Chapter 101
Monday morning. As I drove through New York’s busy streets toward Billy’s preschool, I glanced at my son in the rearview mirror. His small face was pressed against the window, watching the world rush by, seemingly oblivious to the weekend’s
Aurmoil.
“Mom, why are you wearing makeup today?” Billy suddenly asked, his observant eyes missing nothing.
I touched my face self–consciously. I’d spent extra time this morning applying light foundation, mascara, and a hint of blush.
Not because I wanted to impress anyone, but because I needed to make myself look stronger.
After escaping from Maple Grove with Billy Friday night, I’d spent the entire weekend locked in Betty’s apartment, giving my mind a buffer.
“Sometimes a little makeup makes us feel stronger,” I explained, pulling into the preschool parking lot.
“Do you need to feel stronger today?” he asked, unbuckling his seatbelt.
I smiled at his perceptiveness. “Maybe a little.”
After dropping Billy off, I drove to Manhattan General Hospital, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. Deciding to leave Henry–truly leave him. I had finally stopped believing his excuses, stopped hoping things would change.
“Well, look at you!” Thomas exclaimed when I walked into the hospital. His eyes brightened as he took in my appearance. “Someone’s looking exceptionally beautiful today.”
I felt a slight blush creep up my neck. Thomas always knew how to please me–his compliments so genuine and appreciative without ever crossing boundaries.
“Thank you,” I replied.
Thomas fell into step beside me as we walked toward the nurses station. “It suits you. You don’t need makeup to outshine the younger staff here.”
I laughed, grateful for his kindness but acutely aware of the admiring glances some female nurses were shooting his way. Thomas was universally beloved at the hospital–his gentle manner, exceptional medical skills, and undeniable good looks made him the subject of much workplace admiration.
“We should keep some distance,” I teased him gently. “I certainly don’t want to make enemies of half the nursing staff.”
He shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. “Their opinions don’t matter to me.” He paused, then asked more seriously, “How’s your exam preparation coming along? The nursing certification test is in three weeks, right?”
“I’m doing my best,” I assured him.
Thomas nodded, his eyes lingering on me a moment too long. You’ll pass. You’re the most capable person I know, Sophia.”
As he walked away, I felt a familiar pang of guilt, understanding clearly Thomas’s feelings for me.
But even if Henry and I divorced, I couldn’t rush into another relationship.
1/2
Chapter 101.
The morning passed quickly as I assisted with patient rounds. Working helped me focus on som hesides my
crumbling marriage. I’d told myself repeatedly: If I couldn’t forget Henry completely, I would at least try to see him as just another person in my life–fot my husband, not my enemy, just someone I knew.
But how would I explain all this to Billy? The thought made my stomach twist into knots. He adored Henry, despite how distant his father had been.
How could I tell my five–year–old that his parents were preparing for divorce?
Later in the afternoon, I headed to William’s room for my scheduled check–in. His health had been steadily improving, and I always enjoyed our conversations. As I approached his room, heard voices inside–William’s raspy tone and another, deeper voice that made my heart skip a beat.
Henry,
I froze in the hallway, debating whether to come back later. Before I could decide, the door opened, and Henry emerged,
second, our eyes met, and something unreadable flashed across his face. his tall frame filling the doorway. For a
“Sophia,” he said stiffly.
I remained silent, unsure what to say after everything that had happened.
“Henry! Is that Sophia out there?” William called from inside. “Send her in and get out.
want to talk to her alone.”
Henry’s jaw tightened, but he stepped aside. As I entered the room, I heard William’s authoritative voice command: “Leave us, Henry. Now.”
The door closed behind me, and I turned to find William watching me with gentle eyes. He patted the edge of his bed, inviting me to sit.
“Come here, my dear. Let me look at you properly.”
I sat beside him, and he immediately took my hand in his wrinkled one.
“You know, I’ve seen a lot in my long life,” he began, his voice gentle. “And I can tell when something’s broken between two people. What has my foolish grandson done now?“”
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