ter 6
Chapter 6
I woke up in the hospital as dawn’s birds began their chorus at 4 AM.
Alex’s fair complexion, already pale, appeared even more stark against the white walls and his dark hair, though tonight he looked unusually weary.
“Hadn’t it healed? Why such severe pain suddenly?” Seeing me awake, he gently massaged my stomac
On the bedside table sat an unfamiliar thermos. Come to think of it, unfamiliar items often appeared in
our home.
Following my gaze, he explained: “I ordered some porridge. Feel up to trying some if you’re better?”
I looked away, flexing my fingers: “Did you know the stomach is an emotional organ? Maybe my
emotions are sick.”
He laughed softly: “Who upset you? Tell me, I’ll deal with them.”
His typical response – he’d often made similar unconscious promises before.
I’d always dismissed them. What could he do, a common man with nothing but his strength?
After witnessing him violently kick down someone who’d verbally harassed me, I tried to minimize telling him about troubles I faced outside.
We couldn’t afford compensation or medical bills from impulsive actions, so I learned to let things go when possible.
Except that one time, facing workplace harassment, I risked termination to gather evidence, publish it, and sue – only to be silenced by false rumors.
I was so broken that when he casually asked, I poured out all my grief in tears.
Then mysteriously, things turned around.
The company launched an unprecedented internal investigation, the police got involved, and the manager who had long harassed female employees was arrested. I submitted my resignation.
I pulled back the covers, getting up to put on my shoes.
He caught my wrist: “Where are you going?”
“Work.” I steadied myself on the bed, looking up at him with a smile. “I’m better now. If I hurry home to
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Chapter 6
get ready, I won’t be late.”
“A sick day costs $85. Too expensive.”
“Emma, don’t be ridiculous…”
“You go to work too,” I pushed him gently. “No taking time off.”
Alex went to consult with the doctor, who followed him respectfully.
So many details I’d overlooked before now seemed crystal clear.
Like this fragrant gourmet porridge, the homemade wine from “colleagues” stored at home, and those artisanal pastries never seen in regular shops.
