The Secrets She Carries

Five years into their marriage, Tobias Stevens faced bankruptcy and was burdened with huge debt.

He was in poor health and worked odd jobs at an old warehouse. His earnings were barely enough to cover the rent.

To support the family, Dorothy worked by day and collected bottles from roadside bins to sell for money in the evenings, often taking her daughter, Margaret Stevens, with her.

On Dorothy's birthday, Margaret surprised Dorothy with a cheap cupcake bought with coins she had saved for half a year.

Dorothy was deeply moved. After saving diligently for months, she finally gathered enough money to buy tickets and take Margaret to the amusement park she had always dreamed of visiting.

As they reached the entrance, they unexpectedly saw Tobias there. One of his arms was around the waist of his first love, Liza Briggs.

His other arm was holding Liza's daughter, Sandra Briggs. They were heading towards the rides.

"Daddy..." Margaret called out loudly to Tobias's back.

A staff member of the amusement park immediately turned around and stopped Dorothy and Margaret. "Sorry, but the amusement park is closed for a private event hosted by Mr. Stevens today. You'll have to come back another day."

"You... you must be mistaken. How could Mr. Stevens have rented out the entire amusement park? He doesn't have any money at all.

Dorothy couldn't believe her ears.

The staff member gave her a disdainful look and said with sarcasm, "How do you know Mr. Stevens does not have any money? He's the president of Misys Group. He is rich enough to rent one hundred amusement parks, not to mention this one."

Dorothy felt a heavy weight on her chest. Her lips turned pale as she could not utter a single word.

Margaret looked up and gently tugged at Dorothy's sleeve.

She asked innocently, "Mommy, does Daddy have a lot of money?"

Dorothy lowered her head and looked into Margaret's eager eyes. She was unsure how to respond at that moment.

Of course, the president of Misys Group would be wealthy.

Dorothy felt as if a heavy weight was crushing her chest, suffocating her as she saw Margaret in clothes that were too small.

She tried to say something, but no words came out.

Margaret perhaps sensed Dorothy's sadness and shook her head understandingly. She smiled and comforted Dorothy, saying, "Mommy, don't be upset. Maybe Daddy is busy. Let's go home now. We can come back to the park when he's not busy next time."

Her voice grew lower until it faded away.