The day I went to pick up my diagnosis, I learned I had cancer. The doctor said I had less than six months to live. I returned home, eerily calm, and prepared the divorce papers. In two weeks, I would finally leave this house that never truly felt like mine. I quietly counted the days, waiting for the moment of my departure. This time, I wouldn’t forgive them. Daniel and the Campbell family – I was done with all of them. “You have leukemia. Here’s your diagnosis.” Looking at the stark, glaring words on the paper, I felt a strange sense of peace. A sigh of relief, even. I calmly took the diagnosis. “How much time do I have?” I asked. The doctor sighed. “Six months at most.” I froze for a moment, then stood up, ready to leave. The doctor quickly called out to me. “Ms. Campbell, if you find a matching bone marrow donor, there’s still a chance.” Leukemia. Everyone knows it’s cancer. I wasn’t ignorant; I knew a bone marrow transplant could save me. But my family might not even bother to get tested for me. A bitter, self-deprecating laugh escaped me at the thought. “No need, thank you.” “Oh, but you’re so young, only 29,” the doctor pleaded, a touch of sympathy in her voice. Seeing my silent resolve, she didn’t push it further. I tucked the diagnosis away and called a taxi. Outside the window, snow fell, blurring the world, and my vision, just a little. Back home, the house was as cold and empty as ever. Daniel was probably “working late” again. He used to at least send a text, letting me know. But ever since Victoria, his idealized first love, the one who got away, came back to town. He couldn’t even be bothered to send a single message. I didn’t turn on the lights. I just sat quietly on the sofa, gazing out at the countless lights twinkling in other homes. For two thousand days, I’d waited for Daniel to come home. Today was supposed to be our wedding anniversary. And today was also the day I received my terminal cancer diagnosis. I didn’t know whether to laugh at myself or at this hollow mockery of a marriage. I’d waited for Daniel for five years. I couldn’t wait anymore. I pulled out the divorce papers I’d drafted two months ago and sent a SnapChat message to my lawyer. “Attorney Miller, I’ve decided to go through with the divorce. Could you draft another agreement for me?” A reply came quickly. “Of course. Same terms as before?” “Yes, but I want to finalize it as soon as possible.” “The fastest we can do it now is a month. I’ll draw up the agreement and we can schedule a meeting.” “Okay.” “Just to be sure, Ms. Campbell, are you absolutely certain?” My finger hovered over the screen for a long moment before I typed a single word. “Yes.” In that instant, all my strength seemed to drain away. I put down my phone and stared blankly out the window. If Daniel agreed, I could be free from this marriage in a month. One month… That would be enough time to take care of everything before I left. My marriage to Daniel was an accident. He was the one who proposed to me. Back then, Victoria, the woman he loved, had left him to pursue her career abroad. I knew his heart belonged to someone else, but I still said yes. After all, he was the only person who’d ever shown me kindness since my grandmother passed away. Even if, after we married, he was as distant and unapproachable as ice. But I kept telling myself, over and over again. Daniel was different. If I was good enough to him, even the hardest ice would eventually melt. For so long, our life together wasn’t passionate, but it was… normal. Yet, less than a year after Victoria returned, his ice had melted into sharp blades. Cutting me, over and over, until I was bruised and broken. I was truly exhausted. I didn’t want to fight anymore. As I sat there lost in thought, the sound of the front door opening broke the silence. The lights flickered on. I shielded my eyes from the sudden glare and heard the familiar sound of his shoes being removed. “Why are you sitting in the dark?” His voice held no hint of concern. I simply gave him two words in return. “Didn’t want to.” Daniel paused in the act of taking off his jacket. Did he sense I was acting a little strange today? He thought about it for a split second, then continued changing. I watched him, then spoke his name seriously. “Daniel.” He responded without looking up, “Hmm?” It wasn’t the exchange of a married couple, but rather of unfamiliar strangers. “Let’s get a divorce.”
