Chapter 4

Joshua left early for work the next morning.

Kathleen handled her own discharge from the hospital. Her aunt Ellen planned to pick her up the following afternoon. With much to do, Kathleen couldn't waste time in the hospital.

She returned to her parents' house, absent for three years, her heart heavy with mixed emotions.

In the past, her parents greeted her at the door, full of questions and warmth. Now, the place felt cold and lifeless.

She entered her parents' room, packing their belongings into a cardboard box. The space felt both familiar and repulsive.

Tears streamed down her face as she worked.

"Mom, Dad, I'm sorry. I'm too weak to protect the last memories you left me," she whispered.

Before coming, she visited a realtor and sold the house at a low price. She refused to let Joshua defile it further.

After mailing the belongings, she took one final look at the place where she grew up. It might be her last time there.

Kathleen locked the door and stepped outside, only to come face-to-face with Joshua.

He couldn't find her at the hospital and guessed she'd be here.

"Sweetheart, why didn't you tell me you were discharged? Your phone's off. Do you know how worried I was?" he said, his eyes brimming with genuine-looking concern.

"Don't go out without telling me, okay? I... I was so scared something happened to you," he added, his voice breaking as he pulled her into his arms. His body trembled slightly against her shoulder.

Kathleen's mind flashed to the previous night's scene with him and Ella. Nausea surged within her.

She shoved him away, her eyes filled with disgust. "I'm fine, aren't I? I didn't want to bother you since you're so busy."

Joshua froze. For the first time, he saw impatience in Kathleen's eyes.

Usually, she'd apologize softly and comfort him. Why was she acting so differently?

"Sweetheart, are you upset because of your parents' things? I told you not to come here. It's okay. How about I take you for something tasty?" he said. "Your transplant's coming up. We need to keep you strong. Let's go."

Joshua took her hand without waiting for a response. "What do you want to do for your birthday tomorrow? That necklace I promised? I had someone get it. It'll be here tomorrow. You'll be the first in the world to wear it. Excited?"

Kathleen felt his grip like needles piercing her skin.

The first in the world? Hadn't he already put that necklace on Ella's neck? Did he think she was blind?

She pulled her hand free, her voice distant. "I don't want to eat out. I'm not hungry."

More than unappetizing food, the man before her killed her appetite. Even his slightest touch felt filthy.

"Alright, we'll eat at home. I'll cook for you," Joshua said, momentarily stunned by her rejection but quickly plastering on a smile to coax her.

He didn't know what was wrong with her today, but he was confident. A little coaxing, and she'd fall back into his arms. She could never leave him.

Kathleen turned, meeting his eyes. Suddenly, she wanted to know if he'd truly grieve if she died.

"Joshua, if I don't get the transplant and die, would you be sad?" she asked.

Her question struck him like a blow, his heart aching inexplicably. Why would she ask that?

"No, sweetheart, I won't let you think like that. You'll recover. Don't say such things," he said, his voice thick, his eyes glistening as if he might cry.

Kathleen gave a faint smile. She once avoided such topics, not wanting to hurt him or see him worry.

She feared he'd turn to desperate measures, like secretly returning to the temple to pray all night.

Now, she knew it was all a lie.

Even if he offered her the liver himself, she wouldn't feel a shred of pity for him.