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.

up within Kathleen, her eyes prickling

Kathleen. My brother will

Kathleen pursed her lips.

Gemma was right.

was indeed

family had always treated her with respect and

noticing the time. “Duty calls. I will catch you

Kathleen added with a

final parting glance at Benjamin’s

the hospital visitation, Kathleen met up with Federick to finalize the

Frederick! A-About yesterday…”

it. I completely understand.” Frederick offered a gracious smile while handing

perused the terms. “You’re

still haven’t seen how much maestros earn from their work. Yours is good

has already far exceeded my expectations.” Kathleen beamed with

able to complete

signing the

will be first transferred to you. It should be reflected in your

as a celebration

to rain check. I still need to get some work done.” Federick

all right, Federick. Whenever you’re free. I will be

“Sure. Take care.”

departed with a faint smile plastered on

as warm and therapeutic as basking in the spring sunlight

Kathleen was consumed

getting paid for the first

wasn’t much, but it was a significant milestone in her life worth

her glee from

everything she needs. Even so, a present won’t hurt. It’s merely a means of

thousand in

that, she was

was veritably glowing with joy as she entered the department

selecting several items, Kathleen

Kathleen’s voice instantly dispelled any

almost let slip a “Darling!” before righting herself

she answered