Daniel finally looked at me. “Stop messing around.” Two simple words, dismissing my statement as a joke. “I’m serious.” “I had four surgeries today, I’m exhausted.” In the past, whenever he brought up work, it was his way of telling me to shut up. Daniel unbuttoned his cuffs and walked into the living room, acting as if nothing had happened. I caught the scent of plum blossom perfume, Victoria’s favorite. A wave of nausea washed over me. I closed my eyes and continued. “I’ll draft the divorce papers. I’ll show them to you when they’re ready, if you don’t…” My words were cut off by a ringtone. “Little Sunshine, pick up the phone! Little Sunshine, pick up the phone!” Victoria’s voice, chirpy and sweet, came from Daniel’s jacket. “Little Sunshine” was a nickname Victoria had given Daniel. A nickname from middle school. A term of endearment reserved only for her. Daniel glanced at me. “I didn’t know the ringtone changed.” Even his explanation sounded utterly flimsy. When he answered, his voice was exceptionally gentle, a complete contrast to how he’d spoken to me just moments before. “Victoria, what’s wrong?” It was always like this. Sometimes, I couldn’t tell who Daniel’s wife really was. After he hung up, Daniel looked down at me. “Victoria has a low fever today. She said she’s craving your pumpkin porridge.” I clenched my fists, staring at him in disbelief. “Daniel, do you know what time it is?” The clock on the wall had long since passed midnight. Daniel’s voice was flat. “You’re a freelance artist. It’s different for you; it’s okay if you sleep in tomorrow.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh. I was an illustrator, and my time was indeed flexible. But that didn’t give Daniel the right to command me. Apparently, my health was insignificant in his eyes. I took a deep breath, staring at him intently. “Daniel, leaving everything else aside, can you at least respect me? I’m talking about divorce right now.” Daniel’s indifferent expression finally changed. He frowned. “Victoria is sick. Sarah, be reasonable.” Daniel’s gaze was like he was looking at an irrational child. I struggled to breathe. His eyes—they were what I used to love most about him. I could still recall the first time I saw Daniel, sitting on my backyard wall, holding a cat, turning to look at me. Those clear, yet cool, eyes. One glance had lodged itself in my heart. One glance had made me foolishly love him for thirteen years. Now I realized, I loved the Daniel I had idealized countless times in my mind. “You haven’t been home for five days, and the moment you walk in, you want me to cook for Victoria. Daniel, am *I* the unreasonable one?” Faced with my accusation, Daniel replied as if it were nothing. “It’s just one meal. You’re being too petty. Victoria is like your sister.” How ridiculous. Every single argument we’d ever had. It always ended with that same phrase. *She’s like your sister.* The words were a curse. Shrouding my five years of marriage. I scoffed, my gaze on Daniel growing increasingly unfamiliar. The “different” I thought he was, was ultimately no different at all. Daniel was just like the rest of the Campbell family. “Daniel, remember this: her name is Victoria, and my name is Sarah Campbell.” I spoke each word distinctly. “I don’t have any strange ‘sisters,’ and I don’t need anyone to arrange one for me!” A flicker of disbelief crossed Daniel’s eyes. “Sarah, why are you acting like a shrew?”
