- 2.
A loud crash. Blackness.
In my haze, I heard Holden and a doctor.
“Nancy miscarried?”
“Forget it, don’t bother with her, Susan’s
baby’s fine. Send all the doctors and nurses
to Susan, I’ll watch over her.”
Holden entered.
Our eyes met; his expression was awkward.
<
He stammered.
“I didn’t know you were pregnant, but a
miscarriage is nothing big, not the first time.
“Without this child, you can focus on Susan’s
baby.”
I said nothing, remembering our first child.
Then, Holden was with Susan.
The girl cried, saying she didn’t want to break
up a family.
To appease her, Holden forced me to take
abortion pills.
“Don’t think pregnancy will tie me down. I
hate kids, especially yours!”
The improper abortion led to a D&C.
Right off the operating table, I received
photos from Susan.
While I was hemorrhaging,
Holden and Susan had a three–day marathon
in our bedroom.
The trash can overflowed with dozens of used
く
condoms.
My antique bed was broken.
Holden even framed Susan’s bloodstained
sheets, replacing our wedding photo.
After that, I had no hope for Holden.
I endured the marriage for business dealings.
I remained silent, Holden offered chicken
soup.
“I made you soup, eat it while it’s hot.” My arm ached.
Before I could ask, Holden averted his gaze.
“Susan was in a car accident, she’s vain, I’m
afraid of scarring, so I took some of your
skin.”
“What?” I was stunned.
Holden became angry.
“Don’t play the victim, you ran into the road
and scared Susan! It’s your fault, you must
take responsibility!”
He spilled the soup, burning my thigh.
く
I reached for the call button.
Holden grabbed my wrist.
“Susan needs a doctor after surgery.”
“You’re tough, bear with it, don’t be
dramatic.”
Blood seeped from my arm wound.
A doctor rushed in.
“Ms. Susan has a severe reaction, needs
another surgery.”
Holden pulled me toward Susan..
Seeing the tearful Susan, his eyes held
undisguised concern.
“Susan, don’t be afraid, Nancy has plenty of
skin, if it doesn’t work we’ll try more…”
The doctor stopped him.
“Mr. Holden, this is impossible, it will severely
damage the donor, another surgery will
cripple her arm, she won’t play the piano.”
Holden pushed me forward.
“Good, she can’t play anymore, Susan can
can
Г
take her position.”
“You’ll stay home and do chores, I’ll support
you.”
To ensure success, Holden ordered no
anesthesia.
Seeing me pale and sweating,
He patted my shoulder.
“I owe you one. Later…I’ll spend more time at
home with you.”
Susan grumbled from behind.
Holden turned, embracing her.
More transfers, gifts, a trip to the Maldives.
He forgot about me.
My phone rang, interrupting Holden.
