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I walked alongside Lucila, our lips barely parting, heading towards the park away from the hospital.

Honestly, I appreciated the silence surrounding us; it helped me think clearly about what had happened, and she seemed unaffected by my quietness.

Despite her young age, she seemed to understand that I didn't want to engage in an uncomfortable conversation.

After walking for what felt like an eternity, we stopped by the lake in the dense forest. Only a few patients passed by occasionally, offering brief greetings before disappearing down the paved path.

Enchanted by the fluttering butterflies, Lucila ran around with a bright smile, trying to catch moths with her tiny hands. As she was distracted, I hid my face in my hands, shielding her blue eyes from my tears.

The piercing pain coursed through my body every time I recalled Deborah's degrading treatment. Once again, she had used me at her whim, humiliating me at her convenience, making me look like a complete fool.

When Lucila gently s