Beyond the Divorce

When I woke up, the sharp scent of hospital disinfectant filled my nose. Groggily turning over, I collided with a warm body. I quickly opened my eyes to find Atlas lying beside me. Staring at him in confusion, I struggled to grasp what was happening.

He looked at me with a tender smile and gently kissed me. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Are you finally awake?"

Still dazed, I mumbled, "What time is it?"

"It's 7," he replied softly.

"7?" I blinked, suddenly realizing it was evening. But why did it still seem like dawn outside?

"7 p.m.," Atlas clarified.

I gasped, glancing outside and then back at him.

"It's 7 p.m.? Then... where's Dad?" Uncertain, I asked, trying to make sense of it all.

"He woke up briefly, then dozed off again. The doctor says he's finally getting some real rest," Atlas informed me in a gentle tone.

So, it was all real-my

surge of happiness, I sat up abruptly, ready to get out of bed. Atlas's hand

to see my Dad," I

gazed at me with affection and warmth in his

We're in the hospital,

you can see your dad later, but let's get something straight first. Don't get too worked up. Get up, grab a bite, then go see him." "Oh. I'll just take a peek at him and come back to eat." I bargained.

woke up starving, and the last meal I had was yesterday morning. That meal made me feel like I was

Now, I was famished.

bargaining with me. Eat

doctor says he might sleep

"You need to eat properly, or else

him in astonishment, feeling a bit dazed.

gently rubbed my abdomen.

staring at him in disbelief, stuttering,

news was quite sudden, leaving me unsure how to