Jessica's hand trembled as she adjusted her stethoscope, and then she replied, "It's unclear, things were chaotic."
Mike exhaled, managing a weak smile. "I hope they're okay. Really, you should've checked on them. My car had airbags; I was fine."
Removing her stethoscope, she noted the readings with a steady hand, her voice steadier, "I didn't think it through at that moment. Plus, the ambulance arrived quickly. They're likely okay."
"All good here. Nothing to worry about. Just stay for a few more days of observation, then you can head home."
After dropping that, she turned to leave.
As she took one step out of the room, Mike called after her, "You came straight to me first... was it because—"
"No," Jessica interrupted him firmly.
Turning back, her gaze was complex, filled with unsaid thoughts as she faced Mike. "I'm married, remember?"
Mike gave a rueful chuckle, "That's just on paper, right? I heard things when I got back. No reason to stay in something that's dead."
Indeed, a marriage on paper only.
Initially, she wasn't keen on dating me during our college days.