Chapter 297 The Prosthetic Fell Off
Matthew grabbed Mary in a swift move, dodging the dude who tripped in.
That guy hit the floor hard.
"Matthew."
Laura's soft voice came through, sounding a bit hurt.
Matthew and Mary looked down and gasped. Laura was struggling to get up, her prosthetic leg had come off!
Mary's eyes went wide.
Matthew's face tightened.
Laura balanced on one leg, staring at the fallen prosthetic. Shock washed over her face, then deep sadness and a hint of shame.
"Sorry, did I scare you? I didn't mean to. I'll fix it right now."
She scrambled to pick up the prosthetic, trying to reattach it.
But she was all shaky, her hands trembling, and she couldn't get it on.
Suddenly, she started crying.
"I feel so useless. I've been used to my prosthetic limb, but now I can't even put it on."
She sat on the floor, crying her heart out.
Mary was at a loss for words.
She tugged on Matthew's sleeve and said, "Hey, maybe you should help her?"
Matthew's face tightened again. He looked at the prosthetic and finally bent down to pick it up.
"Matthew, don't!"
But Laura freaked out, snatching the prosthetic and holding it tight, not letting Matthew touch it.
Matthew said, "I'll help you put it on."
"No, please, don't touch it. I don't want you to see me like this. I'm too ugly, Matthew. Don't look at me."
Laura clutched the prosthetic, trying to get up and leave, but she was wobbly on one leg. After a couple of steps, she stumbled and fell backward!
Matthew's eyes were intense. He suddenly pushed Mary forward.
Mary was shocked, but her body reacted before her mind did. She instinctively reached out and caught Laura, asking, "Ms. Griffin, are you okay?"
The room fell into an awkward silence.
Laura pulled away, a cold glint in her eyes, but her face was full of sadness and embarrassment. "Seeing me like this, you must be happy, right? You're healthy, not like me, missing a leg. Even walking is hard now."
Mary was stunned and shook her head. "I didn't mean that, I..."
"I get it, no need to explain!" Laura cut her off, "I'm done with Matthew. Leaving tomorrow. Just came to say bye. Didn't expect it to end like this."
She hugged the prosthetic, trying to look strong, but her shaky figure was heartbreaking.
Mary said, "I'll take you back. Which floor do you live on?"
"No need," Laura refused, then turned to Matthew, "Matthew, goodbye."
With that, she hopped towards the elevator, looking thin, awkward, and fragile.
Matthew suddenly walked over and supported her arm. "Let me help you."
Laura's eyes welled up. "Matthew, no need, I can do it myself."
Matthew didn't say anything, just supported her towards the elevator.
Laura looked at him, tears falling. The affection in her eyes was so intense it seemed like it could melt him.
Mary stood at the door, watching them.
