Divorce Anxiety

Kathleen entered a restaurant and ordered herself a plate of vegan pasta.

After her meal, she soon left to visit Benjamin who was admitted to the nearby hospital.

Kathleen couldn’t help her rising concern as she observed the unconscious form of Benjamin through the window of his hospital room.

“My brother’s condition has been stable since early this morning,” Gemma uttered from behind Kathleen.

Kathleen turned to face Gemma, who was dressed in her nurse’s uniform and balancing a tray between her hands.

“When will your brother be regaining consciousness?” queried Kathleen cautiously.

Gemma’s expression darkened as she replied, “The doctor says that it’s still too early to tell.”

“Why not try consulting the opinions of other specialists?”

“It’s all right, Kathleen. There’s still time,” Gemma comforted. “By the way, how was your experience volunteering?”

“It was such an eye-opener! I learned so much from it,” Kathleen enthused.

Gemma smirked. “I watched your speech just now during my break. You were pretty amazing out there.”

“By the way, why the sudden interest in individuals with autism?”

“Well, my foster brother is autistic,” said Gemma grimly.

Now that is new.

“My foster parents come from pretty wealthy backgrounds. They adopted me as I had seemed pliant and obedient. Their hopes were that I would comply with their wishes to look after their son once they were gone. Their plan was for both of us to marry by offering me their inheritance as an incentive. They then threatened to disown me if I were to refuse,” said Gemma drily.

Kathleen was stunned speechless.

“I overheard all this when I was in high school. If I were to go against them, they swore never to pay for my tuition fees and daily expenses. Gaining admission into a university would have been a lost cause.”

“That’s preposterous!”

“Consider yourself lucky, Kathleen. Truly. I’ve gone through the worst of it all, and things barely faze me these days,” advised Kathleen with a wry smile.

Kathleen gripped Gemma’s hands anxiously. “What happened after? How did you make it out?”

“Thankfully, my brother was already a policeman back then. He located me and sponsored me all the way till graduation.” Gemma smiled fondly.

Kathleen, her

worry, Kathleen. My brother will be fine,”

Kathleen pursed her lips.

Gemma was right.

was indeed

always treated

the time. “Duty calls. I will

you around!” Kathleen

a final parting glance at Benjamin’s

hospital visitation, Kathleen met up with Federick to finalize

Frederick! A-About yesterday…”

offered a gracious smile while

as she perused the terms. “You’re willing

their work. Yours

and fifty thousand has already far exceeded my expectations.” Kathleen beamed with

to complete your work

nodded enthusiastically while signing the contract.

one-third of the sum will be first transferred to you. It should be reflected in

treat you to lunch as a celebration of my achievement.” Kathleen

afraid we’d have to rain check. I still need to get some work done.” Federick chuckled

right, Federick. Whenever you’re free.

“Sure. Take care.”

with a faint smile plastered

warm and therapeutic as basking

leaving the publishing firm, Kathleen was consumed by the thought of the advance

was getting paid for the first time in her

was a significant milestone

suppress her glee from

I can choose a present for Old Mrs. Macari! But Old Mrs. Macari has everything she needs. Even so, a present won’t

than fifty thousand in her bank account after

she was

with joy as she entered the

selecting several items, Kathleen decided to

saccharine innocence of Kathleen’s voice instantly

a “Darling!” before

she answered