Zoe sat on the third-floor balcony, her slender figure resembling a fragile sheet of paper, her bare feet dangling. It seemed as if she could fall at any moment. Oblivious to his presence, her eyes were fixed on the starless night sky, hollow and distant.
Evan rushed up the stairs, his heart pounding. The sound of the door opening didn't register with her. Zoe didn't turn, her gaze remaining fixed on the night sky as her feet continued to sway.
He tread lightly, holding his breath as he approached her. Just as his hand was about to touch her, she whispered softly, like a cat, her voice gentle yet enchanting, "You're back."
Evan's hand froze. These were the words she used to say most often.
Zoe turned her head, her slightly swollen face bearing the marks of scratches and dried tears. She smiled, but her eyes were dim.
His heart trembled. "My dear wife..."
Zoe turned away again, returning her gaze to the sky. "You must have loved me before, right? Back then... when I had even a slight cold or fever, you would worry so much. Sometime later, even when I fainted from fever, you wouldn't spare me a glance..."
She sniffled, her tone unnervingly calm. "Back then, we were broke. Even eating cheap bread and instant noodles every day, I was happy... because... I had you by my side."
Evan's nose tingled with sadness. He gently wrapped his arms around her, feeling her body as cold as ice.
"Don't say anymore..."
Zoe didn't resist, laughing softly, revealing her adorable dimples. It was reminiscent of the first time they met, under the warm sun.
"Can you give me the old Evan back?"
Zoe seemed on the verge of collapse, as if she might disappear at any second.
"I...," he choked.
"Could you please give him back to me..." she choked up.
Evan was at a loss for words, watching her turn away again, his eyes reddened.
Zoe released her grip on the balcony, leaning forward.
He reached out and pulled her back, bellowing, "What are you doing!"
Her voice was hoarse as she retorted, "What am I doing? I'm going to find Evan, of course."
Evan tightened his grip, then relaxed, lifting her down from the ledge. Zoe allowed him to carry her back to the room, closing her eyes in exhaustion.
This time, he was as gentle as he used to be, murmuring apologies over and over in her ear.
She ignored him, her eyes tightly shut, tears streaming down and pooling in her ears.
Apologies won't change anything.
The next day, Zoe was awakened by the sound of drilling. She got up, left the room, and noticed two welders installing a security window on the balcony, with Evan overseeing them. Zoe didn't question it, freshened up, and without speaking to Evan, left for the hospital to fetch her medicine.
He watched the door close, allowing her this freedom.
In the hospital, Edward noticed her arrival, his brows furrowing. She seemed thinner than yesterday.
Pale-faced, she managed a smile. "Doctor, I'm here to get my medicine..."
Edward didn't delve into yesterday's events, simply writing out another prescription.
Zoe signed, collected the slip, and headed to the pharmacy.
Soon, she returned awkwardly.
Edward was puzzled until she, in an embarrassed tone, muttered, "I lost my wallet."
