Page 140 of Salute, To Bravery
Once I was done, I drove to Ophelia’s house. I knew it was late, but I didn’t care. My heart needed to see her; I needed her comforting words and hugs. I just needed her.
Chapter Twenty.
Ophelia
Today had been a busy day at the animal shelter. It seemed like everyone at the zoo wanted to see the animals. I loved to see animals find a new home, even though it was sad at times. Connecting with the animals was my favorite part of the job. I loved working with cats and dogs, especially the dogs. The dogs were so playful.
The worst part was seeing the owners have to get rid of their animals. It was always heartbreaking to see these animals thrown away because the owners deemed them unfit. No matter what the reason may be, it was always hard on the animals and their owners.
I had finally gotten home after a long day, and the work continued. I had a lot of paperwork, as six animals had been adopted that day. Today was so exhilarating, though.
I had just sat down, ready to do my work, when I heard a knock at the door. I unwillingly got up and unlocked the door.
Violet came rushing through the door with tear marks all over her face.What happened?
“Daisy, are you okay,” I asked her.
“Does it look like I’m okay?” she yelled. “I found out that my dad was why you went to Japan. He didn’t even try—” She took a deep breath. “He admitted it straight out. And he’s homophobic, yay,” she said sarcastically, then she broke. “I thought he would support you—support us, and me. I guess I was wrong.” Tears rolled down her face.
Something more than anger took over my body. I felt deep rage in my bones. It wasn’t the fact that he had sent me away. It was the fact that he’d hurt Violet this badly. He hurt my daisy, and for that, he would burn.
“I’m gonna kill him.” I grabbed my keys—not even realizing my actions. “He doesn’t get to treat you like that and go unharmed.”
“Please,” she grabbed my arm pleadingly, “just stay here, with me,” she finished in a whisper.
Everything inside me wanted to rip his heart from his throat, but when I looked into her eyes, I knew where I needed to be. I needed to be here.
“Okay,” I breathed, setting everything down as she clung to me. “Do you want to watch anything?”
She nodded with a smile and led me to the couch. I gave her the remote, and she picked out a little kids’ movie.It was only five minutes later that she had fallen asleep.
I started on the paperwork, but something inside me still buzzed.How could a parent not support their child one hundred percent? How could a parent do that?
I wanted to make him pay for what he did to Violet. The parents’ job is to protect their children, not to harm them. The parents’ job is to support them, love them, be there when they fall, and not throw them out like they are nothing.
Anger built up in my bones as I continued my paperwork. I tried to keep calm. I tried to focus on the paperwork, but all I thought about was how angry I was at Mr. Bride for sending me away, for making Violet choose between her life and him. Foreverything he had done. He had been her savior, and I did not doubt that it was the other way around as well, but now, she would be his downfall.Iwould be his downfall.
My one question was, how did he find me? He would have had to befriend my sergeant after looking me up.Did he despise me that much?
I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t just sit here and do nothing. Seeing Violet like that was something that I couldn’t handle, and I didn’t want to see her like that ever again. I knew I would see her distraught and hurt, but hopefully never to that extent again.
Before long, I was done with my paperwork. I shut off the TV and placed the papers in my work bag. I got up and made some tea to help me calm down.
After drinking the whole cup, I brushed my teeth and fell into a shallow sleep.
???
Violet left that morning; she was calmer than the night before, which gave me some peace but not a lot. She might have come to peace with it, but I hadn’t. There was only one person who could give me the answers that I wanted. And if he didn’t tell me what I wanted, I needed a backup plan. So, I talked to a few girls from my platoon, and they said that they had heard a rumor about our sergeant having a relationship with an airwoman.That’s good enough.
I dialed the number and put the phone to my ear. Hearing the ringing gave me some peace but lots of anxiety.What am I doing?Before I could hang up, the ringing stopped.
“Yes?”
My heart was in my throat. I could feel a deep burning feeling in my stomach. My head felt light. Everything paused for a moment. I could feel my heart in my stomach and legs.
“Hello,” he asked.
“Yes, hello,” I finally answered, trying to keep my voice controlled but failing.
