Death on the Wedding Anniversary

"Rylee, I called you over today to discuss something."

I thought, "As long as it's not another weird remedy for me to try. My kidneys are already shot."

"Let me introduce you. This is Esther Wallace, Mr. Wallace's youngest daughter from next door. She just returned from studying abroad and now works at a research institute."

"I know her, Mom." I extended a hand in greeting. "She was at my house a few days ago."

Esther blushed. Eloise looked awkward, coughing and muttering, "She's a respectable girl. Why is he so oblivious?"

She glanced at me and continued, "Rylee, I know this is hard on you. But what man doesn't seek a little novelty now and then? Easton still cares about you. Where he's lacking, I'll make it up to you, okay?"

"Mom, I remember all the kindness you've shown me."

I glanced at Esther and forced a smile. "Don't worry, I know what to do."

"You and Easton have been married for years, and I'm getting older. My only wish is to hold a grandchild soon."

Eloise patted my hand, sighing before adding, "I know your health isn't great, and Easton's turning 30 soon. Maybe we could consider a scientific approach to having a child?"

I smiled. "Whatever you think is best."

"Esther's been abroad long and is into that non-marriage thing. But she's been thinking about a business marriage to settle things with her family. Do you know how the Wallace family is an intellectual, modern thinker? The more I consider it, the more I realize it could be a win-win for everyone. It would spare you pain, and the child would have more people to love them. Would you consider it?"

My head spun, and I swallowed hard. "Have you talked to Easton about this?"

"Of course. Easton said as long as you're on board, it's fine with him."

Eloise spoke earnestly, "Rylee, you and Easton act like children because you don't have one yet. Once you have a child, I'm sure things will smooth out between you two. With a baby, your hearts will naturally come together."

I pressed my lips together, not saying a word.

Eloise reassured me, saying we didn't have to rush and could take our time to think it over.

As Esther and I left together, she stopped me at the entrance of the complex.

"Ms. Bailey, I won't take Easton from you. He's your husband and always will be."

I stared at the ground and said quietly, "Honestly, I wouldn't mind. If you can convince Easton to divorce me, I might even thank you."

Esther smiled, her tone almost regretful. "He still loves you, deep down. I think he's just trying to keep you by his side with this plan."

"WTF? This homewrecker's acting all magnanimous!"

I couldn't hold it in anymore. "You shameless couple really are a perfect match. Who gave you the nerve to lecture me? With your bare-assed bravado?"

Without waiting for her reaction, I straightened my back and walked off, ignoring her reddening face.

...

On the day of my scheduled dialysis, I went alone as usual.

In the hospital room, I saw the smiling doctor again. "Why is it always him? I've developed a physical aversion to men by now."

"Do you know how many people are waiting for an appointment with me?"

"I'm not here to fangirl over you, okay? I don't care about your face!"

"I'm just trying to help. A familiar face is better than a stranger, right?"

"We've only met once! How are you so friendly already?"

"Once?" The young doctor smiled brightly, with a hint of shyness. "Rylee, do you remember who your high school class president was?"

I stared at him for a moment, my mind racing. Finally, I read the name off his uniform badge, murmuring, "Landon Foster!"

"Was I just my glasses to you? You can't recognize me without them?"

I stammered, pointing at him. "Weren't you super nearsighted? And, uh, a little chubby?"

Actually, more than a little.

In high school, I used to sit in the back and tease the smart kids. I remember he had such thick glasses that I nicknamed him "Little Chubby."

Forgotten memories came flooding back.

I leaned in, surprised. "I knew that chubby kids are always late bloomers!"

He smiled, dimples showing. "I owe it to you. Without your teasing back then, I wouldn't have had the motivation to lose weight."

Feeling a bit guilty, I quickly changed the subject. "What about your glasses? You're not even wearing contacts now, are you?"

"I got it fixed completely."

Landon's smile grew serious. "If I could cure my half-blindness, Rylee, you should have faith in yourself. Have faith in medicine."

I couldn't help but laugh at his seriousness. "With you looking this good, I might not even want to get better."