When the draw was finished, the nurse pressed a cotton swab over the puncture and spoke gently.
"Ma'am, please get plenty of rest. Avoid any strenuous activity for the time being..."
Before she could finish, Chester had already snatched the blood bag and was running toward the emergency room.
He didn't look back at me once.
I don't know how long passed before the light above the emergency room went off.
*The patient is out of danger.* Chester's rigid face finally cracked—a slow exhale, a smile of sheer relief.
He thanked the doctor again and again, almost absurdly humble.
Only then did he remember I existed.
He reached out to touch me. I turned my head away.
This time he didn't get angry. If anything, he looked pleased with himself.
"Good thing you were here. Name it—whatever you want, it's yours."
I held out the printed divorce agreement. "I only want one thing. Your signature."
Right then, nurses wheeled Glenda out.
She called Chester's name, her voice thin and weak.
He didn't even look at what I'd handed him. He signed without a second's pause.
The moment he finished, he strode to Glenda's side and murmured something gentle.
"Don't be scared, Glenda. I'm here. I'll stay with you."