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.

of sympathy welled up within Kathleen, her

Kathleen. My brother will

Kathleen pursed her lips.

Gemma was right.

was indeed

family had always treated her with

herself after noticing the time. “Duty calls. I will

around!” Kathleen added with a

glance at Benjamin’s

up with

sorry, Frederick!

fret about it. I completely understand.” Frederick offered

terms. “You’re willing to pay this

their work. Yours is good

and fifty thousand has already far exceeded

to complete your work within

nodded enthusiastically while signing

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

as a celebration

I still need to get some work done.”

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

“Sure. Take care.”

a faint smile plastered on

Kathleen’s smile was indeed as warm and therapeutic as basking in the spring sunlight after a

was consumed by the thought of the advance

was getting paid for the first time in her

a

could barely suppress her

Old Mrs. Macari has everything she needs. Even so, a

than fifty thousand

that, she was

veritably glowing with joy as she entered the department

several items, Kathleen decided

innocence of Kathleen’s voice instantly dispelled any lingering negativity.

almost let slip a “Darling!” before righting herself

she answered