He paused, his gaze sweeping over my bloodless face, then, as if remembering something, his tone grew even more resolute, each word piercing my heart: "If that's not enough, I'll have someone bring the child too! No matter the cost, I won't allow anything to happen to Vanessa!"
child.
My son.
That child who lies at home, unable to even call out "Dad" or "Mom".
The blood in my body seemed to freeze completely at that moment.
In his heart, my son's and my lives combined were worth less than a single hair on Vanessa's head. We were merely tools he used to prolong Vanessa's life, tools he could discard at will once he was done with us.
I managed a weak, bitter smile, tears silently streaming down my face. The strength in my fingers gradually loosened until they finally fell limp. My consciousness was overwhelmed by the tide; I finally couldn't hold on any longer and drifted into an endless, unconscious sleep.
When I opened my eyes again, the blinding white light made me squint instinctively.
The smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils as I lay in a regular hospital ward, the sheets beneath me stiff and hard.