Never Whole Again

While his own daughter lay in the cold hospital morgue on her birthday, her father was holding his first love’s daughter as they blew out the candles on a towering tiered cake.

What a cruel irony!

When I did not react, Sean was about to continue his tirade when the examination room door opened.

Concern immediately replaced the anger on Sean’s face. He rushed over and scooped Kelsey into his arms.

“It’s nothing serious. She just inhaled some smoke and developed a slight cough. Make sure she drinks plenty of water when she gets home.”

Miranda gave Sean a light, reproachful smack on the arm.

“Look at you, making such a fuss! Feel better now?”

Sean pulled her close and held her tightly, clearly savoring the moment.

“I was just worried sick. When it comes to you and Kelsey, even the smallest thing is a big deal to me.”

As I watched the fireworks still blooming in the distance, a flood of bitterness rose in my chest.

Sean was willing to spend a week planning Kelsey’s birthday party.

He was even willing to spend two weeks arranging a full fireworks display for Miranda, but could not spare even an hour to come home for our daughter’s birthday.

He was too busy for that.

Sean noticed the paper clenched tightly in my hand and instinctively assumed it was a medical report.

“How’s Bonnie? Is she feeling any better?” he asked casually.

I curled my lips into a faint smile. My voice was devoid of any emotion.

“Bonnie’s doing very well. She’ll never get sick again.”

Sean nodded and said absentmindedly, “That’s good. Go and stay with her. I’ll finish up here and come home to see her later.”

I said nothing. But the moment I turned around, tears streamed down my face.

I wondered if Sean would regret everything if he knew that he had no more chances to try to keep his promises.

The house was eerily quiet. Never again would it echo with Bonnie’s laughter.

I had no idea how long I sat there before the sound of the front door shattered the silence. The sudden flood of light left me briefly disoriented.

Sean was back. The moment he stepped inside, he was calling Miranda and Kelsey to announce he had arrived safely.

I held the box tighter and asked hoarsely, “You’re not staying with them?”

Sean had not expected me to be in the living room. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Yes. Kelsey doesn’t like staying in the hospital, so I’ve arranged for a private doctor to take care of her.”

When Bonnie was at her weakest, I had suggested bringing in a private doctor to care for her.

Sean had firmly refused and said, “Kids aren’t that delicate. If they’re sick, they need to go to the hospital. Going over the top is unnecessary.”

But it seemed he had arranged a doctor for Kelsey without hesitation.

In the past, I would have argued with him and accused him of being biased.

This time, however, I simply listened and nodded lightly when he finished.

“Mm. That makes sense.”

Sean glanced at me in surprise. He reached for the cup on the table, only to find it empty when he lifted the lid.

Bonnie had always prepared a warm drink to soothe his stomach whenever he arrived home.

The little girl who had not yet learned how to love herself properly had learned how to show affection toward her father.

Sean set the cup aside and glanced toward the children’s room before speaking slowly.

“Kelsey needs a good environment to recover. I’m planning to have them move in here.”

He paused, seemingly observing my expression.

“Once she recovers, I’ll move them elsewhere.”

I had expected Sean to arrange a separate property for Miranda and Kelsey, but I never imagined he would bring them back here.

Bonnie had barely been laid to rest, yet he was already bringing his first love and her child into this house.