He Chose Her, So I Choose Me.

The Women and Children's Hospital in Alstor City was known as the best place in town for maternity care.

Most expectant mothers ended up here.

By the time I arrived, it was already past 8:30. Nearly every department had a line stretching down the hallway.

All around me, I saw men standing patiently in queues while their wives rested nearby or went off for other checkups.

It was efficient, really—saved a lot of time.

I couldn't help but feel a quiet envy.

With a sigh, I resigned myself and joined the end of a random line.

After standing for a while, my legs started to ache.

I hadn't eaten, hadn't slept well, and my stomach began churning violently.

Acid surged up my throat—I doubled over with dry heaves, fighting the urge to run straight to the bathroom and throw up.

But one glance at the long line behind me, and the courage vanished.

Just as I was gritting my teeth, trying to endure it, a young man with bold brows and kind eyes stepped toward me, smiling.

"If you don't mind, I can hold your place," he said. "My family's inside with the doctor, and I'm just waiting."

Perfect-timing.

I thanked him quickly and hurried to the restroom.

When I returned, his family had come out—a stylish, beautiful young woman at his side. They made quite the pair.

She handed me a small bag of fruit candies and a pack of soda crackers.

A true lifesaver. I rushed to thank her.

"No worries," she said casually. "Alkaline foods help neutralize stomach acid. Eases the nausea a bit. By the way, how come your husband isn't with you?"

"His friend's kid had a fever. He took her to the hospital early this morning—at around four-thirty. Still hasn't come back." My voice faltered slightly.

The woman looked surprised.

"A fever? For a hospital visit? Isn't it usually just some IV fluids, maybe an antibiotic? Shouldn't take that long. My eldest had a 104.9°F fever once. Worst they did was an EEG. No big procedures. And it doesn't take more than one person to go, right? What kind of friend is this? Is their kid more important than his own?"

The young man gave a discreet cough, cutting her off. He offered me a quick, apologetic smile before gently tugging her away.

My nose stung. The weight of it all pressed hard on my chest, and I struggled to keep the tears from falling.

Jason, even strangers understand what's plain to see. Don't you?