Beyond the Divorce

I gazed at Atlas's anxious face, his features wavering before my eyes.

"Chlo... tell me what's wrong," he said, concern etched on his handsome face.

I glanced around the room, noticing all our loved ones present, their faces filled with worry, both inside and outside the door.

Closing my eyes, I nestled into Atlas's embrace. I felt exhausted like never before. With a soft murmur, I confessed, "I'm... I'm okay."

My head throbbed fiercely with an unbearable sensation.

"I'm fine," I repeated before settling back into his arms, still as a statue. In my ears, the echoes of my dream lingered.

A team of medical staff rushed in. Atlas patted me gently. "Let the doctors check you out, sweetheart. You've been out for 48 hours! Let them examine you, okay?"

He eased me onto the bed. After the doctors finished their examination, they briefed Atlas on the results.

I drifted back to sleep, this time for real, unaware of anything.

When I woke up again, the room was bright. Blinking, I looked around at everyone. My daughter, Ava, rushed to the side of my bed. "Mommy, wake up! You haven't been home for three days! I'm scared..." I reached out to touch her little head. "I'm fine. Don't be scared!"

As I said that, I instinctively placed a hand on my stomach.

reassured me. "Don't worry, the kids are fine. They're strong, just like

he turned to me, asking, "Does

shook my head. My

that, I suddenly felt ravenous, and my stomach growled

stared at the takeout box my mom had placed on the small table, I was stunned. Slowly, I reached out. Why did this box resemble the one my mom held in my dream, flipping and dripping with wax? Suddenly,

you doing, Mom? Isn't

tallest tree! Remember the almond tree, remember the water lily, go find Dad! The tallest

flash of inspiration hit me, and I

go to Nocturnia!" I grabbed him, my eyes fixed on him with urgency. "Hurry, we need to go to

He reached out to hold

no need to call a doctor, honey. We need to go to Nocturnia. I know

by my words

"Let's go to Nocturnia right now! I'm

plane through a special channel

me on the plane. I finally got to eat the braised beef I had been craving from

recounted the strange dreams I had been

already waiting for us when we landed as he had

returned to the mansion once again, everything was exactly as it used