Mila dialed the number, and the phone was answered almost immediately.
Hey, Mila.
A hoarse and weary voice of a young man came through on the other end.
How are you feeling? Mila asked, her concern genuine despite the peculiar nature of her brother-in-law. They had shared a decent relationship in the past, and her care for him was sincere.
I’m okay, Eugene replied, his voice still raspy. Thank you, Mila. If it weren’t for you yesterday, I wouldn’t be here. You saved me again.
Mila sighed inwardly, Eugene, you need to stop putting yourself through this…
She wanted to tell him that no matter how much he tried, if his family didn’t love him, they just didn’t, and he was only causing himself pain. But she held back. These were realizations one had to come to on their own, and she understood that all too well.
Instead, she offered some words of comfort, however feeble they might be, Take care of yourself, eat well, and make sure…
Before she could finish, Eugene interrupted, Why are you saying these things all of a sudden?
Eugene was perceptive and could sense something was off in her words.
Mila decided there was no need to hide the truth from Eugene. He wasn’t close to the Montgomery family and seldom visited them. Even if he were closer, he wasn’t the type to spread gossip.
Eugene, your brother and I are getting a divorce.
I won’t be part of the Montgomery family anymore. Take care of yourself, and if anything happens, reach out to your brother. He cares about you. Last night, he…
Before she could complete her sentence, Eugene’s voice rose, Mila, are you leaving me too?
In his voice, Mila could hear the beginnings of tears.
Mila, I support your decision to divorce. I’ve seen how poorly my brother treated you over the years.
But Mila, you can’t just lump me in with my brother.
You know I don’t have a good relationship with the Montgomerys either, even less so than you. I just wanted to say…
He paused for a couple of seconds before continuing slowly, I know divorces involve splitting assets, but can’t you take me with you? I can leave the Montgomerys and stay with you.
Don’t worry, I don’t eat much and I’m nineteen now. I’m smart enough to make my own living and won’t be a burden. I just want to be your family, Mila… I hope you’ll always care for me.
Mila: …
Did he even realize the outrageousness of what he was proposing?