiting for me." He hurried out, looking at his back, Paul couldn't help but think of Hella again.Although the son has grown a lot taller, compared with Hela, it is really too slow.Over the years, he has gotten used to Hela's rhythm, but when he looked at the normal world again, he felt that he was not used to it. At this time, in Mason City, 1,000 miles away, Mr. Harlan Knight was walking his dog on the lawn in front of his private house.A bicycle jingled by, and the 13-year-old part-time messenger shouted: "Mr. Knight, your newspaper! There is news about the little cancer!" Without stopping, he took out a stack of newspapers from his car pocket and threw them over.Harlan let go of the dog's leash, and the puppy ran over to grab the newspaper, then stood up on its legs, and gave the newspaper to its owner. The front page of the "Courier" is a photo of three people, Paul, Suma and the hateful cancer patient.She has grown into an eight or nine-year-old girl, without a smile, staring coldly at the camera.Harlan looked at her carefully and had to admit that she was pretty: a healthy complexion, straight white teeth, bright eyes, and curly black hair.The title of the article is: The cancer patient and her parents return to the world. "After three years in seclusion, the cancer patient and her parents returned to the world. There had been a series of mysterious events surrounding the cancer patient. A habitual criminal named Edmund Crickston kidnapped her and sold her One of her kidneys, but the prisoner was shot to death mysteriously, and the cause of death is still unknown.” Frankly speaking, this cancer patient named Hela has become a cancer of the whole society, a fistula that will not heal.No matter where her life comes from, anyway, she has a human appearance, human language, human thinking, and perhaps human feelings.She, an innocent and ignorant little girl, had just escaped from organ thieves.Now, whoever has the courage to discuss the plan of 'eliminating cancer patients'?But what should we do?Waiting for her to grow up, get married, have children, and spread the genealogy of cancer patients to the world?Please keep in mind that the vitality of cancer is extremely strong, and our descendants may not be her opponents. " After reading this article, Harlan remained silent for a long time, his eyes gloomy.He regretted not being able to kill her 3 years ago.Now that the murderous intent has been exhausted, he cannot organize another explosion and murder. He went back to his study, turned on the computer, and scanned the article and photos into it. Ten days ago, Senator Brad Billy's secretary, Mike, called him and asked him to pay attention to collecting information on cancer patients. Maybe one day the Senator will make an appointment to meet him, and at the same time, he will also meet with various people.After listening to the phone call, he