Lahat ng Kabanata ng Dead Wife, Lost Dog, and Her Return: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

The woman standing before me wasn't wearing the inexpensive T-shirts we used to buy from street vendors. Her eyes weren't the same sunken ones I once knew from when we were pulling all-nighters to start a business.She was wearing a black couture suit that was made just for her, and on her wrist was a watch that sparkled with such commanding brilliance. It was something I could never afford even if I worked three jobs for a lifetime.Her hair was neatly combed too. The naivety and destitution that once characterized her eyes had vanished. They had been replaced by a sense of dignity and arrogance that was recognizable only to those seated on top of the food chain.Even so, I knew she was Casey Hill, my "dead" wife.At that moment, my breathing stopped. It felt as if all the blood had been drained from my body."C-Casey?" I asked tremblingly, my voice hoarse. Accompanied by the pouring rain, my tears fell on Pudding's blood-soaked fur.Hearing my voice, she cast a lazy glance in

In the quiet basement, I let out a hysterical laugh. My laughter grew sharper with each breath, until it broke into a heartbreaking wail. Intense grief and anger surged within me, like a blade of thorns stabbing at my soul.Five years ago, Casey had been carrying our child. But due to the exhaustion of starting a business with me and the lack of nutrition, the child turned into a pool of blood one night and flowed out of her body.She kneeled by the hospital bed, reduced to a sobbing mess. Slapping herself in the cheek, she said, "Zach, it's all my fault. I've failed to protect our child. But don't worry. I swear, I won't ever let you suffer again, even if it costs me my life!"Yet, just this morning, she had let another child kick me in the head, allowing others to humiliate me.Our child and Pudding had died, and I would soon follow them. But Casey was still living a good life.Suddenly, an excruciating pain tore through my stomach. I made a run for the small bathroom and coll

I had no idea how much time had passed when I woke up to the smell of disinfectant.Slowly, I opened my eyes to the ceiling of the hospital. An IV needle was inserted into the back of my hand, the cold fluid dripping drop by drop into my weakened veins.I turned my stiff neck. The ward was empty. Only the beeping sound of the machines could be heard.Casey was nowhere to be seen.I didn't hesitate, nor did I press the call button. I simply yanked off the needle from the back of my hand.A sharp pain shot through me at once. Blood began to flow from my hand, dripping onto the bedsheets like red blooms.I pressed my thumb against the wound, lifted the blanket, and stepped onto the cold floor with my bare feet."Hey, sir! What are you doing? You can't get up!"A nurse had just entered with a tray. With her face pale from fright, she quickly rushed over to help me.Soon after, the attending doctor, Alex Peterson, hurried in. He blocked my escape with a frown."Mr. Dawson, your co

But in the end, Casey was still a step too late.Micah had found me first.I had rented a small house with a yard in a remote town near Jovia, Morina.The sunlight was perfect, enveloping me in warmth.I bought an easel, and every day, I would carry a small stool to the yard to paint Pudding from my memory while facing the shimmering waters of the lake.But my hands were starting to tremble more and more.The pain in my stomach had intensified from a dull ache to what felt like thousands of insects gnawing at me.Sleep eluded me night after night. I took painkillers as if they were candy, yet the pain was so unbearable that my bedsheets would be covered in cold sweat.I could neither eat nor drink. Even a single sip of water would make me throw up a mouthful of blood. I could feel clearly that my life was slipping away at a horrifying speed.The most humiliating part was that my hair had started to fall out in chunks.Every day when I woke up, my pillow would be covered in ha

I found Casey's timid and agonized expression amusing.Slowly, using both hands to push myself up, I struggled to my feet. Instead of picking up the wig, I merely dusted off my clothes and lifted my head.The woman who once meant the world to me was a distraught wreck.I straightened my collar and stood tall. Then, bending slightly at the waist, I greeted her in a detached but respectful manner. "Ms. Hill, to what do I owe the honor?"My voice was soft but sharper than any blade, cutting through her heart. I supposed that was how the debt collectors and the wealthy spoke to her.I had finally learned the rules.Casey's eyes widened. She clutched her chest, feeling as though all the strength had been drained from her, and got to her knees."Zach… don't call me that, please… Don't speak to me like that…" she cried, crawling on her knees to grab the hem of my shirt. "I was wrong… I know that. Zach, hit me. Kill me if you must! Just come with me to the hospital. I'll get the best