âDid I strike you? Did I⦠Did I do this to you?â
Nathan, seeing her distress, felt tears well up in his eyes.
âLucinda, please, donât be upset.
Let me explain.
â
Explain what? Did that mean he was going to make excuses?
His silence seemed to confirm her fears.
She chuckled with a touch of self-mockery.
He wouldnât allow anyone else to harm him like that except her.
She realized with a heavy heart that these injuries were indeed her doing.
âIâm so sorry.
â
Lucinda extended her shaking hand towards his chest but hesitated, noticing every inch of him was wounded.
She pulled her hand back.
âHow could I have hurt you so deeply? How could Iâ¦â
Her tears flowed freely as she looked at his injuries, a mix of frustration and shock on her face.
Nathan tenderly wiped her tears away with his hands.
âDonât blame yourself.
Youâre unwell.
These are just bruises.
They look worse than they feel.
Honestly, Iâm not in much pain.
â
âStop trying to deceive me.
I can see the truth.
â Lucinda drew a deep breath and inquired, âWhatâs going on with me?â
âYouâre dealing with manic depression.
â
Lucinda bowed her head, lost in contemplation.
She had limited knowledge about this illness.
Nathan held her hand firmly, explaining earnestly, âThis is my fault.
If I had been more careful, you wouldnât have become pregnant.
Your journey to Eurfrica to find a cure for me led to this.
Iâm responsible, so Iâll bear the consequences.
You shouldnât feel guilty.
â
How could guilt not wash over her? She understood that he intended to console her with those words.
Nathan kept wiping her tears, speaking softly.
âHoney, please, donât cry.
It breaks my heart to see you so sad.
â
Trying to contain her grief, Lucinda spoke seriously.
âYouâre seriously hurt.
You need to apply medicine daily for faster recovery.
Have you treated your wounds today?â
Nathan shook his head in response.
âThen fetch the ointment, and Iâll assist you in putting it on.
â
Nathan declined, âThereâs no need.
Itâs not that bad, and Iâll heal naturally.
â
She spoke with determination.
âI need to make amends for harming you.