was relieved, it was good, finally a responsible politician took the initiative to provoke this burden.Hopefully the sagacity of a statesman will untangle this mess so that I don't have to make some sort of difficult decision on my own. Paul and his wife had a new honeymoon and returned to Trenton in a fortnight.As soon as he entered Robertson's private residence, he saw the abnormality. The room was enveloped in a dull atmosphere, and the servants were busy.A car stopped right after him. It was Claus, the housekeeper, and the personal doctor of the Robertson family.When Klaus saw him, he hurried over and told him that his wife had fallen into a coma, and asked him to see Suma quickly. Suma had just woken up, her temples were disheveled, and her face was tired.She forced a smile and said, "Come back so soon? I intentionally didn't inform you. I want you to rest at home for a few days. Victoria and Jimmy are fine." Paul slightly reprimanded: "You should have informed me earlier, Madam is critically ill?" Suma said bitterly: "Well, there is no hope. It's fine if you come back, Hela will leave it to you, and I will spend the last few days with my mother." "Don't worry, what about Hela?" "She's in her bedroom." The new bedroom is very spacious, which is not the same as when living in the mountains. There is even a library and game room dedicated to Hella.Hella's clothes were scattered on the carpet, and there was a noise in the bathroom. Paul shouted happily: "Hella, are you washing? Dad is back!" After searching the bathroom for a while, Hela came out.She was wearing briefs and a tank top, and her dark skin was beaded with water.She said hello to her father, picked up the dress from the ground and put it on.Paul found that after only half a month of seeing each other, two buds had bloomed on Hela's chest.Perhaps, her growth rate has accelerated again. Hela came over and snuggled up to her father, her face was calm, and she couldn't see her emotions.Paul remembered that when he was in the mountains, the energetic Hella often crawled around on him, laughing and making noises, never having a moment of peace.He couldn't help feeling disappointed, that happy girl might just disappear forever. "Hella, grandma is critically ill. Mom wants to accompany grandma. Dad will play with you these two days. Tell me, what are we doing today?" Hela said irritably: "What else can I do? For more than ten days, my mother has kept me locked up in this building. How long can you keep me locked up?" She remembered her longing for a new life when she was leaving in the mountains: a busy city, many friends, a colorful life... If I had known it was such a prison, I might as well have stayed in the mountains, at least, there was a mountain lake that belonged to her, There are serene meadows and skies!Paul was at a loss for words, froze for a moment, and pulled Hela