Where Stars Don't Follow

My words eased Sean's anxious, restless mind. He put his arms around me and drifted into a deep sleep.

I stared at his strong, handsome features, my eyes hardened.

A colleague? He would go stargazing with his colleague, celebrate her birthday, and even take her to an amusement park. Yet, he told me, his wife, that birthday celebrations were for kids.

Being let down time and time again had left me completely drained. I would not trust his words anymore.

…

The next day, I headed to the relevant department to renounce my citizenship. Today was the day I would be leaving, and I hoped that everything would go as planned.

Yet, I did not expect receiving a call on my way home, saying that Sean was involved in a car accident. My mind went blank. I immediately hailed a cab to get to the hospital.

When I arrived outside the ward and was about to push the door open, I overheard some people talking.

"Sean, you scared the light out of me when you dashed forward and pushed Evelyn out of the way. Were you not afraid that you might get run over by the car instead?"

"Look at how worried you are. Calm down. She's fine. The doctor said that she only suffered minor lacerations. On the contrary, can you imagine how worried Maisie will be when she finds out you're injured?"

"By the way, Evelyn said that she would thank you for saving her life by marrying you before she fainted. You can't really marry her, though?"

"Why can't he marry her? Evelyn has even gotten an abortion for Sean previously…"

For a moment, I felt like I could not breathe, as though something had clutched onto my heart in a tight grip. So, something like that had happened between them.

Evelyn had gotten an abortion for Sean before. That explained why he still had not gotten over her. They were a pair of star-crossed lovers who could not be together because of me.

My vision turned blurry, and I could not feel anything even when I dug my nails into my palm.

There had been several instances where I truly believed Sean when he said that he was simply looking out for a colleague. I finally realized now that he was doing those things intuitively.

I heaved a deep breath and pushed the door open. Those inside the ward looked my way almost simultaneously. Sean's friends had awkward looks on their faces.

"Maisie, when did you get here? Sean's doing alright. You don't have to worry too much."

"That's right, Maisie. He got hurt because he was trying to help someone in danger. I hope you won't misunderstand him."

Their explanations only made it obvious that they were trying to cover up something.

I paid no mind to what they were saying as I walked over to Sean. Then, I handed the divorce papers to him.

"Sean, you gave me quite a shock this time. I got you an insurance policy. I need you to sign it."

Sean had a wary look in his eyes. He seemed to be contemplating what to say.

Just then, Evelyn mumbled something inaudible in her sleep. Without any hesitation, Sean signed the document and went to check on Evelyn.

Suddenly, he lifted his gaze and looked at me. "Maisie, I…"

"Rest well. I'll drop by to see you tomorrow. Don't worry. I didn't misunderstand anything."

Those were all facts anyway.

Sean was visibly relieved. He dropped his gaze and tried to calm Evelyn down.

He seemed to have sensed something as I stepped out of the ward. He caught up with me and reminded me, "Don't forget to lock the doors and windows while I'm not home. There are more cases of robbery when holidays are around the corner."

"Alright," I replied with a smile.

"This is probably the last time we see each other. Sean Chandler, let's not see each other anymore for the rest of our lives," I thought.

After leaving the hospital, I headed straight to the airport with other members joining the same cause as me, marking the beginning of my journey to Morales.

I would soon be participating in the work of medical humanitarian assistance and would dedicate everything I had and devote my life to helping humanity.