Chapter 13
So over the years, Estela had developed the habit of gently infusing her clothing with a light trace of mugwort.
In the beginning, it irritated her skin. She would break out in itchy red rashes. But she bore it–day after day–for the sake of her children’s well–being.
Eventually, her body grew numb to the discomfort. Even the scent became part of her. That faint herbal aroma clung to her like second skin.
Vance used to scoff at her for it, once sneering, “What, did you take a bath in a medicine pot?”
Estela’s tone cooled. “Answer me this–have you two come back to Trurgh? What, are you saying it’s my fault she wore the pajamas? She didn’t even ask–that makes her a thief.”
It was the first time Rowena had ever heard Estela speak in that tone–calm, but firm.
She hesitated, caught off guard for just a second, then sniffled with a defiant hum. “Why should I tell you anything? You already moved out! Dad said Phoebe could wear them. She’s not a thief! You just didn’t answer Dad’s call, and now you’re trying to make excuses. You’re awful! I’m never speaking to you again!”
And with that, the call ended.
Rowena hung up and promptly added Estela back to her blocked list.
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Chapter 13
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‘This time, she is staying there–for a whole year, Rowena told herself.
‘I am young, and Mom has always doted on me most. But this time, Mom needs to be taught a lesson!‘
Back at the hospital, Estela’s hands were icy and trembling. She stared blankly at her phone, as if struggling to process what had just happened.
She couldn’t believe Rowena had really said those words.
Her vision blurred. A film of tears clouded her eyes. For the first time in a long while, the numb ache in her chest flared with real pain.
Just then, a soft little hand appeared in front of her, offering a tissue. “Your eyes are raining. Here, wipe them.”
Estela looked up.
In front of her stood a little girl–maybe four years old–wearing a hospital gown. Her skin was porcelain pale, her black hair a little messy and tousled.
A pair of wide, grape–colored eyes stared up at her with concern as a soft little hand gently pressed a tissue to the corner of her eye.
It was the little one from the bed next door.
Earlier that morning, Estela had noticed the girl’s IV drip was nearly empty–close to backflowing into her veins. She’d quickly called a nurse to change it. In her sleepy daze, the
little girl had mistaken Estela for someone else, clinging to her and calling her “Mommy.”
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Chapter 13
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“Thank you, Callie.” Estela accepted the tissue with a faint smile–her first genuine smile in days.
Callie suddenly gasped and covered her mouth.
“Wow! When you smile, it’s like a fairy is glowing! You have to smile more!”
Estela’s smile grew warmer, softened by Callie’s pure–hearted compliment.
“But it’s too bad.” Callie shook her head dramatically. “My daddy already has a mommy.”
Then, as if struck by inspiration, her eyes lit up. “Oh! I know! You should marry my uncle! He doesn’t have a wife yet!”
Estela chuckled, her eyes curving with amusement as she gently combed through Callie’s tousled hair. “Callie, I am already married.”
Callie’s face fell. “You are? Oh. well, that makes sense. Someone as pretty as you should have a husband.”
She paused, then frowned slightly. “But why isn’t he here with you? When my mommy’s sick, my daddy stays up all night to
tak
of her!”
ad fallen ill shortly after their unexpected return to the ountry, her little body unable to adapt. Her parents hadn’t made it back in time, so her uncle had been left in charge.
Though honestly, her dad hadn’t even realized her uncle was still away on a business trip.
Her grandfather had stopped by last night to drop off dinner and hire a nurse, before rushing back home to tend to his
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Estela’s smile slowly faded. Rowena’s words from earlier echoed relentlessly in her mind.
‘So, Vance really stayed by Phoebe’s side all night. That one missed call? Probably just to blame me,‘ she thought.
Callie leaned into her touch, letting Estela stroke her hair quietly.
‘She looks sad again… Is it because of her husband?‘ she wondered.
*****
In the VIP suite, Rowena and Josh had come first thing in the morning to visit Phoebe.
It had been too late the night before, and Vance hadn’t let them come, so the two had spent the night anxiously video calling instead.
“Mom was awful,” Rowena muttered, resting her chin on the edge of the bed as she tugged carefully at Phoebe’s sleeve. “I called her, and she wouldn’t even admit she was wrong. She blamed you for wearing her pajamas!”
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