into his arms: "Hala, it's all my father's fault. I shouldn't rush home and leave you here. I thought that having my mother by my side would be enough to take care of you. Arranging a new life for you, unfortunately, grandma is seriously ill again. You know, there is my wife and son over there, and I haven’t seen them for more than 3 years.” Hela waved her hand annoyedly, indicating that this is not The reason for her anger.Paul continued: "We will try to make arrangements for you to live a normal life..." Hay said sharply, "The question is can it be done? Can I live a normal life? Not to mention vultures like Edmund, killers like Harlan, I can't live normally without them. Dad ’” she said distressedly, “I would love to go to school and play with my peers like the kids on TV. Unfortunately, I know I can’t. My childhood is like an old movie that is fast-moving, and it just goes by. I'm about to become an adult, even older than your 'age'. I'm so afraid of this prospect!" She said in a distressed silence for a while, "Dad, why didn't you create a normal life back then. " It was the first time in more than three years that Paul heard Hela confide her worries, and he felt very heavy in his heart.He tried his best to choose his words, and said carefully: "Son, don't resent Dad. I'm not shirking responsibility, but some things are beyond human control. We can only try to remedy..." Hela suddenly raised her head and looked at him with piercing eyes. Dad: "Please tell me frankly, do you regret it? Do you already regret creating cancer people?" She stared at it for a while, then said calmly, "There is no need to answer, I already know the answer." The daughter's gaze It was so sharp, Paul felt like a buffoon who had been stripped and pushed into the stands.He frowned and paused for a long time before saying seriously: "Son, do you want to hear a frank answer? I'll tell you right now. To be honest, I never intended to inspire a cancer person. Your birth is a few accidents Addition of factors. But anyway, you were born. Suma and I had a daughter who was not normal but lovely, and the three of us had a warm time in the mountains. These are precious memories, we should Keep it in mind. My child, I know that the god of fate has treated you very unfairly. You have suffered a lot in just three years. But what do you want to do with it? Do you plan to live in the shadow forever, in the hatred, Turning yourself into a surly, dark witch? I don't think you would want to do that." These words shocked Hela, and she tried hard to think.Paul held her head and looked at her carefully, then kissed her forehead deeply: "Hella, let's work together to forget these shadows, okay? You have to believe that the sun will be brighter tomorrow." Hela was persuaded In fact, she knew that the blame she just said was unfair. Her parents really loved her and were willing to