Toby also stared at me sympathetically.
What was wrong with me?
Once caught by strong emotion, I was not able to calm down.
Squatting on the ground, I pulled my hair like a crazy person.
I was not sick. I was sure.
My mind didnât become clear until one hour later when Dennis stood beside me.
Clarrie was not around.
I pulled Dennisâ sleeve, âWas Clarrie taken away?â
He shook his head slightly, with a gentle look at me, âNo, she was sleeping in her room.â
Hugging me tightly, he assured me with an assuring voice, âMario wonât take her away. She is our daughter and will stay with us. Donât worry.â
With his promise, I felt relieved.
Feeling his heartbeat in his arms, I remained silent.
He patted my back as if he were saying, âI am sorry I was so busy that I didnât take good care of you these days.â
I remained silent.
He sighed, and said gingerly, âClara, letâs go to the hospital tomorrow, please.â
My body stiffened instantly and he held me more tightly.
âDonât be afraid.â He tried to console me.
I pressed my lips for quite a while before I agreed.
Going to the hospital meant that I was sick.
I had been sick four years ago but I had thought that I was okay now.
But I was wrong.
The night passed when I succeeded in falling into sleep with Dennis accompanying me.
On the next day, Toby came early to pick Clarrie up, whom I saw off for long.
Dennis held my hand, âDonât worry. She will be back in the evening.â
I nodded and got into his car, fidgeting on the seat.
Unexpectedly, he took me to a private hospital instead of a public one.
Not having registered, I was led by him to an office room and was told to wait, sitting.
There was nobody in the room; I was confused, âWhat are we doing here?â
He patted my hand, âTo see a doctor. Donât overthink but you will be honest when asked by the doctor, wonât you?â
I nodded, but couldnât help feeling smothered in this small room.
Around ten minutes later, an old man aged about sixty, who was wearing a doctorâs coat, came in.
He smiled at Dennis and then turned to me.
Then looking back at Dennis, he asked, âYou will be here?â
Dennis nodded.
Raising his eyebrows, the old man said nothing.
After checking the papers that I brought here, he asked me, âDid you sleep well lately?â
âIt was okay.â I felt upset about the narrow space and the interrogating question.
Suddenly I felt like vomiting and rushed into the bathroom.
I saw blood in the vomits.
I was frozen, why there was blood?
Watching me with concern, the doctor told me to have a walk downstairs instead of troubling me with more questions.
Dennis was quite solicitous, âDonât walk too far. Wait for me downstairs.â
I nodded and summoned a smile.
He held my hand pressingly and turned to the doctor, âWell, letâs call it a day and Iâll come here some other day.â
The doctor looked at me, sighed, and said nothing.
In the car, I saw Dennisâ pale face, âIt must be serious?â
He smiled, his fingers caressing my face, and said tenderly, âNo, donât worry. Itâs probably some stomach trouble. Iâll let Toby get some medicine later.â
I felt like he was cheating himself and I said nothing.
We both knew how severe it was, yet we werenât willing to speak it out.
Back home, he held me in his arms very tightly.
I seemed to be sleepy often but I was a light sleeper.
Knowing that he was beside me, I felt safe and fell into a slumber.
I heard him making a call on the balcony when I woke up.
His voice was not loud but I could discern it.
âShe is not sick; she is just tired.â Dennis held his emotions. I couldnât identify what the other person said.
The silhouette of the man gave a sense of loneliness and stubbornness, âThere is no need to do so because I will protect her.â
The speaker at the other end seemed to be persuading Dennis, who remained silent for a while to restore his calmness.
âI wonât let her receive psychotherapy. She cannot bear it if she has to expose her agony in front of a stranger. And I wouldnât like it either. I waited for four years before I reunited with her in the HL Area when Clarrie was her single comfort despite the overwhelming pain in her heart. I know what she is worried about and I will do anything to make her feel better.â
Please Love Me, Mr. George ï¤Chapter 361 After I Met You (5)
I rose and walked towards the balcony.
The voice was discernable now; it was Alex.
Impatiently, Alex said, âYes, Dennis, you can do anything for her. But have you ever given a thought to those who also love and want to protect her?
You are well aware that depression is not curable. She has devoted herself to Clarrie in the past four years and now she was triggered by even the possibility that the child might leave her. Has it ever occurred to you that Clarrie will leave when she grows up? What will you do then? Just let her become crazy?â
Smothering silence.
Shivering, Dennis replied in a quivering voice, âI will stay with her forever.â
Failing to persuade, Alex was upset, âDennis, you are not doing good to her but doing harm.â
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