Chapter 40 The Root Cause
“Is Joshua’s health really that bad?” Shirley asked, her voice wavering.
49
+8 Pearls
Wendy nodded solemnly. “Severe anemia, chronic malnutrition, and heart problems caused by insufficient blood supply. The police said he’s been renting a small house on the outskirts of town, in at rural slum. Apparently, he’s been selling live crabs and shrimp to make ends meet.”
“How could he even…” Shirley swallowed hard. “How could he come up with something like that?”
“I don’t know,” Wendy replied softly. “I asked Hazel to look into it. Recently, the prices of live crabs and shrimp have skyrocketed. He probably saw it as an opportunity to earn some money.”
Shirley remained silent, her thoughts churning. When has our family ever been so desperate for money? Why would he resort to something like that?
Then, it hit her–Maggie, their mom, only gave Joshua 70 dollars a month for living expenses. That paltry sum felt suffocating to even think about.
Without another word, Shirley asked Wendy to send the rest of the messages to her phone and left the
room.
Back in her own room, Shirley still couldn’t bring herself to open the messages. She lay stiffly on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Her mind raced with fragmented thoughts, struggling to make sense of the situation.
The more she dwelled on it, the more terrifying it became. What have we done to him?
Joshua had been missing for several days.
The house remained unnervingly calm.
The new semester began.
Frankie returned to school, and only then did Maggie and David seem to remember that one of their children had been missing. In a panic, they contacted the police.
When Frankie came home, neither of them dared to utter Joshua’s name.
The police responded, informing them that Wendy had already resolved the matter. Surprised, Maggie immediately sought Wendy out.
“Wendy, what’s going on? Did you find Joshua yesterday?” Maggie demanded.
Wendy looked at her parents, a deep bitterness welling up inside her. She nodded. “He’s not missing. I found him. He’s moved out.”
“Moved out? Where could he possibly have gone?” Maggie’s voice rose. “That insolent boy! How dare he stay away for six or seven days without coming home?”
7:19 pm
Chapter 40 The Root Cause
+8 Pearls
Wendy met her mom’s anger with a weary sigh. “Joshua rented a room in a slum on the outskirts of town. He’s staying there now. I don’t think he’s planning to come back.”
“What?” Maggie’s voice was sharp with disbelief. “Does he think he’s an adult and can live on his own now?”
“Mom, have you ever gone to his school to check on him? Do you even know that Joshua has been sick- very sick?” Wendy asked, her voice laced with exasperation.
“Sick?” Maggie’s anger gave way to confusion.
“These are his medical records,” Wendy said, holding them up. “Yesterday, he collapsed. I took him to the hospital, and the doctors ran some tests.”
Her voice trembled as she continued. “The doctor said he has severe anemia, is chronically malnourished. underweight, and frail. His heart and blood production are compromised. He has a head injury that’s infected and pneumonia on top of it.”
Maggie and David stared at her, stunned. They snatched the medical records and began poring over them.
This…” David’s face darkened as he scanned the papers..
“Dad! If there’s nothing else, I’ll head to the office now. I have a lot to do and need to stop by there first!” Wendy said.
She suddenly found herself unsure of how to approach the subject of Joshua with her parents. It was far too difficult to discuss.
Even if she did tell them, Maggie and David would likely dismiss Joshua as being melodramatic, faking an illness. After all, this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.
Joshua’s departure from the Frasers wasn’t because of her or Shirley–it was more likely due to Frankie. Maggie, and David.
Especially Maggie and David.
They were the root cause!
If they couldn’t see it, nothing would change. Perhaps it would even be better for Joshua to live on his own.
At least he would be spared some of the torment and punishment.
If Joshua returned, he would probably face some form of punishment from Maggie, whether it be forced to stand in the corner or locked in his room.
Wendy quickly left the house. By then, the storm had passed, and the sun had come out, the sky clear and bright.
Wendy breathed in deeply, feeling the warmth of the sunlight, which provided some comfort.
7:19 pm
Chapter 40 The Root Cause
+8 Pearls
Maggie and David watched her leave, a hint of surprise in their expressions as they exchanged a glance. and then turned their attention to the medical records in their hands.
8 88
