Chapter 404: Disappointment

A nurse emerged from the operating room and called down the corridor, "Any family members of Susan Johnson here?"

Manuel blinked and replied, "I'm her husband."

"She'll be out soon and we'll send her to her ward immediately. Please wait a moment."

"Okay," Manuel said. "Is she alright?"

"She was slightly injured. Sadly, her baby was lost, requiring a curettage. The procedure was successful. There will be no complications if you care for her properly afterwards," the nurse explained. "This is your wife's signed consent form. You can keep this copy."

Manuel took the form, silently studying her somewhat messy handwriting.

A few minutes later, Susan was wheeled out. Her face was pale, and she seemed dazed.

"The anesthetic will wear off soon. We're taking her to the ward to rest," the doctor explained.

Manuel nodded and followed them.

After Susan was settled in bed, she frowned and gradually awoke. Gazing at the white room, the reality of her baby's loss hit her. Tears welled in her eyes.

A nurse approached, saying, "Madam, you've had an abortion, so please take care of yourself. You can have another child when you're recovered. Don't stress."

Susan bit her lip and nodded.

"Rest well. Press the call button if you need anything," the nurse said before leaving.

Only Manuel and Susan remained. A heavy silence settled. Susan knew Manuel was there; he sat silently in a wheelchair, his face impassive. He didn't speak. She didn't know what he was thinking, or how to tell him about the baby.

Finally, Susan broke the silence. "Manuel, our child… it was lost."

Manuel nodded, but didn't look at her. He'd known for several minutes.

"I…" she began.

"Never mind. You don't like it, do you?" Manuel said flatly, his voice devoid of emotion.

Susan's words caught in her throat.

"Get some rest tonight," Manuel said. "The doctor said you need to take care of yourself after the operation."

"Are you angry with me?" Susan asked, unable to contain her question. She knew how much he had longed for this child.

He didn't answer directly. "No," he said, shaking his head. "I'm just disappointed."

Susan, seeing his apparent indifference, felt lost and unsure what to do.

Silence returned. They spoke no more.

Much later, Manuel saw Susan's sudden excitement from the doorway. She had remained calm until this moment.

Then, she called out, "Henry!"

Manuel understood. Only this man could truly reach her. He quietly moved his wheelchair aside.

Henry entered, visibly injured. He sat beside Susan, saying, "I'm fine. Why are you here? I heard about two car accidents tonight and learned you were involved. How did it happen?"

Susan's eyes reddened uncontrollably.

"What happened? Don't cry. The doctor said my injuries are superficial; I'll recover in a couple of weeks," Henry explained.

"I'm so relieved you're okay. I was terrified you were seriously hurt," Susan sobbed.

"Don't cry, I'm fine," Henry said, gently wiping her tears.

Manuel watched silently.

"So, what happened?" Henry asked. "How did you get into the accident?"

"I got a call about your accident, and I rushed to the hospital. I hit a guardrail," Susan explained.

"Are you hurt?" Henry asked with concern.

"I'm slightly injured, but it's fine," Susan said calmly. "But… the baby… it's gone."

"The baby was lost?" Henry sounded more distressed than Susan.

Susan nodded, trying to comfort him. "The doctor said I can have another one." She was deceiving herself, hiding her true sadness, afraid of breaking down.

Henry held her close, offering support.

Manuel realized Susan could rely only on Henry, not him. He turned away as they embraced.

Henry released Susan and said, "Give me a minute."

An indefinable feeling filled Susan as Henry went to speak with Manuel.

Henry called out, "Manuel!"

Manuel stopped.

"Let's talk," Henry said.

"Say it," Manuel replied, turning his wheelchair to face him.

"Susan doesn't love you," Henry stated.

"I know."

"Do you think tormenting her will change anything?" Henry asked.

Manuel pursed his lips. "No."

"Then leave her. You've tried to force her to stay, but her life is a mess. I'm the one she needs! She'd do anything for me. Do you think she'd do the same for you?"