make any sacrifices for her. The claustrophobic life of these ten days was caused by special reasons.She lay in her father's arms and said softly, "Dad, I love you, and I also love my mother." Paul smiled gratifiedly: "And love the world, all people." Hella looked up at her father suspiciously, and Paul immediately guessed what she was thinking - she must have thought of Edmund.So he hastily revised his words: "Love all...good people." Hela nodded: "I will try my best, I will definitely do it." This night, Hela turned back into that happy little girl again, riding on her father's lap, Xu Xu narrated her little daughter's heart songs.She asked Dad about "that wife and son," and complained that he hadn't brought brother Jimmy to play with her.She asked Dad, can you let me grow up a little slower, I grew up so fast, it was like going to Disneyland in a racing car, and before I had time to look at the surrounding scenery, the car drove past.Dad, you are a great scientist, you can do it. Paul said I'll try. Hela said again, you said that I will stop growing when I am 8 years old, that is, when a normal person is 24 years old, and become the same as a normal person.right?If so, let me grow up to be 8 years old. Paul jokingly said; which wish should I grant you?If I were a god in an Arabian bottle.Hela asked: When I become a normal person, will I also find a husband and have a few children?She didn't appear shy when asking questions, but looked very serious. Paul nodded: Yes, definitely. But, could my kids have these too... not normal. Paul was stumped, so he had to answer truthfully: I don't know, and I don't know either.But I believe that is not a problem, your abnormality is not a disease, people will gradually get used to it. Finally Hella fell asleep, and fell asleep on her father's chest.The lights in the house were not turned on, and the moonlight from the window shone obliquely on Hela's black face.Paul lifted her carefully and carried her to the bed.There was a slight smile at the corner of her mouth, and Paul couldn't help but kiss her forehead and eyes, and then backed out lightly. This little monster, she's so mature and childish, you can't tell if she's 3 or 18.Anyway, Paul thought with relief, today I drove the devil out of her heart. May the devil never come back to her. But half an hour later, Paul discovered that the devil had not left her. While the father and daughter were chatting happily, the devil was still watching in the house. Coming out of Hella's bedroom, Paul first went to the bathroom to pee.He was sleepy too, his eyes were dry and heavy.In the relaxed lethargy, there was still a faint uneasiness in his heart.Yes, he painted a bright future and succeeded in convincing Hela.But can you really do it?I'm afraid it will be difficult.It's not because of anything else, it's not that he doesn't love Hela, it's not that this