After I Became Paralyzed, My Ex-husband Became My Caregiver

The man didn't answer but took me from Carl's arms.

With a loud bang, he shut the door.

"Patrick, why are you here?"

I mumbled softly, but my eyes couldn't help but glance at the peephole.

Carl hadn't left; he stood at my door with his fists clenched.

He looked almost exactly like he did six years ago.

That day, Carl stood at my front door with a ring, kneeling to propose to me.

The bright light shone on his face, and his eyes sparkled like stars in the sky.

But I told Carl, "Let's break up. You can't give me what I want."

The light in his eyes instantly dimmed.

He didn't say anything and stood at my door for a long, long time.

When I finally opened the door again, my young love had already left me forever.

A vast distance had formed between us, and a wall had grown around our hearts.

Even if the seas and mountains could be flattened, that wall would be hard to overcome.

"I came to check on your grandmother."

Patrick's voice brought me back to reality.

My grandmother came over, urging me to keep Patrick company while she busied herself in the kitchen.

It hadn't been long since I last saw her, but my grandmother's back seemed to have grown even more hunched.

"Has your condition improved?"

As soon as he spoke, my mother's voice echoed from the bedroom.

Hysterical, almost insane.

"Janet, who told you to come back? Get out, get out! I hate you! I hate you! If it weren't for you, your father and I wouldn't be like this. I don't want to see you! Get out!"

My grandmother dropped her spatula with a clatter and hurried to the bedroom.

She closed the door tightly, but the harsh words still slipped through the cracks and into my ears.

Patrick looked awkward, as if he wanted to comfort me.

"It's okay. There's a good chance this illness can be cured."

"30% chance of lifelong paralysis, 30% chance of complications, 30%..." I paused, "Do you think I could be one of those 10% against all odds?"

Patrick didn't speak for a long time.

We had once been dance partners for many years, and now he was the only one who still visited me.

"I'll help you get in touch with an experienced doctor of traditional Chinese medicine."

"Sure."

I wanted to live.

If possible...

Patrick went to help in the kitchen.

When all the dishes were finally served, my grandmother came out of the bedroom.

Her cloudy eyes were brimming with tears. "Janet, don't hold it against your mom."

I nodded and took a bite of the beef stew, but it was a bit overcooked.

No one spoke during the meal.

My grandmother hesitated before asking, "Janet, have you made up with that boy?"