Chapter 4

Facing Melissa King's pointed questioning, I asked, "I called you, but you didn't answer. Why didn't you pick up?"

Melissa King hesitated, momentarily lost for words.

"What could have been so crucial that you couldn't take my call?" I continued, my tone icy.

Melissa King stayed silent, uncomfortable. Edison King tried to ease the tension, "Let's not get caught up in the past. Everyone makes mistakes. We’re not holding it against you, so try not to worry."

"The main thing now is focusing on your recovery."

"Absolutely, getting healthy is what matters most. I'll go grab you something to eat." Melissa King quickly found an excuse to leave the room.

I remained in the hospital for nearly two weeks. During this time, Joshua's parents rarely visited, and when they did, it was only for a short while.

Alone in my hospital room, I struggled without help. Even simple tasks like going to the bathroom were daunting, so I avoided drinking water to minimize my trips.

One afternoon, no one brought me lunch. I had to make my way to the hospital cafeteria. As I left my room, I overheard nurses talking among themselves.

"The husband of the patient in room 506 is something else. I’ve never seen a man this devoted and caring."

"No kidding. Just yesterday, his wife coughed a little, and he stayed by her side all night."

"No wonder I saw those heavy bags under his eyes when I checked on them this morning."

"And what’s rare is her in-laws treat her like their own daughter, bringing homemade meals daily."

Listening to their conversation, I glanced into room 506 as I passed by. One look and I was rooted to the spot, a deep pain engulfing me.

Inside, Joshua and his parents were gathered around Emily Frost's bed.

"Emily, I made these meals myself. Even if you’re not feeling great, try to eat a little, okay?"

"Thank you, Mom," Emily replied, turning to Joshua and tugging at his shirt, "Josh, feed me."

"You haven't changed a bit since you were a child," Joshua teased, but he picked up the bowl and spoon, blowing on the soup before gently feeding Emily, attentive to her every need.

The warmth of the room was unmistakable, harmonious and joyful. Emily had even begun calling Joshua’s parents ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad.’

They had accepted Emily without reservation.

So where did that leave me?

I had just lost a child, with no one to support me, while my husband was still emotionally distant.

Although we were in the same hospital, he hadn't even come to see me.

Did he feel nothing at the loss of our child?

Emily noticed me standing outside the room and shot me a triumphant smile. She snuggled closer to Joshua as if to emphasize their closeness, "Josh, I want to eat while you hold me."

"Sure." Joshua responded without a second thought, wrapping Emily in his arms, tender and considerate.

My eyes filled with tears.

He used to be this way with me.

Once, when I had a persistent fever, he stayed by my bed night after night. When I complained about the bitter medicine, he gently coaxed me into taking it.

After my fever broke, his eyes were red with concern as he held me tight, his voice breaking.

"Please don’t get sick again. It terrifies me when you do, absolutely terrifies me."

"When you’re in pain, it feels like I’m losing a part of myself."

But now, while I lay in a hospital bed for weeks, he was by Emily’s side.

I fled, crushed by disappointment. The beautiful memories seemed like illusions, evaporated into nothing.

I couldn’t bring myself to go to the cafeteria for food. Back in the chilly hospital room, my mind was haunted by the image of Joshua and his family around Emily, tears streaming down my face.

Then a taunting message arrived from Emily.

[Sophia, look on the bright side.]

[Josh said you only lost a child, but I was the one with the high fever.]