Where Stars Don't Follow

I was thrilled and elated when I received the call saying that my application got through."Rest assured. I'll definitely show up and report for duty on the third of next month!"After ending the call, I placed my hand over the necklace I wore around my neck. My eyes felt hot. The necklace was a memento from my late parents.Both of my parents were doctors that served in a non-governmental organization to provide medical humanitarian assistance. My dream was to be like them and join the same field.However, when I married Sean Chandler four years ago, I decided to put my dreams and passion aside since Sean felt that the job would be too dangerous. It was finally time for me to realize my dreams since there was nothing holding me back now.I wiped my tears off. Just as I turned my head, I spotted Sean, who had just come out of the bathroom. He was drying his wet hair with a towel. He frowned slightly when he noticed how the corners of my eyes were red."Were you crying?"I shoo

After I got home, I checked my phone and found that there were only seven days left until it was the third of next month.I decided to start packing, but I quickly noticed that I did not have much to pack. A suitcase was enough to keep everything that I needed to take with me.When Sean arrived home, I was staring at the divorce papers on the table absent-mindedly. I wanted to bring up the issue tonight since it would soon be time for me to leave.He changed into his slippers and went into the study. I took the divorce papers and was about to knock on the door when I heard Evelyn's voice coming from inside the room."Dr. Chandler, are you really going to divorce Maisie?"I tightened my grip over the divorce papers. It turned out Sean was considering divorce, too. That would work in my favor. It seemed like we would be able to have a smooth, amicable discussion.Suddenly, the study door flung open. I was about to initiate the conversation, but Sean said that he had to work overtim

Sean was hospitalized for several days, and Evelyn had been taking care of him during those days.He kept staring at the door. He sensed this hollow feeling within him. At first, he had no idea what he was anticipating.When a colleague asked why I had not come to visit him, it finally dawned on him why he was feeling empty and lonely.I had promised to visit him the next day. Yet, I had not shown up once for the past five days.Sean was gripped by a sense of panic. He remained motionless even when Evelyn was holding a slice of apple to his mouth after she peeled off the skin.She pouted. "What's wrong, Dr. Chandler? Why do you look so distracted? Are you worried about work? Don't worry. The college has approved your leave so that you can get enough rest. You shouldn't stress yourself by worrying over work, alright? Have some apples."Sean came to his senses. He forced a smile, yet he did not open his mouth to eat that slice of apple."It's not about work. Evelyn, can you stop b

With a pained expression, Sean shut his eyes. He suddenly recalled what I said the other day."Sean, let's get a divorce."He realized I was not joking or throwing a tantrum. I was seriously considering divorcing him.Sean remembered that he had hugged me and tried to cheer me up that day. In retrospect, I was probably so disappointed in him that I had lost the will to argue with him.Memories of what happened during the last few days he had seen me flashed through his mind.I had suddenly put on my father's white coat. The cold look I had in my eyes when Sean called me spiteful at the restaurant the other day… Our wedding photo was not actually sent to the shop to be changed into a new frame…He realized I had tricked him. I had planned on leaving early on. Sean pounded his head with his hands and blamed himself for being too dense and imperceptive.If he had noticed one of these telling signs during the past month, he would not have learned that I was leaving only after I wa

After we had the conversation that day, I thought Sean would get the message and leave. I did not expect him to still stick around and follow me wherever I went. However, I completely ignored him and acted as if he was not there.One day, Victor said that he felt like he was having a fever. I placed my palm against my forehead. Then, I put it against Victor's forehead."I don't think so. It feels like our temperatures are about the same."Before I could finish, a grumpy voice called out from above my head, "What are the two of you doing?"Sean was fuming as he squeezed between me and Victor. His eyes blazed with hostility as he stared at Victor."What's the matter with you? Why can't you keep your hands off the lady?"I smiled at Victor awkwardly. Then, I snapped at Sean, "What does it have to do with you? Sean Chandler, aren't you being a bit too nosy?""I'm being nosy? He put his hand on your forehead! He's clearly taking advantage of you. What is with you, Ms. Williams? Don't