Chapter 50. Helpless

The woman looked away and continued.

“Many of us end it when we can’t take the pain anymore,” she said. “Some bite through their veins. Others find a way to hang themselves from the sink pipes. That’s the only freedom we’re allowed here.”

Aria whispered, “You’re not going to do that.”

The woman hesitated.

“What choice do I have? I was planning on cutting my tummy open and bleeding to death.”

Tears came into her eyes.

Aria felt her own eyes wet to her surprise.

“I never knew I could feel such strong emotions for strangers. I want to help them. I want to help each and every one of them,” she said to herself.

She leaned closer to the woman, then whispered,

“You have a choice. Promise me you won't harm yourself. You’ve survived this long. You’re strong, you have to keep surviving.”

The woman looked up again, tired but curious.

“Strong? No, I am helpless and weak.”

“No, you are strong,” Aria countere