Always Second to His Past

Isaac had drunk too much and passed out the moment he got home.

At 7:30 am the next day, I received a call from Rosenhalt Hospital.

"Hello, Ms. Walsh. The minimally invasive breast surgery you scheduled last month is set for 10:00 am today. Will you be able to arrive on time?"

I froze. So much had happened lately that I had almost forgotten about it.

It was just a minor procedure to remove a benign fibroadenoma, but the location was tricky, and the doctor had recommended doing it as soon as possible. Still, all I wanted now was to move out.

"I'm sorry, something came up today. Could I cancel or reschedule?" I asked quietly.

"Ms. Walsh, appointments with our specialists are extremely hard to secure. If you cancel today, the next available slot may be more than three months away."

Isaac walked out, rubbing his temples, and happened to catch the conversation.

He frowned and gently said, "Iris, it's not easy to get a slot like this. Don't cancel it. Your health is more important. I'll skip my classes today and stay with you."

I looked up. The concern in his eyes seemed so sincere.

I nodded numbly. "Okay."

The procedure required a family member to be present, and I had no one else to rely on.

Just as we were about to head to the hospital at 9:00 am, Isaac's phone rang when he picked up his car keys.

His face changed the instant he picked up. "What? Which road? Okay, I'll be there right away!"

He ended the call and turned to me, caught between urgency and guilt. "Iris, Lilith got into a car accident. She's not injured, but she's having a panic attack and crying on the side of the road. I'll go check on her first, then head straight to the hospital to be with you, alright?"

His hands trembled slightly.

I brushed them aside. "I'm fine. Go."

"Iris, you're always so understanding. Wait for me!" he said, already turning to rush out.

I stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, then let out a quiet, humorless laugh.

I took a cab to the hospital alone.

When the doctor handed me the consent form, he glanced past me at the empty hallway. "No one came with you? It's a minor procedure, but you'll need someone to take care of you afterward."

"He's dead," I said. "I'll handle it."

The doctor paused, then gave me a sympathetic look and said nothing more.

The surgery took 40 minutes.

Partway through, Isaac sent a message. "Iris, Lilith's still not stable. I might be a little late."

After it was over, I pressed a hand against the dull ache in my chest and replied, "You don't have to come."

After resting for a while, I went home and packed all my belongings. Before leaving, I took off the diamond ring that had meant forever and placed it on the coffee table next to the signed divorce papers.

I left with my suitcase, without a single glance back.

…

After settling Lilith down, Isaac finally returned home at 11:00 pm, carrying a heavy sense of guilt. "Iris? I'm back. I'm really sorry about today…"

There was no response.

He switched on the lights, and his gaze locked onto the coffee table. When he saw the divorce papers and the ring I had removed, his chest tightened sharply.

He fumbled for his phone and called me. However, a cold, mechanical voice answered, "The number you have dialed is not in service."