In an unfamiliar city, in an unfamiliar hospital.
Alexander had left, never to return.
I ordered a bowl of hospital porridge, which tasted terrible.
I ate while crying.
This trip had been a disaster. I wanted to go home.
I didn't dare to call my mom, afraid she'd worry.
I was even more afraid she'd be heartbroken.
She and Sarah were like sisters. She treated Alexander almost like a son.
If she knew how Alexander had treated me, I feared she wouldn't be able to handle it.
I dialed my dad's number. "Dad, I'm sick, and I'm alone in the hospital. Can you come pick me up?"
He asked a lot of questions, then said, "Where's Alexander?"
"I want to annul the engagement."
There was a brief silence on the other end before his tone lightened. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Every dad seems to have a hard time with his daughter's husband, and mine's no exception.
He never liked Alexander. He thought he lacked responsibility.
But I like him, and there's nothing my dad can do about it.
After hanging up, my dad told me that one of his friends' sons was in Lhasa and would come take care of me for a few days.
Once I was well, he'd send me back.
Two hours later, a few men in military coats arrived at my hospital room.
The one at the front stood out.
Tall and straight, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, the same military coat on him looked like it belonged to a warlord from the Republican era.
I stared, dazed. "Who are you?"
He walked to my bedside in a few steps and spoke in a steady voice, "Comrade Seraphina, hello. I'm Houston, here on your father's orders to check on you."
As soon as he spoke, the others behind him quickly set down the fruit and gifts in the corner, giving me a few quick glances before turning their eyes away.
But there was a certain gleam in their eyes—like they thought Houston and I were having an affair.
I couldn't meet Houston's sharp gaze and whispered, "Oh, thank you for coming."
He chuckled softly before turning to the soldiers. "You can go now."
Several of the soldiers hesitated for a moment but left the room seamlessly.
The hospital room was now just me and Houston, whose presence felt almost overwhelming. I could sense his strength, and it made me a bit uneasy.
"Uhm..." I opened my mouth, trying to say something.
He placed a large hand on my forehead, cool to the touch.
"You're no longer running a fever," he said, his voice calm.
