Chapter 9

During my last few days alive at the hospice, I wanted to give her a call in my final moments when I felt so helpless.

Her tone was as cold and disdainful as ever, each word like a knife cutting into my heart. Now history repeats itself, but with reversed roles. She can't even endure half the pain I went through?

Mia stayed in the hospital for 3 days. During this time, Jason came to visit once, limping and saying he wanted to stay at the hospital to take care of her. Mia refused, saying he was a patient himself who needed care, how could he take care of her?

After that, he didn't mention it again. When Mia was discharged, he was at work and called a car for her. Mia packed up by herself and went home.

When she got home, the place was still a mess. A thin layer of dust had settled on everything. Mia opened the curtains, and the choking dust made her cough, her body just recovered from illness. She called the cleaning company again to have someone tidy up.

After the cleaning was done, the doorbell rang. It was Mrs. Johnson from next door, bringing a bowl of meatball soup.

"Mia dear, it's been a while since I've seen you and your husband. I heard from your husband that you love my meatball soup, so I made a big bowl today and wanted to share some with you two. Eat it while it's hot."

"Thank you." Mia looked a bit awkward. She was busy with work and wasn't very familiar with the neighbors upstairs and downstairs.

"By the way, how's your husband's meatball soup coming along?"

"What?" Mia was confused.

"Didn't he say last time that you love my meatball soup? He came over specially to learn from me, so I taught him a few tricks. Your husband is so good to you, unlike my old-fashioned husband who doesn't know how to care for people."