world is too ignorant and lacks love.No, neither.The reason lies precisely in Hela.In any case, she is indeed an outlier among human beings, and it is difficult to embed her into the ready-made template of human society.Her future is still too much uncertain. When passing the living room, I suddenly heard a noise.He asked cautiously: "Which one?" At the same time, he turned on the light.He saw Ian stand up from the sofa, and said in a low voice, "It's me. I've been waiting for you for a long time. I saw that you and Hella had a good time talking, so I didn't bother you." Paul walked over suspiciously.It's already 12 o'clock at night, what's his hurry?Ian was smiling, but there was some embarrassment in the smile.Paul secretly put two strings on his vigilance, and sat opposite Ian: "What's the matter? Has Madam's condition changed?" "No, today's condition is relatively stable." Four years ago, it was a phone call from Ian that caused Paul to have these encounters.Speaking of which, Hela's coming to this world was all due to a strategy of Ian and Old John, which is definitely not something to celebrate.But to say it was unfortunate would be unfair to Hela.Let the past be the past.Paul didn't want to blame Ian, but he somewhat despised him in his heart. For 3 years, Ian, who is ambitious and talented, has been playing the role of agent. The job itself is not to be criticized. The problem is that when you succumb to money, it is difficult to straighten your spine.Ian chatted casually and greeted Victoria and his son: "It's Jimmy, remember he's almost 8 years old, right? I think he's about the same height as Hella." Paul smiled and said, "They are all very nice. I think you must have something to do with me. You are welcome. Please tell me." Ian paused for a moment and said, "Paul, when I was in your Appalachian residence, I saw the sea. La's right index finger is injured." Paul immediately tensed up all the nerves in his body.He tried his best to pretend nothing had happened, and said calmly: "Yes, he has recovered a long time ago. Hela's metabolism is faster, as you know." Ian stared at him: "Poli, the police officer who was there at the time, told me afterwards that Hela chewed half of her index finger in extreme fear." Paul shook his head with a smile: "It's an exaggeration, but she did bite her finger Got blood dripping." Ian stared at him for a long time before he said helplessly, "Paul, you don't have to hide it from me. I checked Hela's body a few days ago, and her left kidney has recovered. I suspected that Edmund sold it It was not Hela’s kidney, but I spent a lot of effort to find the recipient of that kidney, and took a few kidney cells for DNA testing, which proved that it was indeed Hela’s. So I can only draw this conclusion: Hela With a strong ability to regenerate organs, this success is even far beyond what we expected four