Five years. I’d thought five years of marriage, if it didn’t earn his love, would at least earn his respect. But I had overestimated myself. I wanted to ask him. To ask him how he could utter such cruel words. To ask him what I had ever done wrong to be tormented by him like this. I opened my mouth, but my throat felt glued shut. I lowered my eyes, my voice hoarse. “I’ll have the divorce papers drafted.” Daniel walked past me towards the kitchen. “I’m very tired today, I don’t want to argue with you.” Watching Daniel roll up his sleeves in the kitchen, I turned and went back to the bedroom. Listening to the sounds from the kitchen outside. A bitterness swelled in my heart. Daniel was meticulously clean, almost to a fault, and never cooked. Only now did I realize that even his meticulous habits could be selective. I wiped away the tears from my eyes. I didn’t have time for sadness now. This month, besides the divorce, there were many things to do. I picked up a pen and paper, pondering what tasks I needed to complete. After these were done… I wanted to see the ocean. A Caribbean island in winter must be so warm. Leaving while basking in the sunshine there, it wouldn’t be painful. Thinking this, I managed a rare smile. As I closed my notebook, Daniel’s voice came from outside. “I won’t be back tonight.” It was then I remembered my medical report was still out there. I rushed out, colliding directly with Daniel. He stared at my face, scrutinizing me. “What’s the rush?” I feigned composure, grabbing my bag. “Nothing, just getting my bag.” Daniel pressed on. “Are you sure it’s nothing?” He clearly felt I was acting unusually strange today. I met his gaze. “Aren’t you going to take porridge to your girlfriend?” Stunned into silence, Daniel turned, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door. “I told you, there’s nothing between Victoria and me.” After he left, I finally exhaled. Daniel was a man who cared deeply about appearances. If he knew I was sick, he would definitely refuse to divorce for the sake of his reputation. Our apartment was near St. Jude’s Medical Center. But I hadn’t gone there for my check-up. Because Daniel was a surgical doctor at St. Jude’s. And Victoria, whom he’d introduced, had been working in pediatrics there this year. Daniel didn’t like me coming to the Medical Center to see him. To avoid bothering Daniel, I chose to go to County General Hospital, ten miles away. But thinking about it now. Even if I’d had my check-up at St. Jude’s. Daniel probably wouldn’t have noticed anyway. Very few people at the hospital knew about our relationship. I carefully hid the report. I couldn’t let anything become an obstacle to the divorce. It was very late, and I curled up in bed, exhausted. Tomorrow, I still had to go back to the Campbell family home. The Campbell estate wasn’t far. Only an hour’s drive from where Daniel and I lived. After marriage, except for holidays, I rarely went home. I gazed at the neatly trimmed yard in front of me and pressed the doorbell. I was here today to retrieve my grandmother’s jade pendant.
A few minutes later, someone emerged from inside. It was my brother, Jake Campbell. Seeing me, his expression was surprised, almost wary. “What are you doing here?” It wasn’t how you’d greet a sister you hadn’t seen in a long time. More like seeing someone you disliked. I was used to it. “I have something to discuss with Mom.” Jake hesitated before opening the gate. “Come in, Mom’s in the living room.” Stepping into the yard, I immediately noticed the newly planted flowers. Winter jasmine, filling half the yard. Victoria’s favorite flower. That spot used to be where I’d planted red camellias, trying to please Dad. Now, there wasn’t a trace left. Catching my gaze, Jake said, “Victoria likes winter jasmine. Dad had them planted.” It sounded like an explanation, but it was just information. After all, nothing of mine ever mattered in the Campbell house. I looked away. “Oh.” Jake gave me a strange look. In the past, I would have been hurt by something like that. Why was I so calm today? Jake tried to find a hint of sadness on my face, but found none. Before I even stepped into the living room, laughter reached my ears. My mother, Eleanor Campbell, was holding a finished dress, draping it against Victoria. “Robert, look, how’s the dress I embroidered for Victoria?” My father, Robert Campbell, nodded in admiration. “Beautiful. The yellow winter jasmine looks truly elegant.” Victoria smiled, linking her arm through Eleanor’s. “Mom, your dresses are always the prettiest! I love them all!” Eleanor looked at Victoria with loving affection. “You’re such a sweet talker.” Victoria loved handmade dresses. Eleanor thought store-bought ones weren’t good enough, so she’d personally made them for her for years. Victoria was in her thirties, yet still acted like a child, playfully clinging to my mother. She held up the dress and twirled around. “Daniel, does this dress look good on me for the New Year?” It was then I noticed Daniel, partially hidden by the wall. He was sitting on the sofa, looking up at Victoria with a soft smile. His misty blue sweater made him look incredibly gentle. Nothing like the distant man he was with me. “It looks great.” Hearing Daniel’s warm, almost loving voice. My heart ached subtly. He had never told me I looked good. Not once. The scene before me was warm and touching. Like a truly happy family. Jake cleared his throat. “Dad, Mom, Sarah’s back.” Everyone’s smiles froze. Eleanor turned and met my gaze. Her eyes darted away, then she spoke awkwardly. “Sarah’s back.” Her tone was distant, polite, utterly devoid of the warmth she showed Victoria. Robert sat up straighter, not sparing me a glance. “What are you doing here?” His tone made it sound like I was the outsider. And it was true; apart from the Campbell name, I was nothing like a Campbell. Victoria fluttered the dress, smiling at me. “Sarah, this is what my godmother made for me. Don’t think too much of it.” Robert scoffed at her words. “Your mother can make dresses for whoever she wants. It’s not up to you to approve.” A flicker of triumph crossed Victoria’s eyes. It was always like this. Victoria’s few words were enough to turn my family against me. I used to argue, but now I had no energy left. Daniel watched my silence, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. I wouldn’t have been so cold before. What was wrong with me today? Suppressing the pain in my heart, I stepped forward. “Dad, Mom, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” “Nonsense, how could your mother ever think you’re interrupting?” Eleanor reached for my hand, but I pulled away. Eleanor’s smile stiffened, and she awkwardly withdrew her hand. I didn’t want pleasantries; I went straight to the point. “I’m here today to retrieve the white jade pendant my grandmother left me.”
