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Right,I was just an ordinary patient.
I couldn't believe a young,successful doctor I had barely known could love me.
To like and yo love are totally different things.
I had loved Daniel for fifteen years,and we were married for five.
Yet he stopped loving me,moving on to someone new.What was old love worth?
My child was gone,and so was I.
I gave a self-mocking laugh.
But Dr.Mason ignored the others,clinging to my body,calling me my name as if that way I would wake up and talk to him.
I heard his murmurs,"Sarah,you don't know,do you?"
His hand touched my face gently,his gaze no longer restrained but fervent,devoted."I've liked you for so long,Sarah."
"You really don't remember?It's me."
"You were so vibrant,so full of life."
"To see you like this,..."
He sobbed,trembling as he smoothed my disheveled hair.
"How could Daniel do this to you?"
Hearing Daniel's name,I floated closer,studying him curiously.
How did Dr.Mason get to know Daniel?
I examined his face.A younger,softer version overlapped with his current one.
I covered my mouth in shock.
"Hey,you're top of the class—why are they bullying you?"
Young me was sitting beside a bruised Dr.Mason.
He hugged his knees,head buried,sobbing,"They call me a worthless orphan.No one will stand up for me.They say I deserve it."
"I'll protect you then.I know a thing or two about fighting.Didn't you see me scare them off?"I nodded seriously,clenching my fist,then gently patted his head.
"What's your name?I'm Sarah Harper."
The small boy lifted his tear-streaked face,saying earnestly,"I'm Elliot Mason."
"It's him."
I had known Dr.Mason long ago.
He had recognized me from the start.
He knew everything but said nothing.
How did he know about me and Daniel?
After growing up,we had lost contact.I studied him,curious.
I shook my head,unable to recall.
Ever since I met Daniel,my life revolved around him.
From school to marriage,he was my whole world.
I had no time or heart for anyone else,not even myself.
When Daniel chose Emily,it cut me deeper,left me this broken.
Dr.Mason's words were true.
He wasn't comforting a dying woman.
Tears fell uncontrollably.
I reached to wipe them,but my hand went through again.
I floated before him,joking,"Hey,Elliot Mason,I remember you—the bullied kid.It's you!"
But he couldn't see me,his empty gaze went through soul-me and fell upon my body.
For days,I followed him.
I watched him as he handed my body to the donation center.
Watched him as he packed my belongings.
Watched him as he cried every night,unable to eat or sleep.
I wanted to comfort him,but I could not touch him, I was helpless.
