5 — Home

~Odessa~

"Yes, my dear," Margaret affirmed.

"Why... Is he not here with me?" I questioned, the ache settling in my heart.

Margaret hesitated before her words came out unevenly. "Your... Husband had been away on a business trip before your accident. When he was informed about the accident, he tried to return immediately, but had an issue with his travel papers leading to his flight being delayed." She paused, breath held.

"But I assure you, he's been doing everything possible to come back to you, dear. In a week, everything will be resolved. He'll be able to return, and by then, you'll be fit to go home as well and you'll meet him there at home. For now, he's unable to be here." She added softly.

"O...Okay," I nodded, my gaze lowered in sadness as my eyes settled on the ring on my finger. How sad that my husband isn't by my side on the first day I woke up after such a horrible accident.

Tears fell from my eyes and Margaret wiped them immediately.

"Don't be sad. It's only a matter of days and you'll see him again." She assured, making me nod.

I couldn't wait to meet him again. My husband—the man whom I must have loved with all my heart.

I sniffed hard, wondering what his face looks like since I can't even remember him.

I'll meet him again and he's going to tell me everything we've done together.

I took a glance at Margaret and the doctor again, and heaved a sigh. They were all here for me—my family would be here to get me through this.

~~~

A week later.

A beautiful morning reflected a warm, golden light streaming in through the windows, illuminating my soft, fluffy bedding.

My mouth pulled into a yawn, making the end tingle with a hot sensation. I looked around to get accustomed to the beautiful light and realized it was morning; a day to be home again. Home with my family. Home to finally meet my husband.

I felt strong now, enough to believe I can walk a day without breaking.

Quickly, I flipped the duvet aside and got off the bed. Excitement edged with unease settled over me.

A few minutes later, the nurse who'd been taking care of me when Margaret wasn't around came in, a bag in her hand. Then came Margaret gliding through the door.

"Good morning, my love." She beamed. "Guess what?! I brought you a very beautiful dress to wear. Remember, today we'll return home to meet your husband," She took the bag from the nurse opening it.

"Oh... mother, this is beautiful." My eyes glinted at the olive-green gown, shimmering under the morning light and bringing more life and energy into the room.

"Yes, dear. I bought it specially for today."

"Oh, thank you," My cheeks flushed at her thoughtfulness.

Even as my memories stubbornly refused to return, finally I can breathe beyond these walls.

How long did Margaret say I had been bedridden again?

Three months!

This indeed calls for a big celebration as she would say.

"You're welcome." Her gaze softened. "Go ahead now, the nurse will help clean you up and get you dressed while I have a word with the doctor." She informed, already urging the nurse to work.

I nodded, letting the maid help me out of the hospital dress. Just as Margaret nodded at me again and disappeared through the door, the nurse led me to the bathroom.

In 30 minutes, I was done. I could see the smile on Doctor Kane's face as I lost count of how many times I'd thanked him, also nodding at his promise of coming to examine me every once in a while.

I knew a thousand thank you wouldn't be enough to appreciate him for all he has done for me. With God and the help of him and his other professionals, I'd been given a second chance at life.

I took a last glance at him as we headed outside the hospital and within five minutes, we were already on our way home.

I couldn't deny the loud pounding of my heart—it pounded so loud I felt it might burst out of my chest.

Margret pressed her hand on mine, which I didn't notice was fidgeting and ruining my beautiful dress.

"Relax dear, everything is going to be fine." she parted my cheeks with a smile.

I nodded at her, feeling the ease from her assurance.

All I needed was to... Relax. And everything would be just fine.

~~~

"Finally, we're home Juliana!" Exclaimed Margaret holding onto my hand and taking me into the breathtaking living room.

I smiled nervously as I walked into the room full of strangers. "Mo–Mother, you mean... This is my home?" I glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, mesmerized by the grandeur of it all.

"Of course, my dear. This is the adorable home you share with your lovely husband and me."

I nodded, tears of joy pricking the corners of my eyes. This was so beautiful, indeed a place to call home.

The maids darted in every direction, their hurried footsteps echoing off the walls, excitement filled in their voices as they lined up. One enthusiastically bidding me welcome, followed by another and another.

Perhaps the kitchen was busy, I could hear clattering plates and wares accompanied by footsteps hastening to get things done.

Margaret on the other hand, kept beaming, enquiring from the maids and making sure everything was in place, most especially my room.

With the strong affirmation from the maids that everything was exceptionally perfect, Margaret's expression hinted at the layer of overwhelmed happiness as she kept holding onto my hand.

A maid came to Margaret's side, whispering something into her ear which I noticed suddenly changed her demeanor.

She looked up towards the stairs and my heartbeat again came thudding.

"Is anything the matter, Mother?" I inquired, noticing her face mirroring shock and her grip on my hand tightened.

She hesitated.

"Um...No... Not at all. She said your husband is already in the room waiting. Just that I'm too excited that it has turned into anxiety. I didn't expect he'd be home already. You know... I... hadn't told him you were returning today. He thinks you're still in the hospital. I just wanted to surprise him," She stuttered.

I exhaled deeply, also feeling the heat crawling down to my feet.

But then, making it obvious would imply weakness which I wasn't ready to show, either to Margaret or my husband.

I wanted Adrian to know I was strong and healthy now. No reason to put him into more fear than he was already in.

"It's totally fine, mother. It's nothing to be worried about. I'm sure he would be excited to see me." I assured.

But she hesitated again.

"Come on Mother, believe in me. I'll be fine." I said, stronger than I've ever sounded, and then, she nodded briefly then strengthened, my unwavering gaze suppressing the anxiety in hers.

"Fine... Let's go," She finally agreed.