After Rebirth I Chose to Opt Out of the Lottery Novel

Chapter 12 288 Vouchers I drifted into a long , hazy dream . It was about the day Roger confessed to me . He'd been gone all day without a trace , finally rushing back to the orphanage around eight or nine in the evening . He led me to the orange grove behind the hills and produced a little blue fish - shaped cake from behind his back . " Happy birthday , Laura . " None of us orphans ever celebrated birthdays , and I didn't even know mine . Candlelight flickered in Roger's clear eyes like fire falling into blue ocean . " Ten years ago today , you came to the orphanage .

So today's both your birthday and our tenth anniversary . " " Laura , I love you . " " I want to protect you forever . I stood on tiptoe trying to kiss him , but he was too tall . Grabbing his collar , I pulled him down to my level and pressed my lips to his . " You have to love me forever . Otherwise , just go die ! " But now ... seems like I'm the one dying . Annoying beeps from machines filled the air . Then I heard the doctor scolding Brian . " Reckless ! That tumor in her brain is critical ! And you took her to Pennsylvania of all places ! " The doctor said I was lucky to be alive .

Michelle took leave just to berate me . " Laura , got a death wish ? Going there ! Don't know you your own condition ... ? " Her voice broke into sobs . " No no , I didn't mean that . You'll never die . You won't die . " The doctor said chemotherapy would just prolong my suffering now . Brian's angry shout carried down the hallway . " Quack doctor ! Can't even treat patients properly ! 0.00 % 11:19 Chapter 12 We're changing hospitals ! " I tugged his sleeve . " Let's go . Take me back to visit . " 1288 Vouchers Michelle caught up after paying bills . " Gotta say ...

seeing your backs just now ? Reminded me of you and Roger at the orphanage . You were just as skinny then ... " She gave herself a hard slap . " Stupid mouth ! Always saying wrong things ! " I gently rubbed her cheek . " Don't hit yourself . " Since I fell ill prematurely and couldn't complete the journey , Roger and I hadn't reached our divorce appointment at City Hall yet when we returned . Michelle took extended leave to accompany me back to the orphanage . We cleaned for hours until it finally resembled its former self . My last wish was to reopen that orphanage .

Returning home , I began packing my belongings - mostly clothes and daily necessities . Though hardly useful to me now , I feared leaving them might sadden Roger later . Halfway through packing , exhaustion overwhelmed me . I slumped on the stairs , gasping desperately , when Roger pushed the door open . I strained to steady my breathing , hiding my frailty . He looked visibly thinner too . " Just grabbing some things , " he said . " Let me help . " Perhaps it was better this way . In my current state , hiding my condition from Roger seemed impossible .

As he folded clothes into the suitcase , his back turned , he murmured , " You've lost weight . " I managed a faint smile . " Dieting . " Kneeling before the luggage , Roger kept his back to me . " Laura ... I don't want the divorce anymore . " My breath hitched . He continued , " I finally understand . I was selfish - obsessed with keeping Mom alive , never considering that euthanasia might've been her peace . " 40.87 % 11:19 Chapter 12 288 Vouchers " Nothing ever happened with Anna . I only wanted to provoke you . Seeing you jealous ... somehow cased my guilt . I'm sorry . Can we ...

not end this ? " He still had his back to me , but I knew he was crying . Almost . Almost , my resolve wavered . I took the suitcase , eyes fixed on the floor . Meeting his gaze would shatter my determination . My voice trembled , barely perceptible . " Roger ... you must move forward . Live fully . " His hand reached for mine , stirring the air . A strand of my hair loosened , drifting onto his open palm .