Chapter 4 The weight of reality

As soon as Samuel left, Sarah's composure crumbled. She sat still for a moment, and then the tears she'd been holding back burst forth in a torrent of sorrow. She'd wanted to cry, but not in front of Samuel. She didn't want to burden him with her pain, so she'd sent him away under the guise of needing food.

Now, alone in her misery, Sarah let her emotions overwhelm her. She thought about all the dreams she'd had – starting a family, growing old with Samuel, sharing laughter and tears with her loved ones. But it all seemed like a distant memory now, slipping away from her grasp.

In just seven short days, her life would be over. The thought of leaving Samuel, her parents, and the family she'd always wanted to build was almost too much to bear. Why was life so cruel? Why did she have to be robbed of her happiness at the very moment she'd found it?

After a while, Samuel returned, carrying a flask of warm soup. He sat down beside her, placing the flask on the bedside table. Sarah quickly wiped away her tears, not wanting Samuel to see her cry. She lay down, feigning rest, waiting for him to notice her.

When Samuel sat down next to her, Sarah sat up and forced a smile. "You're back," she said softly, trying to hide the pain that still lingered in her eyes.

Samuel's gaze met hers, filled with concern and love. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I brought you some soup," he said, his voice gentle. "You need to eat something."

Sarah's heart swelled with emotion as she looked at Samuel. She knew he was trying to take care of her, to make her feel better. But deep down, she knew it was all futile. The clock was ticking, and time was running out.