Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Briony turned to look out the window as well.

Snow was falling again, thick and soft as down feathers drifting from the sky.

"Do you like the snow, Mario?" she asked gently.

Mario's voice was barely above a whisper. "Dad promised me. He said when it snowed in winter, he'd take me outside to build a snowman and have a snowball fight."

Briony felt her heart skip.

"Mom," Mario turned his solemn gaze to her, his eyes wide and searching, "is Dad ever coming back?"

She stared into her son's deep, dark eyes, suddenly at a loss for words.

It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing her heart.

She knew how sensitive Mario was. He must have sensed that Stewart was gone.

Mario spoke again, his voice quiet. "I actually knew Dad was sick. He said he went overseas to work, but I think... he really went to get treated. That's why he sent me to live with you."

Briony's nose stung with tears. "How did you know? Did Dad tell you?"

Mario shook his head. "He used to wake up at night and cough a lot. Mr. Clarke would come by all the time with his medical bag. Mom, they didn't have to say anything. I knew Dad was sick."

Briony couldn't hold back anymore. She pulled her son into her arms.

"Mom, is Dad... gone?"

but no words of comfort would

up at her,

brave. He said I'm the man of the house now, and I should look after you and my sister, work hard

Briony could barely breathe.

Her heart ached.

had known

still just a child—not even five-why should

you don't have to be strong. Even if Dad's not here anymore, I can give you and your sister

earlier than the rest of us. But he'll become

nodding quietly. After a while, she asked, "Mom,

Briony closed her eyes.

softly patted Mario's back.

nestled into her, gazing out at the snowflakes falling beyond the window. "Mom, when I

Sdenly come back."

caught. "Sleep now," she whispered, "maybe tonight Dad will

off to sleep as his mother's soft song filled

...

never mentioned his father

Nina the truth

she was the

sibling,

Mario didn't argue. Hee