The Childless Sky

"Hannah, why'd you sneak out while I was still snoozing? You promised I'd wake up to your face," the voice on the phone whined.Hannah shot me a look and hushed her voice. "Left my toiletries behind yesterday. Didn't want you to catch me looking a mess."I couldn't care less about their lovey-dovey talk and headed out.Last night, along with the divorce papers, I dropped my resignation at work.A notification popped up: my resignation was already processed.Stepping into the office, I was greeted by Jack's booming laugh."Marvin, you're late, man. Hannah said the latecomer has gotta treat everyone to coffee!"I brushed him off and started clearing my desk.However, Jack was itching for a scene, knocking my computer to the floor and stomping on it."Hey, I'm talking to you. Didn't you hear me? Go get that coffee, or I'll have to snitch to Hannah!"I spun around, ready to retort, but Jack grabbed my arm. Without thinking, I clocked him right in the face.He yelped and toppled

Hannah, ever the perceptive wife, blushed at his playful antics and nudged his shoulder lightly. "Oh, cut it out. Act your age," she teased with a mix of annoyance and affection.Her laughter died as she caught sight of me by the doorway, luggage in tow, her face draining of color. She rose, words of explanation on her lips, but I brushed past her, retreating into my grandfather's sanctuary.Grandpa had come, thrilled about Hannah's pregnancy, bringing with him a trove of childhood toys he had crafted. The nostalgia warmed me, and I planned to place them in our bedroom, but Hannah icily shot down the idea. "This junk will just give me allergies," she declared, and ordered the help to toss them out. Grandpa's heartache was palpable, yet he bore it silently, later salvaging the toys to hide in his room.Then, tears traced my cheeks as I remembered Grandpa's frail form in the hospital bed. I should never have let him witness this. No, I should never have stayed with her, I lamented i

He tried to stir the pot once more."Looks like he's cut you off. Chasing after a guy who ducks responsibility like that… What's the point? Even if you get him back now, he's just going to keep giving you the cold shoulder."…This time, Hannah did not just go along with Jack's words like she always did. Instead, she paused, deep in thought, a rare sight that sent Jack into a panic. His previous attempts at driving a wedge had been simple but effective, all thanks to Hannah's favoritism towards him. Sensing that favoritism was fading, he stopped short, afraid to say more.Jack watched Hannah, who was squatting down, looking lost. After a moment's thought, he hatched a new plan, deciding to back off to gain ground."Hannah, what if we do this? If we can't reach him by phone, let's just go to the hospital and find him. Some things just don't come across right in a call; it's better to talk it out in person."Hearing that, Hannah jumped up."You're right, Jack! He must have sent

"Hannah, Marvin's still fuming. Don't stir the pot. He adores you, and once he cools off, he'll come back. It's just a phone call away for you."He laid extra weight on those last words, a not-so-subtle jab at me: man up and do not turn back.I was over his mind games, but Hannah was still lost in the fog.Maybe I had been too soft before, and she had bought it all. She called through the door."I'll leave you be for now, take care of Grandpa. I'm heading home to clean up the bedroom, ready for when you come back."With that, Jack helped Hannah down the stairs.That's when they nearly bumped into a squad of soldiers in full gear.Curiosity piqued, Hannah glanced back and saw them march straight into my ward.Before long, the soldiers wheeled out Grandpa's bed, with me in tow.Hannah tried to follow but got a firm shove from two soldiers at my side."Ma'am, please step back!"She had already cried herself dry, and that shove sent her tumbling down.It took her a minute, but

Lost in thought, I was jolted back to reality when Grandpa, lying in his hospital bed, broke the silence. "Marvin, I appreciate you and Sunny visiting me, but I just can't get used to this place. Now that I'm feeling a bit better, how about we head back to the old homestead for some rest?" The doctor, doing his rounds, agreed, "He's right, a peaceful recovery spot is what you need…" With the doctor's backing, I could not argue. Plus, it was the perfect excuse to catch Hannah's wedding and finally get that divorce paper signed, a clean break for both of us. That night, when I got the green light from my leader to take some time off, he even suggested Sunny tag along. Once Grandpa was settled and I had left some cash for Uncle, I could finally relax. The wedding invite said the ceremony was in the afternoon, and as I was about to book a ride, Sunny piped up, "We're not seriously going like this, are we? Let's hit the mall and find something snazzy to wear." Glancing down at m