Grief and Madness: After His Daughter Died

I felt deeply uncomfortable and sick to my stomach. With Ryan by my side, I accompanied Emily on her final journey.

I touched the photo, remembering how, after every argument with Grayson, Emily would come over to hug me and wipe away my tears. She was so young, but she already knew Grayson didn't love us.

Emily would say, "Mommy, don't be afraid. If Daddy won't spend your birthday with you, I will."

She was my little sweetheart, never Grayson's.

That night, I returned to my place to find Grayson drunk and lying there. He reached out to grab me.

"Violet, don't leave me. You're still so young. We can still have our own children," Grayson said.

Grayson, do you really have no heart?

"Can we start over, Violet?" He pulled at me, gripping me tightly.

"No, Grayson."

Grayson's tall shadow loomed over me. His breathing was heavy. When he heard my words, he actually started crying.

"Why can't you just be a little more compliant, Violet? Will it kill you to give in?"

With a loud bang, Grayson kicked something nearby.

I had long lost any expectations for him. What did he mean by giving in? Emily was gone, and there were no ties left between us.

"You can tear up the divorce agreement, but I'll keep sending them. It's just a waste of a few sheets of paper."

"There's nothing between Mila and me. Why don't you believe me?"

Grayson was very frustrated. His eyes were red as he looked at me, asking what it would take for me to believe him.

"I know you mind about Mila, but..." Grayson hesitated. He paused and said it wasn't what I thought.

"I don't mind. What I care most about is Emily. Do you know, Grayson? Emily wanted to see you one last time before she died, but you refused her."

Grayson's whole body went rigid. He seemed to lose all his strength and slid down the wall.

He collapsed outside the door like a drunkard, murmuring, "I'm sorry, baby. It's me who let you down."

How ironic. Emily had humbly begged him before, but Grayson treated her like that.

What's the point of late remorse?

I went back inside, locked the door, and curled up on the sofa. The house was empty, with no more sounds of Emily's laughter. As soon as I closed my eyes, tears would fall.

I remembered receiving Emily's urn and knowing she would never come back to me.

I felt so sick and nauseous. The light of my life had been extinguished, and I no longer wanted to continue this long journey of life.

The next day, when I went out, I saw Grayson still sitting there.

He heard the door open and stood up excitedly. He was still wearing the same clothes from the day before. The usually fastidious Grayson had spent the night there.

How ironic.

"I'll take you..."

I took out the divorce agreement, coldly saying, "No need. Just sign it, Grayson. I'm telling you clearly, there's no chance for us anymore."