The Childless Sky

"Hannah, why'd you sneak out while I was still snoozing? You promised I'd wake up to your face," the voice on the phone whined.

Hannah shot me a look and hushed her voice. "Left my toiletries behind yesterday. Didn't want you to catch me looking a mess."

I couldn't care less about their lovey-dovey talk and headed out.

Last night, along with the divorce papers, I dropped my resignation at work.

A notification popped up: my resignation was already processed.

Stepping into the office, I was greeted by Jack's booming laugh.

"Marvin, you're late, man. Hannah said the latecomer has gotta treat everyone to coffee!"

I brushed him off and started clearing my desk.

However, Jack was itching for a scene, knocking my computer to the floor and stomping on it.

"Hey, I'm talking to you. Didn't you hear me? Go get that coffee, or I'll have to snitch to Hannah!"

I spun around, ready to retort, but Jack grabbed my arm. Without thinking, I clocked him right in the face.

He yelped and toppled backward, hitting the deck hard.

Hannah strode over with quick steps, pulling the fallen person to their feet, her face etched with annoyance as she glared at me.

"Marvin, what's gotten into you? Starting a fight in front of everyone?"

Jack, cradling his cheek, shook his head. "It's not Marvin's fault. I spoke out of turn and ticked him off. I shouldn't have asked him to run out for coffee."

Hannah's icy gaze cut to me.

"So, you're late and now you're making excuses? Get moving and buy everyone their drinks, or do you want me to make sure you're out of a job?"

Her words only made me smirk.

I shoved my resignation letter into her hand and spun on my heel to leave.

Hannah stood there, stunned, before chasing after me.

"Marvin, how can you just quit without a word to me? Do you have any idea how many strings I had to pull to land you this job?"

"My grandpa's sick. I've got to quit to look after him."

Hannah's grip on my arm was like iron, her voice rising to a screech. "Grandpa's important, sure, but I'm pregnant! If you quit now, who's going to cover all our bills? What about our future kid's expenses? How can you just shirk your responsibilities?"

Inside, I was thinking, 'She expects me to support her lover's kid and then calls me irresponsible.'

I could not help but let out a laugh.

That carefree laugh seemed to sting Hannah.

"Marvin, if you don't shape up, forget about me having your kids. You can kiss the idea of a godson goodbye."

When I stayed silent, Hannah mistook it for acquiescence and pressed on.

"Plus, I can't stand the hospital, but Jack needs someone, so he's moving in for a while. He hates small beds, so make sure the master bedroom is ready for him."

I just nodded, then hopped into a cab.

Back at home, I wasted no time in packing up my life.

I was on my way out when, to my surprise, Jack came in.

With a phony warmth, he offered, "Marvin, need a hand with anything?"

I ignored him, but that did not stop him. He reached into the closet and pulled out one of Hannah's underwear.

"Marvin, Hannah's got a killer body, you know. I've been jealous of you for the longest time…"

His words felt like a slap to my pride, and I reacted. I kicked the wheelchair out from under him.

"Crash"

Jack, scrambling to his feet, did not show any sign of pain. Instead, he smirked like he had won a prize.

Hannah came running at the noise, worriedly checking Jack over.

"Jack, are you okay?"

Then she turned on me, eyes blazing. "Marvin! Apologize, now! And if you don't, I'll call the hospital this instant to cut off your grandpa's meds, and he'll be gone for good!"

Her words hit me like a thunderbolt.

She was the one who had found the specialist for Grandpa's treatment.

I had thought she was doing it out of kindness, never imagining she would use it as leverage against me.

I hesitated, and she was already pulling out her phone, ready to dial.

"Alright, I apologize."

I balled my fists, staring daggers at Jack.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pushed you. It's all on me."

However, Hannah was not about to let it go at that. She barked, "Is that how you apologize? Bow down!"

I took a deep breath and bowed deeply, saying sorry once more in front of Jack.

Jack, looking pleased as punch, waved it off. "Marvin, I'm totally fine. No need for all that, really."

Hannah did not even spare me a glance, her back to me as she said nonchalantly, "You'll need to find another place to stay for a while. Come back once Jack's better."

I grabbed my suitcase and walked away without looking back.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a call from my leader.

"Marvin, the chopper's landed at the hospital for your granddad. Where are you? I'll send someone to get you."