บททั้งหมดของ Painful Divorce : บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

Moments later she returned, glass in hand. Drink this. Your stomach still needs warning before the ocean. Kevin took it, gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks, Jessica.” They looked at one another. Not like earlier—not as sweethearts, but as two moms and dads trying to find a new kind of love in the pieces of what was. And for that day, that was enough. That morning the air was calm and cool as Kevin got ready to go back to work. Jessica made warm tea in a kitchen, while Anya was still curled up on the couch with blanket with bunny picture watching her fav cartoon. "You might be doubtful about leaving her with me," Jessica said half-laughing as she put a little thermos in Kevin's work bag. Kevin, who was fixing his shirt, turned and grinned. “I’m really very sure. With you I know Anya is safe even more than safe.” 

“Jonas... you have to take care of yourself too. You'll be exhausted before they even let you through the ER door.” Fine, he grumbled, half-laughing. I swear I'll bring a pillow and camp out in the waiting room. Jonas let out a breath. “If you keep saying stuff like that I’ll feel no good.” Jessica laughed. “You’ve done a lot already. I just don’t want to make your load heavier.” “Jessica... you aren't a load. Hear me... you're a big piece of my life now.” Jessica was quiet. Jonas' words often found a way of sneaking into the gentlest spot in her. “Tomorrow I will try to change shifts. I accompany you,” Jonas added. Jessica couldn't say no anymore. "Alright, but if you doze off ͏on the trip I'll be the one driving." Jonas laughed. “Deal.”&nbs

After Anya looked fresh, Jessica opened a backpack. "Want to draw?" she asks, taking out a sketchbook and crayon. “Yaaay!” Anya exclaimed, sitting up straight. Jessica laid the sketchbook in front of Anya, then helped her make a big butterfly in purple and blue. Anya put in sunflowers and a happy sun. When she looked at the picture of the two of them at the park, Jessica nearly cried. "This is my aunt," Anya said, pointing to a photo of the lady with long hair. "And this is me we played in the park. This is us today." Jessica gulped, trying to keep the tears from coming. She kissed Anya’s head “You are wonderful, dear.” “Is my drawing good?” “Really nice. Let’s hang it in the room later, alright.” Anya agreed with joy. After making art, they cho͏se to stroll

“Do I need to get chemotherapy?” she at last asked. Jonas let out a breath. “We will wait on the results of next week's check up. But most likely yes. Chemo or at least mix therapy and that means you need some strength.” You can’t keep being exhausted like you are today. Jessica shook her head slowly. Then she stared at Jonas near. “If I get past all this, will you still be here?” Jonas grin. “I don't want to go if you send me out.” Jessica giggled quietly then bent her head. “I can't promise to be strong all the times.” "No need, I don't want you to be tough. I just want you to battle." Quiet covered the͏m for a bit. Only the noise of rain outside and the soft breath from Anya's room filled the home Then Jessica said softly “Will you accompany me to talk to Kevin tom

Jessica moved her head in a negative way. “Not now. This step is still outside, but the strength is more. I go to hospital every other day, for three hours minimum each time. I will be very tired.” Kevin shook his head slowly, trying to take in the details “So… about Anya?” "That’s why I’m chatting with you now, Jessica said. “I need your support. Maybe we should change the shift plan. I don't want Anya to feel like she’s losing her balance especially after all that she’s faced." Kevin stared at Jessica closely. “I’ll aid. I can labor from home two times a week. The other days... maybe you can put her at your father's house first?” Jessica seemed unsure. “My dad is also going to the clinic a lot more. But... Yes, I can try to fix it. But I thought, maybe when you’re working, I’ll still look after Anya&mda