The Love That Died In Ten Years

“Joe, thank you for taking such great care of me.” I accepted the glass of milk and drank it all.

“It’s nothing. I want to care for you my entire life.” Joseph smiled sincerely. I kept my head lowered in an effort to hide the sadness in my eyes.

I made an excuse to wash up in the bathroom. Then, I vomited all the milk that I had drunk. But I purposely left the milk stains on my lips and staggered back to bed.

“Yulia?” After a long while, Joseph called out to me tentatively and wiped away the stains on my lips. I pretended to be sound asleep.

Before long, someone gently knocked on the door. I already knew who it was.

“What are you doing here?” Joseph sounded dissatisfied and rebuked the visitor softly.

“Didn’t you promise? I came to check on you.” I could sense that person entering the room.

“Don’t worry. Yulia’s very receptive toward sleeping pills. She dozes off soon after she takes them,” Joseph gently explained.

“Why do you know her so well?” Selena complained. She was full of jealousy.

“Hey, why are you mad? When her grandmother died, she started having trouble sleeping. She could only sleep soundly after she took sleeping pills. That’s why I know,” Joseph explained lovingly.

He spoke casually about my most painful experience just to pacify her. Heartbroken, I pinched my thigh under the blanket to ease my pain.

“It’s our first anniversary today. I’m so sad that you didn’t spend time with me.”

It was a quiet night, and soon, I could sense Joseph’s heavy breathing.

“Mm!” I could even hear Selena moaning.