Chapter 11 - An Old Hospital Record Revealed Why Leo Was Chosen, and Roman Finally Told Me the Truth About His Sister
Leo was found in a locked examination room.
He was frightened and dehydrated.
But he was alive.
I held him until my arms ached.
He smelled of soap and stale crackers.
He asked whether we could go home.
I promised we would.
At the hospital, doctors checked him carefully.
Park took his statement with a specialist.
No one made him repeat it for me.
I was grateful for that mercy.
Leo said Julian wanted a password.
He believed I knew where my mother hid records.
But I knew nothing.
Roman sat beside us in the waiting room.
He told me Evelyn had helped my mother.
They had uncovered fraudulent medical charges.
Families were billed for treatments never performed.
Donations intended for children were diverted.
My mother had kept copies before she died.
Evelyn tried to expose the scheme afterward.
Her death had silenced the investigation.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Roman stared at his hands.
"I was ashamed."
He had funded the foundation.
He had ignored Evelyn's warnings.
I did not absolve him.
But I saw the difference between guilt and concealment.
"Help Park finish this," I said.
He nodded.
Leo stirred against my shoulder.
"Mom, the lady said Grandma left a song."
I went still.
My mother used to sing while cooking.
She never remembered all the verses.
But she always repeated one strange line.
Under the bluebird, where the river bends.
May you like
I had thought it was nonsense.
Now it sounded like directions.
Related Stories
