Chapter 280: Seeking Death
"Get moving! Why are you dragging your feet?" Peggy snapped.
"I'll be back soon," Pinkman replied helplessly as he hurried toward the supermarket.
As Peggy watched him leave, she turned her wheelchair to face the busy street.
Peggy spotted a bus approaching and struggled to maneuver her wheelchair onto the road.
*Honk! Honk!* Drivers were startled by the sight of an elderly woman in a wheelchair darting into the street, quickly pressing their horns and swerving to avoid her.
Fortunately, it was a crowded street, and traffic wasn't moving fast. Small cars could easily swerve around Peggy, but the bus would have a harder time avoiding her.
"Peggy!" Pinkman had just reached the supermarket entrance when he heard the cacophony of horns. He turned to see Peggy in the middle of the road, his heart racing in fear.
He dashed into the street, positioning himself in front of Peggy to shield her from the bus.
"What are you doing? Get back!" Peggy shouted urgently, banging on her wheelchair.
Luckily, the bus driver was experienced and managed to brake in time, narrowly missing both Pinkman and Peggy.
"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" Pinkman quickly apologized, pushing Peggy back onto the sidewalk.
"You scared me to death!" Pinkman collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath, his heart pounding.
In that moment of crisis, he had acted impulsively, but now that they were safe, a wave of fear washed over him, and he felt cold sweat soaking his clothes.
"Tsk!" Peggy clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"What happened? What's going on?" Frank asked, returning with a bag of medicine and looking puzzled at the scene.
Pinkman quickly explained what had just transpired.
"Mom, did you deliberately try to scare us by rushing into traffic?" Frank immediately realized her intentions.
"Blame that little brat! If that bus had hit me, you could've sued the government and made a fortune," Peggy grumbled.
Peggy truly was a cunning old trickster, even in her methods of seeking death. Or perhaps she wanted to leave a little something for her family before she passed.
"We're not lacking for money, but Mom, why would you want to throw your life away?" Frank asked.
"Why else would I want to die? I simply don't want to live anymore," Peggy replied, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. The cigarette and the medicine were both stashed in her bag.
"My body is failing me. I suffer every night, even dealing with incontinence. What's the point of living like this? I've come to terms with it; the sooner I go, the better."
"If it were the old you, you'd be wishing for me to die under the wheels of that bus," Peggy added.
Frank found himself at a loss for words, unable to persuade her. Pinkman opened his mouth but didn't know what to say either.
Ultimately, Frank decided to take Peggy home and informed Sammy and Fiona about what had happened, keeping the details from the other kids.
"Peggy actually wants to end her life," Fiona gasped.
"She wanted to get hit by a bus so we could sue the government? That sounds just like Peggy," Sammy couldn't help but comment.
Having taken care of Peggy for the longest time, Sammy had picked up on her thoughts long ago, even if the other kids helped out occasionally.
"Should we send Peggy to a hospice?" Fiona suggested, considering the professionals.
"Let's wait and see," Frank replied.
The next day, Frank and the others took Peggy to the hospice.
"Hospice care is designed for those with serious illnesses, focusing on a humane approach to care. We emphasize the quality of life, neither hastening nor delaying death but providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support," the staff member explained to Frank and the others.
They were shown around the facility, which had a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The environment was excellent, with many patients being cared for by nurses, though each looked half-alive.
This made sense; after all, it was a hospice, and all the patients there were nearing death, many having one foot in the grave.
"We have physical therapists, massage therapists, grief counselors, and chaplains for last rites. You can also bring personal items from home to help make your stay as comfortable as possible," the staff member continued.
"Are those activities by Melani and Mrs. McCormick?" they asked as they arrived at a cozy seating area.
A few women were seated on the couch, one strumming a guitar while others sang "Amazing Grace."
"Amazing Grace" is a popular gospel song that expresses themes of repentance, gratitude, and rebirth. Its simple and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply with believers, celebrating the lives of those who have passed.
It felt somewhat akin to the "Great Compassion Mantra" but was much more melodious.
However, in this setting, hearing "Amazing Grace" carried an inexplicable feeling of despair and stillness.
"This place has a nice atmosphere," Fiona whispered.
"Yeah, it seems quite nice," Sammy nodded in agreement.
"If you're concerned about financial issues, we can also utilize health insurance or medical assistance," the staff member added.
"Money isn't the issue; we just want to make sure she's comfortable. Um? Where's Peggy?" Frank said, turning around only to find Peggy had vanished.
Looking up, he saw Peggy pushing her wheelchair toward the exit.
"Peggy, where are you going?" Frank and the others hurried after her.
"Get lost! I can't stay here any longer! I can't spend another second in this place; I'm suffocating! Hurry up and take me home!"
"This place is like a den of death; it's a graveyard filled with death merchants, making money off the dying. They wear black cloaks and carry scythes—just like the Grim Reaper. I'd rather shoot myself than live here!" Peggy exclaimed passionately.
"Peggy!" Frank rushed to stop her.
"Hurry! I can't stand it here! I don't want to spend another second in this place; take me home!" Peggy was visibly agitated, even reaching into her bag as if to pull out a gun, prompting everyone to quickly calm her down.
"We're going home. I also feel uncomfortable. Peggy, let's get out of here," Frank said.
Everything in the hospice appeared quite pleasant—the climate, the environment, the care—but there was an indescribable feeling of hopelessness, as if life had reached its end.