Chapter 42 - Fever

Marie ate four loaves with butter silently. The silence suddenly made her want to go home right away. Again, tears ran from her eyes and she felt pain in them from crying too much before she tried to sleep. Her eyes were lumpy, but she was afraid her colleagues would wake up if she cried loudly. The majority of them ignored her when she passed them from the living room and the kitchen, while only a few just nodded with fake smiles. Her instincts told her that they were fake smiles and gestures.

Marie talked to God in silence.

“Father, if this is Your chastisement for me, help me to carry them. Help me face them. Please give me the strength to bear this pain. Who am I anyway? My childhood brought pain as bullies greeted me everywhere. They came whether from my own siblings, family, friends, and enemies who laughed when they saw when I was in pain. I was always crying and would sit on one of the branches of the tree, looking at the lush greenery as a haven. Then, You gave me the respon