Chapter 24: In the attic
Chapter 24: In the attic
I stepped back in shock, unsure of how to react to what Doday had just admitted. I couldn't believe that she, too, was a victim. Her tear-filled eyes were fixed on me, pleading for understanding and comfort. I embraced her, offering the only solace I could provide in that moment. "I want to expose him, Lyka... I planned to report him to Miss Linda and Madam, but then I overheard them discussing how Madam would simply offer money to those who had suffered at his hands. I don't even want to call him 'Sir'! He doesn't deserve any respect! He's a monster!" Doday cried out, and I held her tighter, feeling her pain seeping through. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as Doday poured out her anguish. Her pain resonated deeply within me because I, too, carried the weight of Kiro's despicable actions. The anger and disgust I felt towards him at first consumed me. I wanted justice, to expose him for the monster he was. My initial instinct was to report him to the police, to ensure he faced the consequences of his actions, too. Especially during those times…. Tears streamed down my face as I held onto Doday, knowing that she understood the depth of my despair. The pain of remembering the moment I entered his room, the fear and confusion that engulfed me, haunted my thoughts. "Shhh... Don't cry, Doday," I whispered softly, my words offering little comfort but still filled with empathy. "He almost took away what mattered most to me, Lyka... He fucking molested me! Thankfully, I managed to escape his room... His touch was repulsive! I can still feel it, how he violated me," she trembled as she recounted her experience. I allowed her to release her emotions, understanding the weight she had been carrying. "During my time here in the mansion, I've changed... I've become someone different, hiding behind a mask of smiles and laughter to hide the disgust inside me," Doday confessed. Her words made me think back to her smiles, laughter, and trademark phrase ‘oh my gosh’. I had believed it was genuine, but now I realized it was forced. As Doday regained her composure, she held my shoulders, looking into my eyes, searching for
truth or deception. "So when I asked you yesterday if something else happened after the kiss, Lyka... Was there anything else? Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?" she stammered, her voice filled with concern. Doday's hands held onto my shoulders with a firm grip, showing how genuinely concerned she was for my well-being. Her eyes searched mine, filled with worry and care. She wanted to make sure that nothing bad had happened to me. I could feel the strength and support in her touch, reassuring me that she was there for me. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Are you okay, Lyka? Did he do anything to you? Is there anything else?" I took a moment to gather my thoughts, grateful for her concern. With a shaky voice, "Doday... I also have something to admit..." I murmured, lowering my head onto her shoulder. I needed to share my secret with someone, to ease the burden I was carrying. This was what I needed during that time. This was the hug I needed, the person to talkt to that I needed. Before I could say anything, she tightly embraced me, already knowing what I was about to reveal. We both sobbed, finding solace in each other's pain. At that moment, we were united. "That's what I've been saying! He's a monster, Lyka! When did you enter his room?" she demanded. I nodded and shook my head in response to her question, overwhelmed by a mix of relief and heaviness in my chest. I couldn't fully understand my own emotions. At first, I saw Kiro as a demon, consumed by his own desires and causing harm to others. His actions left me feeling violated and angry, unable to see beyond the pain he had inflicted. But as I learned about his condition, the illness that held him captive and robbed him of control, my perspective shifted. Then, realization hit me hard. Kiro was not a monster reveling in his wickedness; he was a slave to his own illness. He couldn't control himself, couldn't fight against the relentless urges that plagued him. At that moment, my anger transformed into pity. I saw him differently now, not as a demon but as someone trapped in a never-ending battle with his own mind and body. It was as if he was at the mercy of a force beyond his control, a prisoner within his own skin. The weight of his affliction became apparent, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of
compassion. The realization didn't excuse his actions or erase the pain I had endured, but it allowed me to understand the deeper reasons at play. Instead of condemning him outright, I couldn't help but pity him for the torment he endured daily. My heart ached for the struggle he faced, torn between his desires and the knowledge that he was causing harm to others. Doday's words struck me like a blow, filled with anger and frustration. She saw Kiro as a demon, but I saw him differently. "He's not a demon, Doday. It's his condition," I tried to explain, but she was taken aback by my words. "Can you hear yourself, Lyka?! It was damn our dignity! You woman! Wake up!" Doday's words echoed through my ears, filled with anger and frustration. Tears streamed down both our faces as she screamed at me, demanding that I wake up and recognize the violation of our dignity. "Do you think he wanted any of this, Doday? It hurt me deeply, he r*ped me, but it's not entirely his fault," I struggled to find the right words. Doday hugged me tightly, and I could see her nodding, trying to understand. "I should have told someone, but I kept it all inside. Thank you for being here with me," I expressed my gratitude, a sincere smile crossing my lips. Doday urged me to report Kiro, especially because he had raped me. She wanted us to go to Madam and seek justice. However, fear and uncertainty gripped me. "I don't want to, Doday," I confessed. Her shock was evident as she stared at me. "Let's report him, Lyka—" "What for? To be cast aside and given a small sum of money? Is that justice? We need justice, but it won't be served because he didn't intend to harm us. It's his condition. And besides, I can't risk losing my job, Doday. I have a family to support!" I explained, the weight of my responsibilities heavy on my shoulders. As we continued our conversation, my head began to ache, overwhelmed by the emotions and the choices before us. Reporting Kiro felt like an accusation that wouldn't bring back what was lost or
erase the scars we carried. Doday took a deep breath, finally understanding my perspective. "Alright, if that's what you want," she conceded. We stayed in the attic, talking and drying our tears, before finally leaving its confines. Our hearts may have been heavy, but we knew that we would face whatever lay ahead together.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.