Victoria was like my stepsister. She was the orphan of my father, Robert Campbell’s, deceased army comrade. When Victoria was three, her parents died saving Robert Campbell from a landmine. Robert felt deeply responsible, so he took on the duty of raising Victoria. He brought Victoria to live with the Campbell family. The Campbells weren’t exceptionally wealthy, but they had more than enough to support another child. However, Victoria found it difficult to get along with me. So, they sent me to live with my grandmother in the countryside. My grandmother’s white jade pendant was specifically willed to me. At the time, my mother was heartbroken over her mother’s passing, clutching the pendant and weeping. I felt sorry for her, so I gave the pendant to her. But Eleanor had said I could always take it back whenever I wanted. Eleanor nervously smoothed her hair. “Sarah, why are you asking about the pendant the moment you arrive? Why don’t you spend some time with everyone?” When had I ever returned without asking about them? But did they ever appreciate it? The moment Victoria came back, their gaze never even strayed to me. They were the ones who squandered my concern, not me who withheld it. Eleanor’s expression made me curious. “Mom, where’s the pendant?” Eleanor avoided my eyes. Victoria’s clear voice chimed in. “Sarah, are you talking about this pendant?” Victoria pulled out the jade pendant she was wearing around her neck. “I didn’t know it was your grandmother’s. I thought my godmother bought it for me.” My body trembled as I looked at Eleanor. “Mom, that’s the pendant my grandmother left me!” Eleanor tried to explain. But her words were cut off by Robert. “What’s yours or mine? Sarah, are you being unreasonable? It’s just a pendant. Victoria wants it, and you’re going to fight me for it too?” I felt a constriction in my chest, finding it hard to breathe. I could give up everything else. But this was my grandmother’s pendant! My grandmother and I had depended on each other for over ten years; this pendant was the only thing she had left me! Robert continued to press. “Just a pendant makes you shout at your parents like this? Where’s your respect for your elders?” “Exactly,” Jake Campbell chimed in from the side, “It’s just a pendant, what’s the big deal? Sarah, you’re being too petty.” “Jake, that’s enough,” Eleanor tugged at Jake, then turned to me. “Your sister likes it, why don’t you just let her have it?” I looked at Daniel, who hadn’t spoken yet. Daniel seemed a little uncomfortable under my gaze. His eyes shifted to the pendant in Victoria’s hand. He had some memory of that pendant. The first time he met me, I was holding that very pendant. But he owed Victoria too much. Daniel spoke blandly, “It’s just a pendant. If Victoria likes it, let her have it.” I looked at these people, feeling a profound sense of alienation. “Just a pendant?” I suddenly laughed. My grandmother and I had depended on each other until I was sixteen; she was the only family I had in this life. “That was given to me by *my grandmother*! What right does Victoria have to take it?!” “I’m your sister!” Victoria retorted. I shouted with all my might, “I am *not*!” Hearing me say that, Robert’s eyes widened in anger. I didn’t give him a chance to speak. “Dad, for Victoria’s sake, you sent me away, you ruined my future. Now you’re going to give her my pendant too? You’re the one who owed your comrade! I don’t owe anyone!” Back then, Victoria wanted to go abroad to study medicine, and I also wanted to go to college. There was enough money for both of us to study. But Robert, wanting Victoria to have a better life, gave her double the living expenses. At that time, I had just passed my art school entrance exam. But Robert told me to stop studying art. I pleaded many times to continue my painting, but Robert remained unmoved. Robert, stung by my words, stood up from the sofa and slapped me hard across the face. “What are you doing!” Eleanor pulled Robert back, then walked over to me. “Sarah, your father didn’t mean it. Be generous, apologize to your father, and this will all blow over.” Eleanor always tried to play peacemaker like this. Her constant attempts made me feel utterly helpless. “You knew that was my grandmother’s, why did you give it to Victoria!” I grabbed Eleanor’s hand, forcing her to look at me. “Mom, that was the only thing my grandmother left me! I’ve already given up everything else, why do you have to take the last little piece from me?” Eleanor was at a loss for words. Victoria spoke up from the side. “Sarah, don’t blame Mom. It’s all my fault. I’ll give it back to you.”
