Till death do us part

Chapter 46: I need your advice - Present time

Cora's POV

After the nurse's visit, I left the room. It's like I couldn't get air anymore. It was all getting too much for me. Don't get me wrong, I love Rose so much, but I wasn't feeling confident in taking care of all her medical needs. What if I couldn't do it? I was tired too, I was exhausted... I just wanted... Peace.

I was seated on a bench outside the room, my face buried in my hands. What do I do? I kept repeating that same question over and over in my head. What if the doctor clears her for today? What do I do? How do I handle all of this? With Hope too?

I can't do it... It's just too much...

I finally sat back up and took my phone. I called Andrea, as I felt that she would understand this situation the best. "Hey, Andrea."

"Hey Cora," She seemed happy I called. "How are you?"

I sighed deeply, setting the tone for the conversation. "I need your advice."

"I see," Her tone also got more serious. "How can I help?"

I gulped and looked left and right, as if making sure no one would hear me. "Rose is ready to come home."

"That's terrific news," Andrea said immediately but, when she noticed I wasn't happy about it, she added: "Right?"

I shrugged. "I don't know," I sighed again. "I'm afraid of how the situation will be at home," I looked down then, ignoring whatever was happening in these busy hospital hallways. "The responsibilities that all fall onto my shoulders," I sighed. "I'm so tired, Andrea."

She let out a breath, seemingly understanding me. "It will be a huge change," She said, making me nod. "I think you should get informed first by the doctor. See what they say."

"I know," I looked up again, looking left and right for the doctor that would show up soon. "But what about her memory," I sighed. "What if she forgets again?"

"You can never predict someone's recovery process," She said, once again making me nod. "I think you will have to see how it goes."

I sighed and looked down. I didn't respond immediately then. I waited and let all my thoughts go around in my brain until one stood out: "What if I can't do it?"

"Cora," She breathed out, almost in a whisper tone. I could tell she didn't want to hear this question. "I don't know, Cora," She gulped then. "There are places for people to recover," She said gently. "Where Rose could get further treatment."

I looked away, at nothing in particular. I had thought about these places too but was too ashamed to give it much thought. I always thought that it was my task to take care of my wife. But what if I can't do it?

"That could be a solution too."

I slowly nodded. "Maybe..."

"Listen to the doctor first, ok?"

I nodded again.

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Third person's POV

When the doctor visited Rose and Cora, Rose was clearly surprised to see the doctor. She hadn't expected him to visit, but Cora did. Cora hadn't told Rose about the nurse's visit earlier that morning, so Rose didn't know.

The doctor said the things Cora pretty much expected: Rose was doing much better. She would have to be careful and her injuries would simply need time to heal but she could do all of that at home. There was no reason to stay at the hospital any longer.

"Oh," The doctor said before leaving. "One more thing," He walked back to Rose's bed. "You will have to continue to train your memory. It will be important for a while now."

Rose nodded and smiled before looking at Cora. She was ecstatic but when she noticed Cora wasn't, her smile faded too.

The doctor left soon after, stating that the nurse will be back soon with the papers before Rose can officially leave the hospital.

Rose looked at Cora and wondered why Cora wasn't happy about all of this. She knew Cora wasn't sure about their future together yet. She wondered if Cora even wanted her still.

When Cora left, to get some drinks, Rose took this opportunity to call her fathers. "Hey, fathers."

"Hey, Rose," They said simultaneously. "How is everything there?"

Rose smiled a bit. "Good, I think," She sighed then. "The doctor said I can go home."

"That's amazing news!"

She smiled but it vanished quickly. "Yeah..." She looked at the door, making sure Cora wasn't returning yet. "I'm just not sure it's the right time yet."

"What do you mean?" They asked. "Do you still feel bad?"

"No, not that," Rose gulped. "I think it's too much for Cora," She sighed deeply. "I feel like a burden to her."

"You're her wife, honey," Rose's dad said. "I'm sure Cora will do anything to help you."

"She loves you," Rose's papa said. "I'm sure she's happy that you can go back home."

Rose smiled a bit but she wasn't convinced. Why did it feel to her as if Cora didn't want her home? Maybe it wouldn't be bad to give Cora a break? Maybe that's all she needed...? Maybe that's what they both needed?

"Thanks, fathers," Rose smiled a bit. "I've got to go."

"We love you!" They shouted before the phone call was ended.

Rose put her phone aside and that's when Cora entered the room again. "I've got some coffee," She said. "With sugar."

"Thanks," Rose smiled a bit. They then went silent for a while. They were both consumed with thoughts, both about the same thing. Until, eventually, Rose cleared her throat. "Cora," She gulped. She was both unsure and impatient to finally ask this one question. "Can I come home?"