Alexander’s POV
I’m sitting on the bed, looking around the room. It’s built just like the setting of the guest room in my apartment. It feels strangely homely, as though it’s my own room. But there’s this vague anxiety at the thought that Sophia is so near.
I can’t help but remember the moment I shared with her earlier. I could tell she was affected by my presence, and I was tempted to kiss her right then. But who knew she would run off so suddenly?
I reach out to touch my lips, imagining how her lips would feel on mine. I remember them to be soft and supple when I kissed her the other night. I loved it, and I really want to kiss her again. Maybe some day when the kids are not near and she isn’t so cold to me anymore.
Speaking of cold, I can’t help but rub my arms. The ventilator is on, and the night breeze keeps blowing in, making it cold. She was so startled earlier that she ran out, forgetting to hand me a blanket.
I grab the remote from the side table and switch off the ventilator. Then, I drop the curtains to block the breeze before opening the closet to check for blankets. There are no clothes in there; instead, appliances are stored inside. Probably, there’s no space to display them, so she stores them there. I find a blanket while rummaging and return to the bed, covering myself with it as I place my hands under my head and lay face up.
As I lie there quietly in silence, I can’t help but wonder if they’re all asleep. It’s all quiet, and usually Daisy would not sleep immediately, so I can’t help wondering why she was so quick to doze off.
My mind trails back to all that happened this evening. After the encounter with the brothers at the elevator, I returned to the apartment and found that Daisy had already fallen asleep. I turned on the tap to clean the dirty kitchen, but it suddenly broke, and soon water filled the entire kitchen, flowing into the living room and bedrooms. It was so fast and chaotic.
Initially, I intended to get the workers to come fix it while we wait, but I suddenly had the thought to use the chance to approach Sophia. It was a greedy and treacherous move, but at least it turned out well.
I yawn sleepily as I turn over and switch off the light to sleep. A few moments later, I’m beginning to doze off.
My eyes shoot open, and I’m jolted awake by a sudden cramp in my stomach. I glance at the clock beside the bed-it’s midnight. The pain is intense, causing me to break into a cold sweat, and I feel lightheaded as I struggle to get up and head to the kitchen for some water.
Dragging my feet, I manage to reach the kitchen, holding onto the edge of the countertop for support. I open the fridge and grab the water bottle, desperately hoping it will alleviate the pain. But as I attempt to unscrew the cap, my head sways, and I collapse to the floor with a thud, accidentally knocking over a nearby vase, which shatters into pieces.
I groan, trying to regain my composure. The pain in my stomach continues to grip me, making it difficult to think straight. My mind races, wondering if it’s something I ate or if it’s a more serious health issue.
Lying there on the cold kitchen floor, I muster the strength to reach for my phone, which I had left in my pockets last night. With trembling fingers, I take it out but am left devastated when there’s no power on it. I had forgotten to charge it last night, and now it’s out of power.
With no way to call, I try to get up to reach my room or call Sophia. But I can’t get up, and as I lie there, my mind can’t help but drift to thoughts of Sophia and the kids. I hope someone will find me soon.
Minutes feel like hours as I wait in pain, my vision blurring. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps rushing towards me fills the room, and I see Sophia, clad in her pajamas, entering the kitchen with wide eyes filled with worry.
“Oh my goodness, Alexander! What happened?” she exclaims, kneeling down beside me.
“I don’t know… cramps…” I manage to utter between shallow breaths.
Sophia’s POV
I wake up suddenly, startled by the sound of something crashing in the kitchen. At first, I wonder if I had imagined it, but then I sit up on the bed, trying to regain my senses. As I stand up to go and check what’s going on, my heart sinks when I see Alexander lying on the floor, obviously in pain.
“Alexander, what happened?” I rush over to him, concern etched on my face. He looks pale and helpless, and I immediately crouch down beside him.
“I don’t know… cramps… I’m lightheaded…” he manages to mumble, his voice weak and strained.
“Okay, let’s get you up.” I gently try to help him sit up, but he winces in pain.
“No, wait… I can’t…” he says, clutching his stomach.
“We need to call for help,” I say urgently, my mind racing with worry. I rush to grab my phone from the bedside table and hold it to my ears.
“No, don’t call,” Alexander suddenly interjects, his voice sounding more urgent now. “Just help me get up and get me some water.”
I’m taken aback by his request. Usually, in a situation like this, the first instinct would be to call for medical assistance, but Alexander seems adamant about not involving anyone else. I want to persuade him to let me call the paramedics, but as I look into his eyes, I know he’s adamant.
Reluctantly, I place the phone down and nod, deciding to respect his wishes for the time being. “Alright, but if you don’t start feeling better soon, I’m calling for help,” I say firmly.
He gives me a weak smile, grateful for my understanding, and together, we manage to help him up and walk him to the nearby sofa. Once he’s settled, I rush to the kitchen to get him some water, hoping it will ease his pain.
Returning with a glass of water, I hand it to him, and he takes small sips, trying to steady his breathing. “Thank you,” he whispers, his voice filled with gratitude.
“You should really see a doctor, Alexander. This looks serious,” I say, still concerned about his well-being.
He nods, but there’s a hint of hesitation in his eyes. “I’ll be fine. It’s probably just something I ate. I’ve had stomach issues before,” he tries to assure me.
I’m not entirely convinced, but I decide not to press him further.
“Okay, but promise ou’ll see a doctor in the morning,” I insist, not willing to let him brush it off so easily.
He sighs but nods in agreement. “Fine, I promise.”