“You brat!” Robert glared at me. “If you dare to take that pendant back today, I’ll disown you!” “Sarah, you’re making things very difficult for your mother.” Eleanor said. “Don’t be angry, godmother.” Victoria comforted Eleanor. “Sarah, don’t let Dad and Mom argue anymore. It’s rare for family to gather. Harmony brings prosperity.” Victoria came over to me, blocking the view of the others in the room. She dangled the pendant in front of me, her voice so low only I could hear. “If I had known it was your grandmother’s relic, I wouldn’t have wanted it.” “Such bad luck.” Victoria’s finger twitched, and the pendant slipped from her grasp, falling to the ground. The sound of the jade shattering echoed in my ears. I was speechless for a moment. Victoria feigned surprise, covering her mouth. “Oh dear, Sarah, I didn’t mean to. Why did you push me?” I knelt down, my hands trembling, to pick up the fragments. As I stood up, I saw my family staring intently at me. As if they feared what I might do. Daniel had even stood up, positioning himself in front of Victoria. I had wanted to make a scene. But now, I was just so tired. Silently collecting the shattered pieces of jade, I stared at Daniel, enunciating each word. “Meet me at the courthouse on Monday. We’re getting a divorce. I’m giving you your freedom. And I wish you both a happy reunion.” Daniel felt his heart skip a beat. Had I… discovered something? Before anyone could speak, I turned and rushed out into the rain. “Sarah, take an umbrella.” Eleanor stood in the living room with an umbrella, but Robert snatched it away. “Why give her one? Will a little rain kill her?” “For a worthless jade pendant, she dared to lay hands on her sister. Look, this is your well-raised daughter.” Eleanor stood by the door, sighing repeatedly. Daniel stared blankly for a moment, then finally noticed a small amount of blood where the pendant had shattered. Just as he was about to go after me, Victoria suddenly grabbed his sleeve. “Daniel, did I do something wrong? Sarah hates me so much.” Daniel comforted her. “Victoria, it’s not your fault.” When Daniel looked back, I was gone. It’s just a small injury; she’ll be fine. Thinking this, Daniel helped Victoria back into the living room. It took me over ten minutes to hail a taxi after leaving the house. Once inside, the driver handed me a dry towel. “Miss, wipe yourself off. Don’t catch a cold.” I took the towel. “Thank you.” The driver, while driving, tried to offer some advice. “These days, nothing is impossible to overcome. Just bear with it, and it’ll get better.” His words brought a few tears to my eyes. I used to believe that too. But now, I couldn’t bear it anymore. Just then, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Attorney Miller. “Ms. Campbell, your agreement is ready. Are you free to meet tomorrow?” “Thank you, Attorney Miller. See you tomorrow.” A location popped up on my phone. It was a coffee shop near my home. Attorney Miller’s office wasn’t in this area. And tomorrow was Sunday. It seemed he’d worked extra hours for me. I first contacted Attorney Miller about drafting divorce papers six months after Victoria returned. During that time, I went back and forth, hesitating many times. Attorney Miller understood best that I couldn’t let go. But he was also the one who often advised me to let go when I needed to. Daniel’s indifference to me was so stark that even strangers couldn’t ignore it. I had been too foolish, too naive, before. Always believing that the young man who had helped me countless times when I was in a mess, would eventually fall for me.
