Severing All Our Ties

I didn't want to think about Zachary and Sienna anymore. The sound of Sienna's laughter behind me grated on my ears. Picking up my pace, I quickly left the hospital.

Ever since Zachary stopped coming home, the house had felt empty. There was only me and Grace Lewis, our housekeeper, and no one else.

Grace came out to greet me happily when she saw me come home, but when she saw my pale face, she immediately looked worried. "Evie, you've been away for quite some time. Were you sick? You look terrible!"

Even Grace worried about me. Why didn't Zachary? I hadn't even gotten a word of concern from him.

Forcing out a weak smile, I reassured Grace, "I'm fine. Let's have dinner. I'm hungry."

"Alright. I'll make you some of your favorite soup. It'll warm you right up."

With that, Grace bustled off to the kitchen.

I took out the jar of paper stars, placed it on the table, and stared at it quietly.

Just then, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and found Zachary's mother, Julia Brook, standing outside.

Before I could say anything, she exclaimed, "Goodness, Evie! Why do you look so pale?"

She pulled me into the house and sat me down quickly. If I hadn't protested, she would've brought me to the hospital right that instant. "You're with child. You need to take care of yourself! Where's Zachary? Is he not with you?

"He hasn't been at work lately. His father and I thought he was spending more time with you, but then, Grace called and told us he wasn't. If she hadn't called, were you going to keep this from me?"

Julia was really kind to me. I felt warmed by her concern, but I really could not answer her questions.

Thankfully, Grace emerged from the kitchen right on time, carrying a bowl of my favorite soup in her hands.

"I hope you don't think I'm meddling, Evie," she said. "I was just worried about you."

I shook my head, smiling. "Not at all, Grace."

The front door opened again. This time, Zachary entered the house. He looked surprised when he saw us. "Mom, what are you doing here?"

"You tell me. Where were you these past few days?" Julia retorted sharply. "Why weren't you with Evie?"

Zachary hesitated, not knowing how to respond to that. "I was busy."

"What could be more important than Evie? She's pregnant with your child," Julia said. "Besides, couldn't you delegate your tasks to someone else? Why do you have to do everything yourself?"

I tugged at her hand, comforting her as I spoke up for Zachary. "It's fine, Julia. If he's busy, let him be. I'm fine."

Zachary gave me a guilty look. "Thanks, Evie."

I wasn't sure if he was thanking me for defending him or for not exposing him for his lie.

"Either way, you're staying tonight," Julia said warningly. "You will take care of Evie and spend time with her."

"But…" The words died in his throat. Even he knew that what he was doing was wrong.

…

In the bedroom, all the lights were turned off except for one lamp. Its faint glow cast shadows on my face, making me look more frail than ever.

Zachary came into the room and perched on the side of the bed. "Evie, Sienna's waiting for me. She can't be alone," he said cautiously, testing the waters.

I did not answer. Instead, I took out the jar of paper stars.

"What is this?" he asked, perplexed.

"99 paper stars. I finished them."

Zachary faltered. "Are we already at 99?"

"Are you still going to leave?"

My pleading did nothing to soften his heart.

"Evie, Sienna lost her memory. I can't just leave her. You understand, don't you?" he said. "I promise you that once she recovers, I'll make her leave. Then, I'll be with you and only you. Okay?"

How could I force him to stay? He was going to leave me anyway. It was inevitable, just like my departure was.

I nodded. Before he left, I made a request. "I would like a baby bracelet as a gift to our child."

He patted my head gently. "Okay. When I get back, we'll go and shop for baby things together. I promise."

The sound of the front door closing faded into the night, replaced with the sound of my quiet sobs.

I turned on the lights and took out the stack of medical reports from the drawer.

Once, these reports brought me tears of joy. I was so excited to carry my first child.

Now, I was saying goodbye to them with tears again—but this time, they were of sorrow.