years ago." As he narrated, Paul's heart tightened gradually, and a cold and heavy cloud of terror slowly descended from the top of his head.He gestured for Ian to shut up, tiptoed to his daughter's bedroom, and gently opened the door.The daughter was fast asleep, breathing slowly and evenly.He gently closed the door tightly, and returned to the living room. With undisguised disdain, he said through gnash teeth, "Mr. Hillard, what do you want to do? Are you impatient to be lonely again?" 深夜，苏玛听见轻轻的脚步声，努力睁开涩重的眼皮。是爸爸，他站在床边，护士帕米拉低声同他说话。苏玛趿上拖鞋走过去，爸爸回头歉然道：“把你惊醒了。今天有一项重要的商务谈判，刚刚结束，我想再来看看多娜。”苏玛低声说：“今天进行了高压氧舱治疗，有所好转，也曾清醒过一段时间。”病人已十分消瘦，面颊上有很重的黄疸色，睡梦中偶有扑翼性震颤。约翰向护士点点头，走过来疼爱地说：“苏玛，回自己房间睡吧，这儿有轮班护士，用不着你的。” “我知道，我只是想陪母亲走完最后的路。” Both fell silent.多娜的病已属不治，这是专家们的一致意见。苏玛拉爸爸坐下，苦涩地说：“我要陪着她。有了海拉后，我才更加体会到母爱，这些天我常常在梦中回到过去，变回到三四岁、七八岁的女孩，在妈妈怀里撒娇。” 约翰叹息道：“她真的很爱你。你刚学会爬的时候，有一次把额头碰伤了，多娜很生自己的气，那天她爬遍整个房间，她说要用女儿的视角来看看，地上有没有危险物。” 苏玛第一次听说这件事，眼眶湿润了。老约翰摇摇头：“她就要走了，谁也代替不了她的命运。苏玛，我后悔3年前没顶住社会的压力把那项研究进行下去……不说了，”他站起身，“现在悔之已晚。” 他步履沉重地走了。那晚苏玛彻夜无眠，某种尖锐的痛苦使她辗转不宁。她真希望自己也像母亲一样失去意识，陷于昏迷，而不要神智清醒地忍受这种良心上的锯割！爸爸的话实际上挑明了一个事实，一个她在潜意识里一直躲避着的事实：只有女儿的肝脏能挽救母亲的性命。 海拉有再生能力，她会很快长出新的肝脏，不会为此丧命，父亲很可能已经知道了这一点。What should she do?她决不会把自己的女儿变成一个器官供应者——可是，这无异是在谋害自己的母亲啊。她呻吟着，继续在床上辗转。 希拉德先生，你想干什么？你又不甘寂寞了吗？ 保罗冷笑着，把尖刻的诘问像投枪一样，掷向对方的心窝。伊恩没有大动肝火，苦笑道： “你知道，目前要想挽救夫人生命唯有此法了。如果我有一份备用肝脏，我会毫不犹豫地献出去——而且这个举动会受到全社会的赞美。那你为什么不让海拉享有这个荣誉呢。她很幸运，是世界上唯一具有再生能力的人，割下肝脏只需10天就能再生。现在你要哪种选择，是给海拉增加点无关紧要的小痛苦，还是眼睁睁看着多娜死去？” “你不觉得自己的主意有太浓的血腥味儿？” 伊恩痛快承认：“是有一些血腥味儿，我不否认。但道德本身是由无数的怪圈组成，正是某些残忍导致了人道主义。医学发展初期曾用过无数实验品，'虽然'那是些下等人，是奴隶、罪犯和外族人。15世纪初，罗马教皇英诺圣特病重时，意大利米兰的医生卡鲁达斯曾割开三个小孩的脉管给教皇输血，三个无辜的孩子全死了，教皇本人也随即窒息而亡。这件事实在残忍，令人发指。但从另外的角度看，正是这些残忍的尝试最后导致了输血术的成功，挽救了无数生命。保罗，依你的睿智，你不会看不到，这件事是不可阻挡的，至多20年后，器官更换术就会像输血术一样普遍。咱们何妨作那个教皇英诺圣特呢。” 保罗觉得，一种绝望的愤怒在心里聚集，甚至不是恨伊恩，而是恨自己，因为他快要被说服了。但他又明明知道这种想法极其丑恶。他咬着牙问道：“谁能保证，割去一个肝脏并不危及海拉的生命？不错，她被割去的肾脏是再生了。但在一个肾脏被割去时，还有一只在工作，在维持着身体各系统的运转，这才给了另一个肾脏重生的机会。”伊恩很快接口道：“这点不必怀疑。夫人已经进行过两次换肝手术，每次的复原期远远超过10天。也就是说，至少有10天她是在无肝的条件下生活，照样挺过来了。” 保罗忽然悟到自己的失言——他的话等于承认了“割下海拉肝脏”是正当的，他已经在讨论手术的安全性了！这使他羞愧无地，恨不得拿一把尖刀捅到自己肚子里——当然要先捅了面前这个口若悬河、厚颜无耻的家伙。他向卧室扫去一眼，用手势止住伊恩的雄辩，决绝地说：“不必费口舌了。我决不会同意这么干的，除非你先派人把我暗杀了。”伊恩冷冷地说：“恐怕用不着这么干。海拉是你的财产吗？不要忘了，虽然是你激发的癌人生命，但你是受PPG公司雇用的，你对海拉拥有所有权或者监护权吗？” 保罗不愿再和他多说一个字了，冷淡地说：“咱们走着瞧吧。最后我只问一点，”他刻薄地说，“请问希拉德先生，你这么卖力，真的是同情罗伯逊夫人？还是为了罗伯逊先生给你的金钱？”伊恩的脸色微微发红，一言不发，转身走出客厅。保罗等他离开，轻轻推开海拉的房门。海拉仍在甜梦中，皎洁的月光洒在脸上，显得凹凸分明。突然一阵软弱袭来，保罗的眼眶湿润了，他低头吻吻海拉，无声地祈祷着：我的小天使，请给我力量，让我拒绝邪恶的诱惑吧。 一滴泪珠滴在海拉的脸上，她感觉到了，皱皱眉头，嘴角抽动两下，又翻身睡熟。保罗赶忙噤声，悄悄退出房间，把门掩上。 不，我决不会让人使用海拉的器官，我再不会听那些十分有蛊惑力的游说。我只要记住对海拉的爱就行了。 他听见匆匆的脚步声，心中一凛，起身迎到门口。原来是苏玛，她的精神显然不稳定，目光迷乱，步履慌张。他急忙问：“怎么了？” 苏玛止住脚步，掩饰地强笑道：“没什么，我突然想来看看海拉。她睡得好吧。” “嗯，睡得很好。夫人呢？” “妈妈也睡了，高压氧舱治疗后病情稍微好些。不过，她的病肯定无望了，除非……”她失口说出这两个字，立即慌乱地住口。保罗目光犀利地盯着她问：“伊恩去找过你？” "No, no." “那么，是你父亲？” 苏玛言不由衷地否认：“不，父亲什么也没说。但是……我为母亲的病情焦虑，我真想把自己的肝脏献给她。” 保罗吃了一惊，搂住苏玛的肩膀坐到沙发上。思考片刻后，他委婉地说：“你妈妈决不会同意的，你也没有权利这么做。人的生命和死亡都是大自然赐予的，谁都无权轻抛生命，无权拿一条生命去救助另一条生命，即使是为了至亲。”他忽然觉得，在几天、几年的内心彷徨中，今天无意中踏上一块坚实的立足之地，说话也流畅了。