The Spare Wife

Scarlett was ecstatic. She took her phone out with excitement and said, “I’ll call Josh and tell him to get everything prepared.”

“There’s not-”

Scarlett had left happily before Abigail could finish. She sighed. Fine. She can do what she wants.

Lawrence approached Abigail. Lovingly, he said, “You can go back to work if you have to. Your mother and I can take care of Analise. It’s fine.”

“I’m not that busy,” Abigail answered. She was a little uneasy toward Lawrence and Scarlett’s passionate attitude, but Analise would leave the hospital the next day. She didn’t have to face these people anymore, and she was looking forward to it.

Sean knew what she was thinking, and he finally let go of his obsession, though just a bit. She equally refuses everyone who’s hurt her.

The meeting with Gary was arranged to be at noon the next day. Gary said he wanted to see Analise, so Analise, who had left the hospital, came back for the visit, too. Gary was still in the ICU, so the visitors got changed before they went in.

Abigail noticed that Lawrence and Scarlett weren’t looking as cheerful as before. They looked at Gary, their eyes red. Patricia was there as well. She held Gary’s hand tightly, shedding tears in silence.

Noticing something, Abigail pursed her lips. Lawrence and Scarlett looked at her expectantly, and she slowly approached Gary.

eyes filled with tears. “I’ve missed you.

that, but when Gary said her name, something touched her heart. She

I could maybe see you one day, spend some time in the lounge back at home

of wood that was about to crack. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry…” Gary cursed himself. He failed to protect his real granddaughter

“I never blamed you. Any

he mumbled softly. There was regret in his eyes, but he no longer had the chance to make things up to the one family

didn’t blame him

“You used to love sitting on my shoulders. I remember those times. You’d tell me to keep running ahead. We

was tearing

left something for you, Abby,” Gary said before he looked at Patricia. “G-Give

took out a patterned rosewood box from the cabinet. The four corners

“Your grandfather left you this. There are some toys in it. You loved them when

stacks of paper on the bottom, and she knew what they were without guessing. But what caught her eye were the little toys on the papers. Most were trinkets. Some were made

This lock was left behind… on the day… you went missing.” Gary felt a great sense of dismay at

Lawrence called out, worried.

the ECG was getting erratic.

hurt Abby! Abby, promise me you will go home. You must go home! You must… go…” Gary tried