Gilbert tapped open the message on his phone and read through it. A wry, self-deprecating chuckle escaped him. “Thanks?” he muttered to himself. The mother of his daughter was thanking him, of all things! How had his life become such a mess? A complete disaster. It couldn’t get any worse.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bacon, Sherilyn bundled up Jenna until she was cozy and round, then carried her out the door.
Sophia, with a bag packed with Jenna’s essentials, followed closely behind.
Thanks to Gilbert’s arrangements, they didn’t have to wait at the hospital. They were seen promptly by Dr. Dalton, a leading authority in hematology.
After the examination, while Sophia and Jenna played in the hospital’s garden, Dr. Dalton met with Sherilyn and Gilbert, who had remained out of sight until then.
Dr. Dalton reviewed all the test results and reassured them, “Don’t be too worried. Jenna’s condition, as it stands, isn’t severe, and it’s fairly well-managed. Moving forward…”
He went into detail about the treatment plan, emphasizing adjustments based on regular check-ups.
“Thank you, Dr. Dalton,” Sherilyn said, sitting upright, her hands unconsciously clasped together.
“You’re welcome,” Dr. Dalton responded with a smile, turning to Gilbert. “I see from the records that she’s registered for potential surgery. Are you on the waiting list?” Gilbert glanced at Sherilyn. “Sherilyn?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “But we’ve been waiting for a while.”
“It’s tough, but there’s another option…”
Dr. Dalton eyed them both. “You’re both so young. Have you considered having another child?”
Sherilyn looked away, her hopes dimming even in the presence of such an esteemed expert.
“Yes,” Gilbert sighed, a cloud of worry over his brow. “But we haven’t been successful yet.”
Dr. Dalton nodded, understanding. “These things take time. Plan for all contingencies: continue with the current treatment, wait for the surgery slot, and hope for another child.”
He wrote a new prescription, tweaking Jenna’s medication slightly. “Pay attention to how she responds to the new medicine at the start.”
“Got it,” Gilbert said, taking the prescription. “I’ll pick up the medicine and bring it to you.”
Sherilyn nodded, accepting his offer without objection. “Thank you.”
As they left the consultation room, Sherilyn looked at him. “You go ahead.”
“Alright,” Gilbert gestured, “I’ll get the medicine and then bring it over.” “Okay, thanks.”
…
Outside, the sun was shining, casting a warm glow on a cool winter’s day.
“Jenna!”
Sherilyn found Jenna in the garden.
“Mommy!”
Jenna ran to her mother, grabbing her hand. “Look at the pretty flowers over there!” “Really?”
“Yes, yes! Come with Jenna, I’ll show you!”
“Alright.”
From his car parked nearby, Gilbert watched Sherilyn and Jenna, hand in hand, laughing together.
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A smile unwittingly crossed his face. He pulled out a small
a blue velvet case.
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Inside was a ring, a red diamond engagement ring he had custom-made for a proposal.
He had just picked it up that morning.
But it was of no use now…
He knew Sherilyn didn’t love him anymore. Perhaps she had once, but not anymore.
With a flick of his finger, Gilbert snapped the case shut and
it
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