“不仅是你，海拉也是这样。虽然她有再生能力，也不应该把她当成一个器官供应者。如果你母亲不幸去世，我们都会悲伤，但不会觉得良心上欠债。” 苏玛慢慢平静下来：“谢谢你的这番话。我要过去陪妈妈，你照看好海拉。”她走了，步履显然比刚才轻松一点。保罗也觉得欣慰，他躺到床上，很快入睡。但意识深处还有一小块地方顽强地醒着。一个声音轻轻地提醒他，刚才有什么不对头的地方。 也许是海拉刚才睡得太熟了？一滴泪珠落在脸上也没有把她惊醒，而在平时，她睡觉是比较灵醒的……保罗突然起身，半睡半醒地向海拉屋里走去。他轻轻把门推开一条缝，向里窥视着，海拉仍在床上熟睡，屋里很静，没有什么异常。但是……海拉床上的毛巾被却奇怪地鼓胀着，并且缓缓波动。保罗奇怪地看着，怀疑是自己的错觉。他正想推门进去，海拉起床了，她似乎在梦游状态，步履迟缓地向卫生间走去。她身上的白色纯棉睡衣也鼓胀着，一头卷发变成爆炸式发型，根根直立。由于半睡半醒的迟钝，保罗一时没意识到这是怎么回事。海拉进了卫生间，关上门，然后屋内开始响起兹兹拉拉的响声，门下方的透气槽内紫光闪烁。保罗猛然醒悟，推开门大步跨进去，高声喊：“海拉！” 海拉在卫生间厉声喊：“爸爸不要进来！” 声音十分凄厉和急迫，保罗不由得顿一下，仍撞开卫生间的门。一团紫芒从面前闪过，射向墙壁上的金属衣架，那根镀铬管突然熔化了，就像是遇火的石蜡。门锁的球形捏手也不见了，地上多了一堆黄色的金属液，这会儿正在凝结。屋内有浓烈的臭氧味道。海拉垂手立着，用冷漠的目光看着地下，过了一会儿，她勉强地低声解释道：“电压积得太高了，我只好把它放出来。” 她从父亲身边挤过去，默默上了床，似乎很快入睡了。保罗没有打扰她，把卫生间草草收拾一下，悄悄退出她的房间。 他想起女儿睡前两人的欢洽，但仅仅过了两个小时，海拉又被敌意重重包裹了！她体内的电压无疑是由仇恨转化的，这使人不寒而栗。 这到底是为什么啊，是她听到了希拉德的谈话？ 保罗和伊恩谈话时，海拉还没有睡熟。门没有关严，隐隐听见客厅有谈话声，听不清谈的什么。海拉并没有刻意去听，她还在回味刚才与父亲的深谈，她相信父亲已驱走她心中的阴影，明天的太阳会更灿烂。 嘤嘤不断的谈话声突然停止了，海拉也暂时拉回自己的思绪。她听见有人蹑手蹑脚地走来，把门推开一条缝，客厅柔和的黄色光亮从门口泻进来。海拉忙闭上眼睛，从睫毛的花影中，她看到一个人头向屋内窥视，似乎是爸爸。可爸爸为什么这样诡秘？ 门轻轻关上了，这次关得严严实实。海拉心中的警觉忽然醒了，自从经历了那场可怕的灾难，她的心中始终保留着尖锐的警觉，即使熟睡中也是如此，就像雁群睡觉时留下的雁哨。她不怀疑亲爱的爸爸，但勃勃跳动的警觉催促她起来，去把事情搞清楚。 她在床上犹豫着。如果去偷听爸爸的谈话，未免于心不安，怎么对得起爸爸的亲情？但是扎在她心中的那根剌太深了，求生的本能压倒了一切考虑。她赤脚下床，悄悄走过去，把门慢慢拉开一条缝，听见爸爸正在生气地说：“谁能保证，割去肝脏不会危及海拉的生命？不错，她被割去的肾脏是再生了，但在一个肾脏被割去时，还有另一个肾脏在工作，在维持着全身各系统的运转，这才给了那个肾脏重生的机会。”伊恩——这个满脸微笑的恶魔！——很快接口道：“这点不必怀疑，夫人已进行了两次换肝手术，每次的复原期远远超过10天，也就是说，至少有10天她是在无肝的条件下生活，照样挺过来了。”这时爸爸站起来，打着手势让伊恩住口，向卧室扫过来一眼。海拉急忙关上门。她不用再听下去，她已经全明白了。 又有人看上了自己的肝脏，当然是为了那位罗伯逊夫人，苏玛的母亲，自己的外婆。她勉强拖着两条腿回到床上。外婆，她心酸地咀嚼着这两个字，在多少童话中，外婆是慈详的化身，是母爱的倍乘，她会咧着没牙的嘴巴，把心肝外孙女搂到怀里，掏出所有好吃的东西——如果必要，甚至会掏出自己的心肝。 但我的外婆却盯着我的肝脏。 这还不是主要的，毕竟外婆没有同自己在一起生活过，两者之间没有什么亲情，也没有血缘关系。海拉在人世上只有两个亲人：保罗和苏玛，或许豪森也算一个。她最看重的是这些亲人的态度——可是保罗，我的爸爸，他是什么态度啊。不错，他在反对伊恩的提议，但仅仅是因为担心这会危及我的生命，只要小海拉在割下肝脏后还能活下去，他就不会反对了。 我的肝脏会再生的，爸爸，你不必受良心的谴责了！ 她的心头滴血，眼中却枯干无泪。莫非我今生今世都不得安宁，就因为我有器官再生功能？就像梅花鹿和獐子因为鹿茸和麝香被追杀？ 她想起那些残烈的东方传说：在被猎人逼到绝境时，梅花鹿会在山岩上撞碎鹿角，獐子会低头咬掉肚脐。如果这只是传说，那么不久前她还看到一则真实的报道。某个东方国家（中国还是韩国？）发明了活熊取胆汁术，每月抽取一次胆汁，这一天成了熊的生死关。几个彪形大汉在笼外用铁钩钩住熊的身体，把它压在笼壁上，然后在熊腹上一个永不收口的孔洞里插上抽汲器。抽完胆汁，熊全身发抖，剧痛难耐，捂着肚腹蹲在地上喘息。每月一次啊，有一天，一只灰熊终于忍受不住这没有尽头的酷刑，狂吼着，用利爪撕开了自己的肚皮，把肠子甩了满地。其它熊栏里的黑熊看到了这一幕，悲愤地仰天长啸，天地为之变色。但养熊场的老板却着急地喊：“快剁熊掌！熊掌必须在活熊身上剁下才能入席！” 于是几个人冲进熊栏，用铁叉按住垂死的灰熊，剁下熊掌…… 残忍而暴虐的人类啊。 悲伤退潮了，代之以愤怒和仇恨。我决不会做一个安分顺从的器官供应者，让别人在我身上零割碎剐。必要时我会学习梅花鹿、獐子和那头灰熊。但在这之前，我一定会给那些强盗们尽量添点麻烦，毕竟我还有个小小的武器：我的小紫蛇。 她突然发觉自己的睡衣鼓胀着，头发呈爆炸状直立，颅腔和胸腔里憋得难受。她知道是怒火积聚了过多的静电，必须赶快释放到体外。她摇摇晃晃地走进盥洗室，关上门，右手食指对准黄铜捏手，把紫色的电芒释放出来。很奇怪，不是往常那种瞬间的紫芒，今天指尖和金属球之间淌着一条不间断的紫色河流，兹兹拉拉的响声连绵不断，金属球慢慢融化，一滴滴落在玛赛克地板上。随着紫色电芒的外泄，体内的压力逐渐减小。忽然听到爸爸的喊声：“海拉！” 虽然戾气满胸，她仍不加思索地喊道：“爸爸不要进来！” 不知道爸爸是否听见了，但他的脚步没有停，还是硬闯进来，在最后一瞬间，海拉疾速把紫芒转了方向，指向墙壁上的金属衣架。 只差那么0.01秒，她没有在爸爸的胸膛上烧一个洞。两人面色苍白地对视着，海拉冷漠地说了一句：“电压积聚太高了，我只好把它放出来。” After finishing speaking, I left. 保罗打开酒柜，取出一瓶威士忌，用牙咬掉瓶塞，大口大口地喝着。左胁处疼得钻心，那儿的衣服烧焦了，体侧有一道深深的乌黑的伤口。 如果那道电芒再偏右50毫米？ ... 伤口上结了一层焦疤，没有血迹。保罗悄悄到卧室换了衣服，把那件旧衣塞到垃圾袋里。刚才，他分明感察到海拉身体四周的电场，像宇宙以太一样，浸透了他的每个细胞。在那一瞬间，他感受到了死亡的寒意。 