It's a Long Way to Her Heart

After packing everything, I finally went into the room to rest. Mark and Joanne were already fast asleep.

I had just taken off my coat and was about to lie down when I suddenly heard Mark talking in his sleep. His voice was faint and slurred. "Happy anniversary, honey…"

My body jolted. I turned to look at his sleeping face.

The corners of his lips were curved slightly, his expression relaxed and gentle, just like the day he married me—a tenderness I would never forget.

It had been forever since he last said those words to me. A sharp pain pierced through my chest. I stood there for a long while, then let out a silent laugh.

Lowering my head, I checked the countdown. Only 15 hours left.

Nothing he said could stop me from leaving.

Have a good life with Joanne, Mark.

…

Early the next morning, Mark woke me up. He had already made breakfast.

With a hint of curiosity, he asked, "Honey, why did you pack up all your things? Are you going somewhere far?"

My expression stayed calm as I gave a casual excuse. "Our place is small. If I put my things away, it frees up some space for you two."

Not just space, but I was also giving away my place as his wife, too. Normally, with his position, a divorce would require reporting to the military higher-ups. But becoming a widower required no approval at all.

Mark didn't notice anything unusual. His eyes were full of warmth as he leaned in and kissed my lips.

"You're so thoughtful, honey. After work today, just head to House of Wish. I'll take Joanne there in the afternoon and wait for you. We'll celebrate your birthday today."

Since it would be my last meal, I didn't refuse.

The countdown dropped to four hours. I went to House of Wish, but there was no sign of Mark or Joanne. I frowned slightly.

A server walked straight up to me. "Are you Ms. Jensen? Mr. Chapman asked that you wait here for a bit. He has something to take care of and will arrive with your daughter shortly."

"Thanks."

And so, I sat down on a nearby stool and began to wait. It was peak dining hour, so people came and went, most of them families. I watched their laughter and warmth, my gaze turning distant.

Once, I had been one of them. Mark would pick food for me. I would wipe his mouth with a napkin. There was affection in every glance, respect and reliance woven into the smallest gestures.

I would cut up steaks for Joanne. She would beam with happiness, her little face messy, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "Thank you, Mommy! You're so nice! I want to be with you forever!"

Unfortunately, things were no longer the same.

I waited for a full two hours. By the time most of the diners had left, Mark finally rushed in with Joanne. He looked at me with immense guilt.

"I'm sorry, Eunice. Hayley got hurt. I took her to the hospital for a check-up. Have you been waiting long?"

I had thought they were late because they were picking out a gift for me. So, it was because of Hayley again. I looked at him and, after a long silence, asked, "How's she?"

Mark hesitated, clearly troubled. "She's badly injured. She's still at the hospital without anyone looking after her. I only came to let you know—I'll have to head back to the hospital soon.

"How about we have this meal another time? Once Hayley recovers, Joanne and I will make it up to you again—I swear."

Joanne looked just as anxious, her little face tense. "Mommy, Ms. Larkson is so pitiful being all alone. We'll take care of her first, okay? Later, we'll celebrate your birthday again. What do you say?"

As she spoke, she tugged on Mark's hand. "Daddy, let's hurry back. Ms. Larkson is still waiting for us to bring her food. She must be starving!"

"Yeah," he quickly replied. He asked the staff to pack a few dishes, then turned back to me. "You should head home, Eunice. Joanne and I will be back later tonight."

They had come in a rush and left just as quickly. From the start, not once did they ask if I had eaten or whether I was hungry.

I lowered my head and looked at the countdown. Two hours left. It seemed that even my last meal with my family was something unattainable.

I understood then. No amount of meals with a family who didn't love me could change anything. I ordered a few dishes for myself and ate alone.

Just then, the system's cold voice rang out in my ears. "One hour remaining before destruction begins. The death sequence will begin shortly. Please prepare."

My heart trembled. Yet, for some reason, a faint sense of excitement crept in.