Chapter 5
Ralph’s driver arrived to find Mary covered in dirt but dared not ask questions.
Soon, Mary was brought before her psychiatrist.
“Mrs. Walker, did visiting your child today lift your spirits?”
Mary smiled softly: “After ten years, I finally saw my child again. I feel much better.”
When the doctor prepared hypnosis, she gently declined, “I truly feel recovered now. No more treatment needed.”
Her smile radiated warmth and sunlight.
“Seeing our child made me realize I’ve been drowning in grief, burdening my husband terribly.”
“That’s no way to live. We must move forward. I’ll cherish my marriage and never hold him back again.”
Suddenly, Ralph’s icy voice cut through from the doorway: “Mary!
Who said you could use that cursed word ‘burden’?”
The man entered stone-faced. A decade ago when Mary had attempted suicide, “burden” had been her constant refrain.
He ordered the doctor curtly: “Proceed with hypnosis. Ignore her protests.”
Despite his harshness, Mary’s gentle smile remained.
She submitted quietly to the treatment.
This session progressed unusually smoothly.
Mary felt she’d slept deeply, awakening to Ralph’s muffled conversation:
“Mr. Walker, Mary lacks a uterus and refuses children even at divorce cost. You’ve fathered children elsewhere. Why torment each other? Why not let her go?”
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“Could it be… you still love her?”
Mary’s drowsy mind froze.
After a pause, Ralph avoided the love question, stating coldly: “If we divorce, she won’t survive.”
Mary lowered her gaze, emotions churning.
Ten years of marriage held genuine passion; they understood each other profoundly.
She’d once resented Ralph for hiding their child’s gravesite, watching her crumble from grief.
Now, that bitterness seemed to dissolve.
He hated her saying “burden,” yet her decade-long depression truly exhausted them both…
Ralph wanted children-a normal life.
Her death would free him.
Sitting up slowly, Mary leaned against the headboard.
Soon, they’d both be free.
The door swung open abruptly.
“Awake?”
Ralph strode in, trailing cold air and tobacco scent.
His eyes
held no warmth as he looked down at her: “Your mother’s birthday tomorrow. Your brother called-wants to speak with you.”
Mary took the phone to her brother’s complaining voice: “Sis, you’re not making trouble for Ralph again, are you?”
“Do
you realize your tantrums make my job hell? Everyone treats me like garbage!”
“Listen-he’s filthy rich and lets you live as Mrs. Walker. Even if he makes you raise someone else’s kids someday, you’re still better off than most women.
“Raising you wasn’t easy for our parents. Since you’re unemployed and can’t support them, and I need money for a house and marriage-every penny counts right now.”
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“Endure this for the family. Letting the Thompsons gain some advantage from the Walkers would repay Mom and Dad for raising us.”
Mary listened silently to the lecturing voice. Even after hanging up, her faint smile lingered at the corners of her mouth.
Ralph pocketed his phone, asking casually, “Your mother wants us for dinner tomorrow. What gift are you bringing?”
Mary feigned contemplation. “Hmm… Honestly, she just wants cash. How about I give her a bank card? We could deposit money monthly. Thoughts?”
“Monthly payments?”
Ralph studied her for several silent seconds. “So you’re finally thinking straight-planning filial payments instead of suicide.”
“That’s good, Mary. Once Karen’s baby arrives, we’ll be a happy family of three.”
With rare tenderness, he tucked a stray lock behind her ear. “Just stay obedient. I’ll take care of you.”
Mary didn’t pull away from his touch. “Alright. Let’s get discharged then.”
Sunlight streamed through the window, gilding her face and dissipating the deathly stillness that once haunted her eyes. She seemed to accept reality, ready to live peacefully.
Ralph lowered his hand, exhaling in relief.
But he didn’t know: terminal illnesses have moments of lucidity before death.
And in depression’s final stage, there exists a smile-also called terminal lucidity..
