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"We're deeply sorry about this.But the dead can't return.I hope you can move on soon."
Daniel's father's voice was low and laced with anger.
"I understand."
"Also...I heard you're divorcing Daniel?"
He hesitated,sighing."I know he's terribly wrong,but...have you really made up your mind?"
"Yes."
I was firm."It's my promise to my daughter.How can she rest in peace otherwise?"
He went silent,then spoke.
"Wait a bitplease,at least wait til all the services and processes are done."
I thought for a while,then nodded.
"Fine. You have my word"
...
Three days after her death,I brought her belongings to the cemetery.
At dawn,a disheveled,haggard man was sittingby her grave.
"Sophie,you're here..."
Seeing me,Daniel stood up,offering me a placating look.
I frowned,avoiding his gaze.
Everytime I saw his face,her pained expression that day would come back to me.
These last few days,I tossed and turned at night,constantly waking up from seeing my girls’ smiling face in dreams.
But when I woke up,there wasnothing.
Ignoring him,I went to her grave,setting down her things.
"I'll help..."
He stepped forward,reaching out.
"Stay away!Don't touch me!"
I shouted,glaring coldly.
The glanced I shot him was emotionless. I could feel the lifelessness in my eyes.
To me,she was my everything.
Now,everything’s gone.
Daniel's arm froze.Seeing my unmasked disgust,he felt a sharp pain ikn his heart and shivered.
His face shifted from pained to desolate,awkwardly retracting his hand,wiping it on his clothes.
"I...I understand.I won't touch you..."
I ignored him,restoring her grave.
Daniel stood silently,watching.
When dawn came and the sun came up,I stood up,and dizziness hit me hard.I swayed,nearly collapsing.
"Careful!"
Unable to hide his concern,he ignored my icy glare and caught me from behind.
My cold eyes made him flinch,but he still looked worried.
"You've lost weight..."
"You don't love me,so why bother?"
"Afraid that people might talk?"
I threw off his hands,tilting my head,mocking him.
"Daniel,you're pathetic."
"Even if I fell,even if I cracked my skull,and died here,I wouldn't want your pity."
He didn't flinch at my scorn.
"I know you're angry.I'll make you forgive me."
His earnestness made me laugh bitterly.Did he think this was a game?
"Hopeless."
I turned and left.
"I'll drive you."
"No need."
From then on,he brought hot meals everyday.
And flowers, and luxury cosmetics.
Each time,I coldly refused,shutting him out.
"Sophie,I stayed up all night making this.You love chicken soup,right?"
I opened the door,knocking over his soup,its aroma filling the hall.
I smiled faintly."Save it for Claire.I'm not worthy of it."
He stood rigid,clutching his pricked fingers.
"Why?You loved me.Why'd you change?"
I laughed,how ironic."So you’re saying I have to come whenever you call.And when you don’t want me, I have to leave"
"Sorry,I'm not your dog,coming and going at your whim."
