29
Nicholas’s POV
The words were like lightning striking my chest. Cancer? Leukemia? Aggressive phase? I felt the whole world stop for a moment, trying to process what the doctor had just said.
“Cancer?” I mumbled almost inaudibly. “She never… she never told me.”
The doctor nodded slowly. “That happens often. Many patients choose to keep their condition a secret, even from those closest to them.”
He continued in a more assertive tone. “Sabrina has also missed her last two chemotherapy appointments, which should be crucial to her condition. Skipping such treatments could speed up the progression of the disease.”
I closed my eyes, trying to calm the turmoil that was roiling inside me, “Will she be okay now?” I asked, almost pleading.
“We’ve given her initial treatment to control the infection and stabilize her condition. But this is not a long–term solution. Sabrina must continue her chemotherapy, and it must be done immediately. If she continues to delay, her risk will increase.” The doctor looked at me sharply. “She needs support, Mr. Nicholas. You must convince her to follow the treatment consistently.”
1
I nodded slowly, but my mind was still filled with confusion and questions. How could Sabrina hide this? Why did she have to bear it all alone?
The doctor patted my shoulder lightly. “She’s being moved to the ward. You can see her once her condition is more stable.”
I could only nod again, feeling as if I was trapped in a never–ending nightmare. When the doctor left, I stood still in the hallway, trying to process the reality that had just hit me.
Sabrina, why didn’t you ever tell me? Why did you choose to fight this alone?
My heart tightened, not only because of guilt but also because of the realization of how fragile Sabrina had been all this time, and I had never realized it.
I stood in front of Sabrina’s ward door, my heart feeling heavy as if weighed down by an invisible weight. This hand trembled as I pushed the door slowly, peeking inside. There, Sabrina lay, her face pale, her body looking so fragile under the white blanket. I stepped in slowly, closing the door behind me.
Every step towards her bed felt like a journey through a maze full of regret. I stared at her face, so peaceful in the sleep her body had forced because of exhaustion. But behind that peace, I knew her body was fighting hard against a very serious illness, an illness that I didn’t even know she had.
I pulled up a chair and sat beside her bed. The sound of the medical equipment beating rhythmically made the room fall silent and full of pressure. I reached out, touching her cold fingers. Fingers that were usually so warm when she touched Charlie, when she held a cup of tea in the morning, or when she wrote in her diary.
As I held her fingers, I felt a small vibration in my heart. How many memories crossed my mind? Her bright smile, the laughter that made me forget all the burdens, and our togetherness that was always colorful. Now, all of that feels so far away and vague, blocked by the shadow of the pain that lurks.
could no longer access. The base of my fingers wanted her to know that I was here, accompanying
Tears began to well up in my eyes. When was the last time Tsaw her smile without any worries on her face? As if all of that had become memories trapped in a time box that pressed against her skin, hoping to warm her even a little. her even in this suffocating silence.
20
+25 BONUS:
My hand reached for her small diary that was on the bedside table. I opened it carefully, finding writings that described her hopes and dreams, and all the thoughts that he kept tightly. As if she knew that one day, she would have to leave these things behind. Each verse was filled with love, longing, and uncertainty of her feelings. I didn’t dare to read any further, afraid I would reveal the layers that she had covered up.
One page caught my attention. Written there were simple yet powerful words: “Even in the darkness, I will find my way.” Somehow, those words gave me hope, as if they were hinting that there was courage hidden within him, even though he was now trapped in a weak body.
Unconsciously, I began to speak, my voice trembling between the pulses of the medical equipment. “I’m here, Sabrina. I will always be by your side. We will get through this together,” I said with conviction, hoping she could feel it in her dreams.
“Sabrina…” I called her in a low voice, even though I knew she wouldn’t answer. “I… I don’t know. I really don’t know.” My words broke off, my voice shaking from the emotions that were suffocating in my chest.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me anything? Why did you choose to keep everything to yourself?” I lowered my head, staring at his thin hands. “I am your husband, Sabrina, I should have known. I should have been the one by your side, supporting you, protecting you.” 1
Tears welled up in my eyes, something that rarely happened. I rubbed my face roughly, trying to control my emotions, but it was no use. Little memories came to mind, her smile when she welcomed me home, her warm gaze at Charlie, and the way she tried to make everything seem okay, even when I knew she was hurt by my
actions.
“I’m sorry,” my voice was barely audible, muffled by the overwhelming sadness.
Once again, tears began to roll down my cheeks. I wanted to believe her words, but the pain and doubt still plagued my mind. But when her hand gently held mine, I felt a glimmer of hope begin to sprout.