The next day, I received the divorce agreement. Looking at the bold letters across the top. I felt a little dazed. “Ms. Campbell, as you know, divorces now require a thirty-day waiting period. After that, as long as both parties agree, the divorce can be finalized.” I nodded, placing the agreement on the table. “Thank you for taking time out of your weekend to help me.” Attorney Miller sighed, smiling wryly. “It’s nothing. If I can help you escape this misery, I consider it a good deed.” Just then, a sharp, accusatory voice rang out behind me. “Sarah, what are you doing here?” I turned and saw Daniel and Victoria. Victoria’s gaze swept from me to Attorney Miller. “Sarah, are you on a date?” Her words seemed to strike a nerve with Daniel. He walked over and grabbed my wrist. “You’re not home on a weekend just to meet him?” No wonder I wanted to divorce him. I pulled my wrist free from Daniel’s grasp and turned to Attorney Miller, apologizing. “I’m sorry, Attorney Miller. Please leave first; I need to handle some family matters.” “Sarah, listen,” Attorney Miller looked at Daniel, “Mr. Davies, I am simply Ms. Campbell’s lawyer.” With that, Attorney Miller stood up and left the coffee shop. People around us were staring. I whispered to Daniel, “Let’s go. Let’s talk about this at home. Don’t make a scene here.” Daniel looked like he wanted to say more, but I cut him off. “I might not care about my reputation, but does Dr. Davies no longer care about his?” Their family lived not far from St. Jude’s Medical Center. This coffee shop was also frequently visited by hospital staff. Daniel valued his reputation above all else. Hearing my words, he said nothing more. Back home, I took out the divorce agreement. “Tomorrow, we’ll go to the courthouse, take a number, and file for divorce. In a month, you’ll be free.” My words didn’t make Daniel happy, but they certainly pleased Victoria. However, Daniel spoke first, dismissing her. “Victoria, you should go home for now. This is between my wife and me.” Victoria’s face stiffened, then she quickly returned to her gentle demeanor. “Okay, Daniel. Talk things through properly with her. Don’t let me misunderstand. Divorce isn’t a small matter; please don’t be impulsive, Sarah.” I scoffed silently. Even as she left, she had to make a jab at me. After Victoria left, Daniel sat on the sofa, picking up the divorce agreement and reading it. For a very long time, he said nothing. His gaze lifted from the agreement to me. “Are you really going to divorce me?” Daniel’s eyes caught sight of the jade pendant on the table, mended again and again with glue. “Is it just for a jade pendant? Victoria didn’t do it on purpose. I can buy you another one.” I looked at him calmly and asked, “Under what name would you return it to me? As my husband, or as Victoria’s ex-boyfriend?” “Victoria is right, you’re still too stubborn.” Daniel tossed the divorce agreement onto the table. “Sarah, you were the one who secretly forced Victoria away all those years ago.” I froze. When had I ever forced Victoria away? “You made Victoria leave, telling her to let me go to you. She told me everything the day she came back.” “Do you know how much Victoria suffered living abroad all these years? You owe Victoria.” Daniel’s words were like a knife, twisting once more in my already wounded heart. I looked at Daniel with difficulty. In his mind, I was such a despicable person. “I don’t blame you for Victoria leaving the country. I won’t blame you anymore.” He said it as if he were bestowing great mercy upon me. “I didn’t…” The explanation died on my lips. What was the point of explaining now? He firmly believed this “old story.” In his eyes, I was a sinner. And no one believes a sinner. I paused, then suddenly looked up and asked him. “Daniel, do you know what happened the day Victoria returned?” Daniel frowned in confusion. “What happened?” That day, it was their fourth wedding anniversary. Daniel had promised to come home from work to be with me. I had planned to tell him that they were going to have a baby. But Daniel broke his promise. I waited in the heavy snow for four hours. I fell on my way to find him, clutching that pregnancy test result. The baby was gone. The baby I had waited four years for. Gone.
