The test results weren’t very serious, so I told Michael to drive us home from the hospital.
As the car traversed along the overpass, neither of us said a word. He was clearly worried about his precious childhood sweetheart. On the other hand, I was thinking about how to ask for a divorce.
Soon, his phone suddenly rang. The screen lit up with Lily’s name, flashing again and again.
He glanced at me instinctively. When he saw my expression hadn’t changed, he disconnected the Bluetooth and picked up the call.
Her voice came through loud and clear. I could hear her crying on the other end.
"Michael... I’m scared..."
The car jolted to a sudden stop, tires screeching across the road for several yards.
Bang! My head slammed into the window, but Michael didn’t even check on me.
"Lily, don’t panic. Just tell me what’s wrong!"
"I didn’t catch what the doctor said. He told me to get a blood test, but I’m scared," she sobbed louder. "I’m all alone. I don’t want to do it by myself... Can’t you come? Please? I’m really scared..."
Michael went silent then, but I could feel his eyes on me.
I rubbed the side of my head, which was already red from the impact. "If I told you not to go, would you actually stay?"
He hesitated for a split second. Then, he gave me his answer, "I’m sorry, Emily. She’s just a girl alone in the hospital. I really can’t leave her like that."
I gave him a flat, bitter smile.
So leaving me, a patient, alone on an overpass? That was fine.
So he could just run off guilt-free to be with his little sweetheart?
"You can go," I said. "But leave the car. I’ll drive myself back."
He froze. He knew I couldn’t drive and that I was terrified of it.
Back when I was still taking lessons, I’d been in a car accident—a pileup right on an overpass just like this one. My training car had been crushed in the middle, and I’d nearly died. Since then, I hadn’t touched a steering wheel.
Michael knew that. Nevertheless, without hesitation, he opened the door and got out.
"Emily, don’t be difficult. I’ll be back soon!"
At some point, it had started to rain. He left me there alone on the overpass, then ran off into the storm, disappearing into the blur of traffic.
I sat by myself in the car, wearing a twisted smile.
"Michael, we’re really done this time."
I pulled out my phone and called for a driver.
After I got dropped off at home, there was still no sign of him. No texts. No calls. It wasn’t until I’d packed my things, folded my clothes, and sorted the drawers that he finally called.
Even through the phone, I could hear his voice dripping with guilt.
"Emily, I’m sorry. Lily’s just not doing well right now. She's probably traumatized from yesterday. I need to stay with her today."
I didn’t say a word.
His voice softened, trying to soothe me. "Don’t worry, Emily. I promise I’ll be home tomorrow."
When I hung up, I sat still for a long moment.
The house was cold, silent, and empty.
Somehow, tears had already formed at the corners of my eyes.
I grabbed my phone and made a call.
"Mom... I want to come home."