无疑，海拉偷听了他们的谈话，听到了伊恩的建议，于是，她的心理突然转向了，睡前谈话所建立起来的欢洽和信任，雪崩般瞬间崩塌了。 既然连父女间的信任也如此脆弱，更遑论他人？也许有一天，海拉会把仇恨的矛头对准全人类，而不是人类中的“坏人”。这种前景令人不寒而栗，因为，无论从智力还是从体力上说，海拉必将成为一个超人，她会把人类社会搅得乱七八糟。 我该怎么办啊，我的小海拉？ 保罗在床上辗转反侧时，伊恩正在向老约翰汇报刚才与保罗的谈话情况。仍是在静思斋里，一束藏香安静地燃烧着，青烟燎绕。伊恩遗憾地结束道：“就是这样，保罗坚决不同意。你和苏玛谈过了吗？” 约翰摇摇头，他不想告诉伊恩：我谈了，我暗示了，但苏玛没有反应。这是有失尊严的。 “是否由我去和苏玛谈谈？如果想要手术的话，必须抓紧时间，不能再耽误了。”约翰沉思着，开始缓缓摇头。几分钟后他说：“算了，生死有命，我们顺从上帝的旨意吧。如果海拉有什么不幸，苏玛会伤心死的。再说，我对保罗作过承诺，我不能食言。不要折腾多娜了，让她平静地离开这个世界吧。谢谢你对多娜的关心。”伊恩心有不甘，但约翰作了一个手势：这是最后的决定。你走吧，我想一个人呆一会儿。伊恩走了，轻轻带上门。很长时间，约翰一直保持着原来的姿势，不语不动。他想，这件事一开始就犯了一个大错，不该让苏玛参与进来。现在，她和海拉已经成为一体，解拆不开了。约翰叹口气，在心中重申了自己的决定。他不想失去妻子，同样不想失去女儿，在两难选择中，只好尊重上帝的原意了。 熟睡中苏玛忽然感觉到有人在摇撼她，睁开眼，她吃惊地发现是妈妈。母亲表情恍惚，脸上浮着奇怪的笑容。她惊叫道： "Mother!" 妈妈已经昏迷近10天了，她怎么能突然离开病床走到这里？妈妈显得很年轻，穿着过去爱穿的一件淡紫色的长裙，她把手指放到嘴唇上：“嘘，不要惊动别人，我是来同你告别的，我要上天堂了。” 她言笑盈盈地说。苏玛明白妈妈说的是真话，她马上就要到另一个世界上了。苏玛的眼泪滚滚而下，违心地劝慰着：“妈，不要这样说，你一定会复原的……” 妈妈摇摇头，她无言地、但明白无误地说：不要说这些废话了，其实我们心里都清楚这个结局。妈妈忽然向她身后望去，低声说：“只有一个办法了。” 苏玛扭回头看见了海拉。不知道她是何时来的，她肯定刚淋浴过，浑身赤裸，皮肤上挂着水珠，黑得油光发亮。她的胸部和臀部已经发育起来了，坚挺饱满，显示出黑人少女特有的健美。这会儿她正站在窗前，默默地望着窗外，但苏玛知道，她肯定在侧耳听着这边的谈话。 苏玛泪眼四顾，不知道该怎么办。妈妈的脸上是垂死之人的企盼，海拉身上罩着一触即发的敌意。两边都是她的亲人，她不愿伤害任何一个。很久她才痛苦地说：“妈，我真想把自己的肝脏献出来……” 妈妈失望地摆摆手：“算了，我不会让你为难的。” 海拉肯定听见了，她的头发渐渐直立，蓬开，一束紫芒从她手指上泄出。苏玛十分惊恐，但束手无策，她怕母亲受到海拉的伤害……忽然母亲转身走了，转眼间飘然而逝。 母亲去了，已经离开了人世，她的最后一个愿望没有得到满足，她一定不会原谅自己的。她大声唤着母亲，但忽然之间失音了，她在幽冥之地无声地呐喊着……有人摇撼着她：“苏玛，苏玛，快醒醒！” 苏玛睁开眼，帕米拉正站在面前，焦急地唤她。她很久才走出梦景，一翻身坐起来，急急问道：“妈妈怎么啦？” “夫人清醒了，她要见你，请你快去吧。” 看着帕米拉欲说又止的表情，苏玛知道母亲的清醒不是什么好事，肯定是濒死者的回光返照。她匆匆走进里间，残存的梦景还在咬啮着她的心房。母亲真的醒了，目光十分明亮。父亲身边是格罗得神甫，他刚为母亲作了临终忏悔。看见女儿进来，多娜抬起头，示意她坐在身边。约翰也用目光示意：去吧，孩子，去同母亲诀别吧。妈妈的嘴唇抖动着，苏玛把耳朵凑到她嘴边，听见她断断续续地说：“离开海拉和保罗……建立自己的生活……” 苏玛心酸地点头：“我知道了。” 多娜看来还不相信她的话，她凝聚最后一丝气力，再次郑重地重复着，就像宣读一个可怕的神谕：“离开海拉！……” 声音的凄厉使苏玛打一个寒颤，她不愿让母亲难过，用力点头：“妈，我听见了！”多娜放心地笑笑，头颅歪向一旁。医生和护士急忙冲过来抢救，但大家都知道回天无力了，病人永远闭上了眼睛。老约翰没有说话，把女儿紧紧搂到怀里，他的眼角闪着泪光。 海拉寂寞地待在自己的小天地里，从卧室到图书馆，从游戏室到客厅。 那天晚上，海拉最初不知道自己伤了父亲。一直到一个小时后，她偶然看见爸爸站在穿衣镜前，正困难地包扎着自己的左胁，那儿横着一道焦黑的伤口。不用说，这是自己造成的，如果这道电芒再偏右5公分……海拉感到震惊和疚悔，忘掉了对父亲的敌意，走过去轻声喊：“爸爸……” 爸爸回头瞥了一眼——目光中含有多少无奈！他自己包好伤口，困难地穿上外衣。两人对面相视时，似乎都无话可说。可是想想三个小时前吧，那会儿海拉坐在爸爸膝盖上，有说不完的话语。停了很久，保罗才轻声说：“我受伤的事不要告诉旁人，连妈妈也不要说。听见了吗？” 她知道爸爸是好意，但仍禁不住涌起一团戾气。爸爸无非是说，我是一个危害人类的巫婆，但他爱我，他要我把露出来的一只爪子盖起来。她冷冷地说：“何必隐瞒呢，最好的办法是把我关在一间铁屋里，你说是吗？” 爸爸盯着她，深深地叹口气，走了，从那时起就没有见他。 这两天，只有玛亚陪着她，连玛亚也感到了烦闷，不停地低声吠着，扯着她的衣角往外走。她烦燥地喝斥着，玛亚委屈地摇着尾巴溜到墙角。 女仆维姬送来晚饭时，海拉连一眼也没瞧，冷淡地说；“我不吃，端回去吧。”维姬偷眼看看海拉，她听过很多传言，所以对这个癌人一直心存畏惧，她小心地说：“海拉小姐，吃吧，你已经两顿没有吃饭了。” "Don't eat." 维姬犹豫地说：“要我通知医生吗？” 海拉怒冲冲地说：“你走吧，不要多管闲事！” 维姬为难地犹豫片刻，留下小餐车走了。海拉想，她肯定要去找爸爸或妈妈，一会儿他们就会跑来，关切地把自己搂到怀里哄着，于是一切隔阂、生疏和不满就会烟消云散……维姬独自回来了，歉意地低下头，把小餐车推走。等她一走出房间，海拉的泪水就哗哗地流下来。 dad!Mother!她咬着牙在心里喊着。 深夜两点，海拉听见一楼有异常，平素稳重谦恭的仆人都变了，脚步急促地跑来跑去。她立即猜到，那个她称作外婆的老妇人肯定去世了。 两天的情感牢狱浓缩了她的郁怒，她歹毒地想，她去世了，再不会有人拿我的肝脏去为她治病了。这个想法让她打个寒颤。不，我不该这么想。外婆和自己虽然没有太多的亲情，但毕竟她是个可怜的病人，是个醇和温厚的老人啊。她偷偷溜出房间，趴在楼梯转角处往下看。外公、阿尔伯特等人都在那间卧室兼病房里进出，仆人们手捧寿衣走进去。妈妈出来了，她已被悲伤摧垮，眼神茫然空洞，爸爸在一边搀扶着，低声劝慰着。他们向这边走来。海拉老早就用目光迎候着，苏玛瞥见女儿发亮的眼睛，她的眼神突然抖颤一下，垂下去……她随即又抬头看着女儿，伤心地说：“海拉，外婆去世了。” 但这刹那的目光抖颤早被海拉看到了，她也知道这是为什么。她悲伤地想，我真不愿长大，