I suppressed my grief, trying to calm myself. “Nothing. I just wanted to say, since you believe I stole Victoria’s boyfriend, why won’t you agree to the divorce?” Hearing me say that, Daniel’s frown deepened. “I told you, I’ve forgiven you. So—” “I only want a divorce.” I looked at him, repeating, “I *only* want a divorce.” The only thing in my eyes now was disappointment in this marriage. “Fine, divorce,” Daniel said, almost spitting the words. “Sarah, don’t you dare regret this.” With that, Daniel slammed the door and left. I curled up on the sofa, my fingers tracing my abdomen. That baby had only been there for three months. I had already picked out a nickname for the baby: “Peace.” I wanted my baby to be peaceful and safe, always. The baby was so well-behaved, never causing any trouble, and I never had morning sickness. Even the doctors said it was a good baby who cared for its mother. And that good baby. Left me on the coldest winter night. “It’s okay,” I murmured. “Baby, wait a little longer. Mom will be with you soon.” The next morning, Daniel and I went to the courthouse. It was the first time he hadn’t stood me up. Coming out, I felt much lighter. Thirty-one more days. It would pass quickly. Seeing my happiness, Daniel was displeased. He was about to speak when his phone rang. I glanced at him. “Don’t forget to come pick up the divorce papers in thirty-one days.” Then I walked away. During the waiting period for the divorce, Daniel hardly came home. Meanwhile, I completed all the remaining tasks on my list. With twenty-seven days left, I stopped updating my comic. It was a comic that documented my life with Daniel. Reality was never as beautiful as the comic. Now that I was leaving, there was no need to draw these empty things anymore. I closed my laptop, looked at the sunshine outside, and smiled. With seventeen days left, I went shopping for summer clothes. I bought many colors I never used to wear, planning to change into a different one every day on the Caribbean island. And with only seven days left, I did one last thing. I packed away every trace of myself in this house. Afterward, I realized how few traces I had left in this home. I found our carefully preserved wedding photos. In the pictures, I smiled brightly, but in the mirror, I was bone-thin. Daniel never liked me hanging our wedding photos, so I never did. I threw them all into the trash. Then I burned my most cherished possessions. I burned them for my future self, after I was gone. I knew no one would burn these for me. I also worried that my grandmother wouldn’t have any pocket money after I passed. So I bought a pile of paper money and burned it for her first. Watching the flickering flames, I softly said, “Grandma, try to be frugal with this. We’ll have to share it down below.” After burning everything, I looked at the large pile of ashes, my mood significantly lighter. Now, there was nothing holding me back. Just then, the front door unlocked. Daniel was back. He walked into the house, frowning, and waved away the floating ashes. “Sarah, what are you burning?” I calmly replied, while tidying the fire basin. “Burning some paper money for Grandma.” “Don’t burn these things in the house again,” Daniel said, opening the window. “Okay, I won’t.” It was the last time anyway. Hearing my voice, Daniel noticed I seemed to be in a relatively good mood. After a moment of hesitation, Daniel spoke. “I want Victoria to move in.” I paused, then scoffed. “There are only seven days left until we divorce, Dr. Davies. Can’t you even wait that long?” “There are so many empty rooms in the house; it won’t be a problem for her to stay,” Daniel continued. “It’s close to the hospital, and it’ll be convenient for me to go to work.” I didn’t look up. “You’ve already decided, so why ask me?” Daniel pressed his lips together, his voice becoming very soft. “Victoria… she’s pregnant.” The basin in my hands clattered to the floor, spilling black ashes everywhere. I patted my soiled white dress, only to leave several handprints on it. “Daniel,” my voice trembled uncontrollably, “Is it yours?” He avoided my eyes, his explanations growing weaker with each word. “That night was a misunderstanding. I never intended for there to be a child.” “The baby is only twenty-six days along, the pregnancy is unstable.” Twenty-six days. I knew. It had been exactly twenty-six days since I found out I had cancer.
