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Not one Thompson called or showed concern.
Only Lily contacted her, sending a photo of a family dinner.
In it, Ethan and Lucian flanked Lily protectively – one feeding her ham, the other offering juice.
Across from them sat Mr and Mrs Thompson, beaming lovingly.
A year ago, this photo would have devastated Sophia.
Sophia was hospitalized for two days, ignored by her "family".
Yet for Lily, they drove hours to her favourite countryside restaurant.
Mrs Thompson who hated fatigue showed none of it.
Ethan who despised Eastern food ate it willingly for Lily.
Even Mr Thompson, perpetually busy with work and social engagements, rarely seen for family meals, appeared frequently in Lily’s photos.
Sophia realized that ‘No time’ was just an excuse for disinterest in her.
"Sophia, when are you discharged?"
"Mom and Dad took me to this amazing restaurant today."
"It’s a bit far, but the food’s superb, and the view is breathtaking."
"You should join us sometime!"
Lily then video-called Sophia, ostensibly to show the scenery, but really to rub Sophia’s nose in the family’s happiness without her.
"Okay, maybe."
"Ethan, Sophia looks much better! I tell her to get well soon…"
Lily maneuvered the camera towards Ethan’s face.
Ethan lazily glanced at the screen, then he looked down at his phone.
"Ethan, stop playing with your phone!"
"We’re enjoying our vacation there, while Sophia is alone in the hospital!"
"Tell her something! Promise to bring her here when she’s better…"
"She’s been here before…"
Ethan snatched Lily’s phone in annoyance, cutting the video feed to the ceiling.
Unfazed by Ethan’s impatience, Lily retrieved her phone and leaned towards Lucian.
"Lucian, Sophia called for you guys while feverish, but you didn’t go to the hospital."
"You haven’t explained it yet, have you?"
"Lucian, here’s your chance! Tell Sophia you couldn’t come because you were taking my cat to the vet for neutering as we’ve promised!"
Lily’s final words made Sophia’s face pale.
So that’s why Lucian didn’t come that night? To take Lily’s cat to the vet?
Sophia hung up immediately.
Even Lily’s cat was more important to her.
"What’s your problem!"
Lucian called Sophia back immediately.
Sophia’s red-rimmed eyes were clearly visible to Lucian. She choked up, tears threatening.
Fearing her voice would crack, she just shook her head slightly.
"Sophia, Lily’s cat has been in heat, yowling constantly."
"Lily’s about to take finals. If she’s kept awake, it could affect her performance."
"Taking the cat to the vet was a promise I made earlier. I truly didn’t have time for you."
"Didn’t you get yourself a boyfriend? If you’re really feeling neglected in the hospital, why not call him?"
"Why the drama act with us?"
