Beyond the Divorce

"That's good. Out of sight, out of mind," my mom grumbled.

"Did you receive any mail for the house over there?" I intentionally changed the subject.

"Mike called last night and told us not to worry. He said there have been quite a few people interested in the house lately. It might be sold soon. Anyway, we've set the price high, so if it sells, great. If not, it can wait. You'll always have a place to stay if you go back."

I chuckled. "You're always worried about not having a place to stay when you already have houses everywhere. Last night, Atlas even mentioned investing here in Gerby. He plans to buy a house for us to stay in when we come for inspections. He also said you guys can travel around and stay in different places! Why are you still worried about having nowhere to stay?"

"Did he really invest in Gerby? Is that place even worthy?" My mom asked.

I laughed. Any place was worth investing in. Projects done by Atlas were bound to be prosperous. He tackled things others couldn't.

Before I could answer, Finn called my name, so I quickly said goodbye to my mom. I was sure Beatrice had awakened.

When I rushed back, indeed, she was awake.

I grabbed her hand. "Beatrice, you're up!"

What pleasantly surprised me this time was that Beatrice's eyes showed signs of vitality. Though she stared at me straight-faced, her eyes were no longer vacant.

hand, feeling

hoarse, as if

throat?" I asked

stiff expression,

I exclaimed, "Did Hazelyn do

struggled to

at this moment that I noticed her hand in mine. She was thin to the point where only bones remained, and two fingers

lifted her hand, eyes wide and speechless, staring at her hand. Quickly, I

how familiar they used to be. We held hands countless times... But now, this pair of hands resembles chicken

against my face, tears streaming down uncontrollably. I couldn't manage

at my expression, quietly,

a while, she finally said, "... It doesn't hurt

broke down. I threw myself onto her frail body. How much suffering

knew he, too, couldn't control

after a long time,

but she seemed to have cried all her tears, remaining quiet and

it's all