I remembered the scent of that perfume from that day. I was so foolish, so naive, I’d completely forgotten. What kind of intimacy would leave such a strong, lingering perfume scent? I think I understood now why Daniel didn’t want to divorce me. Did he think that not divorcing me was his way of compensating me? Seeing my silence, Daniel continued, “I want Victoria to move in. You can help take care of her. After all, you’re just sitting around.” I walked over, unable to control myself, and slapped him across the face. The sharp sound echoed in the living room. Daniel’s glasses flew off, landing far away. Unable to stop the surging tears, I cried and grabbed Daniel’s collar. “Daniel, are you even human?” “Are you even human!!!” “You don’t have to love me, but how can you humiliate me like this?” Daniel let me hold him, silently turning his head away. He knew he was in the wrong. But his silence at that moment was like a suffocating tide. Daniel and Victoria were childhood sweethearts. Their bond spanned from middle school to college. I never expected Daniel to love me deeply, and I had considered how close he and Victoria might be. I thought I would be indifferent to it. But when the truth was laid bare before me, I realized. Watching the person I once loved so much admit to cheating, my heart still ached. I released Daniel, leaning against the glass, struggling to breathe. “It’s my fault.” Daniel admitted his mistake for the first time. “But Victoria isn’t well. If she gets rid of this baby, she might never be able to have children again.” “Don’t worry, I won’t divorce you. Victoria doesn’t want to destroy our marriage either.” “We’ve discussed it. This child will be registered under my name. You’ll raise it.” Daniel’s words came one after another. More than he’d spoken to me in an entire month. And my heart gradually grew calm. “I agree to Victoria moving in.” Daniel’s eyes brightened. “But, in seven days, I must have the divorce papers.” His earlier words made me realize Daniel was trying to back out. Since things had come to this. I had to make Daniel agree to the divorce. I didn’t have another month to wait. Daniel froze, a hint of desperation in his voice. “I won’t divorce you, don’t worry—” “I’m not discussing this with you.” My voice grew colder. “I’m *informing* you. Otherwise, I will make sure everyone knows about Dr. Davies’s questionable lifestyle.” I wasn’t very good at threatening people; my words weren’t very forceful. But it was enough to make Daniel feel my resolve. Daniel was speechless. He looked down at me. “Sarah, are you really going to be this ruthless?” I smiled. “Daniel, did I get Victoria pregnant?” Daniel clenched his hand. “I told you, it was a misunderstanding—” “What kind of misunderstanding leads to sleeping together?!” I suppressed the nausea in my stomach, glancing at Daniel. “Daniel, you truly disgust me.” Daniel fell silent. After a long pause, he bent down and picked up his glasses. “Fine.” Daniel agreed. After he left, I ran to the bathroom and threw up. However much I had loved him before, that’s how much I detested him now. I had always thought they wouldn’t reach a point of such mutual disgust. But now Victoria was pregnant. All pretense of civility had turned into filth. And Daniel’s actions were swift. Fearing I might change my mind, he brought Victoria into the house the very next day. I felt sick, but I didn’t argue. I endured it silently. Five more days. Five more days until I could leave this bastard. After Victoria moved in, she became even more brazen. She stroked her still-flat stomach and ordered me, “Sarah, honey, I’m craving pumpkin porridge.” I didn’t like to argue. I said nothing, simply ordered her a takeout version. But Victoria cried to Daniel. “Daniel, I’m pregnant. How can I eat takeout?” Daniel looked at me, silent and unmoving, and for the first time, he didn’t side with Victoria. “Victoria, it’s fine. One time won’t hurt.” I paid them no mind. I had no desire to argue anymore. And I certainly wouldn’t cook. But I never imagined that the day before the divorce. Victoria would fall in the bathroom. I stood there, my clothes soaked, clutching my stomach, and cried to Daniel when he rushed back. “Daniel, why did Sarah spill shower gel on the floor? My stomach hurts so much.” “Sarah, I never wanted to ruin things between you and Daniel. Please don’t hurt our baby, okay?” Victoria was skilled at falsely accusing me like this. I just felt a deep sense of exasperation. Daniel believed her without a second thought. “Sarah, apologize to Victoria!” My brow furrowed. “Daniel, tomorrow we’re going to finalize our divorce. Why would I bother to harm myself like this?” Whenever Victoria was involved, Daniel turned into an idiot. Daniel also remembered that tomorrow was the last day of the divorce cooling-off period. Without thinking clearly, the words just tumbled out of his mouth. “If you want this divorce to go smoothly, apologize to Victoria.” I froze. I never expected such a threatening demand to come from Daniel’s mouth. How sickening, how ugly.
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