When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Clyde hadn't returned home the previous night, choosing to stay with Kayla.

The office grapevine was buzzing with gossip about the two of them.-

[Mr. Patterson is over the top, isn't he? Making a big deal over a tiny wound and rushing Kayla to the hospital.]

[Have you ever heard of a man's sweetheart? Mr. Patterson was beside himself with worry.]

[Did Melanie storm into the office today to catch a homewrecker red-handed?]

[The boss's wife is apparently after money but just asked for $100,000. How pathetic. Kayla's necklace, I looked it up, worth $190,000.]

I closed WhatsApp with a sneer playing at the corner of my mouth. The idea of the boss's wife getting pitied was indeed a joke.

Woken up by the noise, I couldn't fall back asleep and decided to start packing my things.

It wasn't my first rodeo with surgery. I packed my personal belongings with practiced ease.

Everything in our home was top-notch. Clyde had an eye for quality. Even the bed linens and tissues were the most expensive. I unapologetically crammed them into my luggage. Hospital charges were high, and I wasn't about to waste a dime.

Even though I now had $100,000, what if something happened during surgery?

Hospital bills could skyrocket, and it was better to be safe than sorry.

My jewelry collection, which I could wear at any time, was pathetically small. Standing before the jewelry cab, I decided against smashing it open. Breaking it would likely mean losing my chance at surgery altogether.

At last, I picked out a pair of gold studs and a small, pitiful diamond ring. Clyde had said it was the engagement ring he planned to use to propose when he was broke. Buying such a ring must have taken him ages to save for.

I carefully slipped the ring on, feeling a mix of emotions. The ring would depreciate when sold, and selling it wouldn't fetch much, especially with its crude craftsmanship. But having something was better than nothing. Who knows, it might save my life in a crunch.

With everything prepared, I pondered where to find an affordable yet reliable caregiver when daylight broke.

The doctor called me, sounding excited, "I've spoken with the admissions department. Just come over to complete the formalities."

"You can start by paying a $30,000 deposit. We've reserved a double room for you, and you can share a caregiver with the other patient."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Aware of my financial constraints, the doctor had thought of every possible way to save me money. I thanked him as I dragged my suitcase out the door.

Feeling my departure, I heard Rocky whimpering from my neighbor's home. Brenda opened the door, and Rocky dashed toward me, whining around

me.

I crouched down, holding back tears, and hugged its big head. "Be good. I'll be back soon, and you need to stay strong."

Rocky had to stay strong even if I couldn't make it home.

Brenda hesitated, then said, "Wait a moment."

She went inside and returned with a silver cross. "I got this for you in the church the other day. May God bring you safety and health."

Looking at the cross with a faded string, I nodded with a smile. Brenda was kind-hearted, and Rocky would do well with her.

I entered the elevator, clutching the cross tightly. Maybe with God's blessing, I could extend my life a bit longer.

Following the doctor's directions, I

got through the hospital admission

stuff real quick. Thinking about the

surgery the next day, I felt more at

ease lying in the hospital bed.

I dreamt again, this time, of waiting for Clyde at the school gates as he returned from his part-time job, bringing my "favorite" pies.

Those pies were awful, reeking of

artificial flavoring, but they were

cheap at a dollar each. Clyde always beamed with joy when seeing me relish them, looking incredibly handsome.

The familiar ringtone woke me, and I answered the phone instinctively. "Clyde, I want the blueberry ones today. Make sure you queue up early, okay?"

There was a pause on the other end before a gentle response came, "Okay, wait for me."

I turned over and fell back asleep, happy to have had a pleasant dream for once.

Waking up the following day, I felt refreshed. The nurses even joked that good spirits meant a successful surgery.

But the doctor looked at me solemnly. "It's normally cool, but for today's operation, isn't there any family coming to sign off?"

I lowered my head, feeling irritable inside. I had no family left, only Clyde.

Seeing my desperate look, the doctor sighed and advised me to think it over as the surgery was imminent.

I glanced at my phone, feeling unexpectedly anxious. Was something going to go wrong this time?

The phone rang again. It was Clyde.

I answered almost reflexively, my voice filled with joy, "Clyde!"

"Melanie, are you messing with me? Didn't you say you wanted pie? Where are you? Gone off to die?" His irritated voice made me speechless.

So, yesterday wasn't a dream. Clyde had called me and even bought the pies.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and thinking of the doctor's words, I choked out, "Clyde, I am currently..."

"Clyde, these pies are so yummy. No

wonder you insisted on queuing up for them!" Kayla's voice came, through the phone, and I instinctively hung up.

He had finally brought her home.

I slipped on my shoes and walked into the doctor's office. "Doctor, I'll sign for myself."