A memory from her youth brought a slight smile to Estelle’s face. She remembered asking Cristofer, “If I asked you to skip class and go to a concert with me, would you come?”
Back then, Cristofer had responded with a bright smile and a gentle voice, “Of course, I would. I’ll accompany you wherever you want to go as long as you ask me.”
Thinking of those happier times, Estelle felt a bit more at ease, and her worried expression softened. She explained to the nurse, who had been watching her, “My husband is a strong person. He doesn’t want to show his vulnerability in front of us, so I think it’s better if I wait outside. Please don’t tell him I’m here.”
Touched by Estelle’s words, the nurse nodded in understanding. “Alright, Mrs. Hans, your secret is safe with me. You can trust me,” she assured.
Grateful, Estelle looked around but couldn’t see her three children. She asked the nurse, “Have you seen my kids?” She had confidence that Cristofer had taken care of them and that Yohan, in particular, would look out for his sisters. Yet, she wanted to ensure they were all right and couldn’t fully relax without seeing them.
The nurse smiled and responded, “Your children are at the nursing station. They are adorable, especially your son. He’s still quite young, but he’s taking good care of his sisters. You’re lucky to have such wonderful children. I’m getting married soon, and I hope to have a happy family like yours someday.”
“Congratulations on your upcoming marriage,” Estelle replied, offering her best wishes. Reflecting on her own relationship with Cristofer, she didn’t view their broken family as a happy one. “Please watch over my children for a little longer. I’ll pick them up soon.”
“No problem at all,” the nurse assured her with a friendly nod.
The nurse’s brief chat with Estelle was interrupted as another patient’s family called her away. Estelle then returned to the door of the doctor’s office, listening to the sounds of the treatment inside. She heard the doctor and Cristofer talking, as well as the rustling of the plaster being applied to Cristofer’s legs. It wasn’t until the doctor announced, “It’s done,” that she felt relieved.
Despite the treatment being finished, Estelle didn’t immediately enter the office. Instead, she waited outside for a few more minutes. She assumed that Cristofer had regained his composure and returned to his usual composed demeanor. She took deliberate steps to the door, hoping to give him time to prepare himself. Then, she gently knocked on the office door.
“Please come in,” the doctor’s voice invited her inside.
With a soft creak, Estelle pushed the door open. She presented the bag of medicine to Cristofer with a somewhat apologetic expression. “I had to wait in line at the crowded pharmacy. I’m sorry for the delay.”
“You came back at the right moment,” the doctor replied, seemingly aware of her intentions but choosing not to expose her.
Cristofer, who had just endured the intense pain of the treatment, was too tired to overthink the situation. He was simply relieved that Estelle hadn’t witnessed his grimaces during the procedure.
“The nurse has taken the children to the nursing station,” he informed her, his face showing no signs of fatigue or relief, maintaining his usual stoic attitude.
“Got it,” Estelle responded, acting as if she had just known it. She then shifted her gaze to Cristofer’s damp forehead and the slight furrow on his brow. Although Cristofer was trying to hide his discomfort, his sweaty hair and subtle expression betrayed his pain. Estelle realized that his legs were still hurting.
After a quick examination of Cristofer and ensuring that the plaster was securely in place, the doctor proceeded to give Estelle some important instructions. “He may not pay enough attention to his health, so it’s crucial that you keep a close eye on him every day. Make sure he doesn’t put weight on his legs. If his leg gets broken again, he may be permanently disabled.”
Listening intently, Estelle nodded and promised, “I won’t let him walk until he’s fully recovered. Are there any other specific procedures I should be aware of?”
“Yes. Be careful about his diet. Ensure he avoids foods that might hinder his recovery. Additionally, don’t let his injury come into contact with water. He can’t shower for the time being. You can use a wet towel to clean his body; although it’s a bit more cumbersome, it’s the safest way to maintain his hygiene. And you’ll need to assist him with…”
The doctor gave Estelle a bunch of instructions, and she paid close attention to each one. But as the doctor continued talking, Cristofer’s expression grew darker. Eventually, he couldn’t hold back and interrupted the doctor, saying, “Doctor, just give me the dos and don’ts. I have servants at home who can take care of me.”
Lately, Cristofer had been trying to keep his distance from Estelle, avoiding daily interactions. There was also a secret he couldn’t let her discover. So, he definitely didn’t want her helping with his personal hygiene.
Once Cristofer spoke up, an awkward silence filled the room. Even the assistant who was tidying up the medical equipment froze. The doctor looked between Cristofer and Estelle, baffled by the situation. He couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What’s going on between you two? Weren’t you in a good relationship? Cristofer, why this sudden change in attitude after your wife arrived?’
“Did you two have an argument on the way here?” the doctor cautiously asked.
Both Cristofer and Estelle replied simultaneously, “No.”
The doctor chuckled at their synchronized denial and said, “You two are quite in tune. Since you both denied it at the same time, I’m sure you must have had a little argument. It’s common for couples to quarrel now and then.”
Inwardly, Estelle couldn’t help but think, ‘If only our situation were as simple as a simple argument.’ She managed a bitter smile and turned her gaze toward Cristofer.
Cristofer, on the other hand, looked impatient and displeased, but the doctor didn’t seem to pick up on it. He continued to address Cristofer, attempting to persuade him, “As a husband, it’s important to be understanding and forgiving. I don’t know the details of your disagreement, but I would advise you to let it go.”
Cristofer remained silent, refusing to dwell on what Estelle had done to him. Seeing his reaction, Estelle realized that he was still holding a grudge against her. Feeling helpless, she decided to ignore his indifferent demeanor and pressed on, asking the doctor for the dos and don’ts. She was determined to do everything she could to help Cristofer, regardless of whether he would forgive her or not.