The Wilted Flower

Synopsis

In 1988, my husband Edward Nash and our son won a major scientific research award together, making waves throughout the entire city. They threw a party for the neighbors—twenty full tables. While the guests filled the hall, I was delivering a baby at the township clinic. No one thought to notify me. By the time I rushed back, the feast was already over. My son was seeing off the last guest. Edward's expression was cold; he offered no explanation. That night, I finally made up my mind to let them go. I joined a decade-long closed-door chip research project. The father and son were certain I was just throwing a tantrum. Days passed before they noticed, almost by accident, that the potted plant I treasured most on the windowsill had long since withered. Edward went to the township clinic looking for me, only to be told I no longer worked there. That night, panic finally set in.