Fading Petals: Buried Beneath Daffodils

Prologue: His twisted Love

Savannah's POV

Have you ever wondered when is the right time to surrender to love? Is it when you're heartbroken? When you're exhausted or facing hardships? Or perhaps when death seems imminent?

For the past decade, I've shared my life with my partner, and today marks our first anniversary as a married couple. One would expect it to be a day of celebration, a perfect milestone in our love story. However, it's overshadowed by the fact that I haven't seen my husband in months. Yes, that's right, and it all stems from my inability to fulfill his one desire—I can't give him the child he yearns for. That's when our relationship began to crumble, and he started to fall out of love.

"You have stage 4 bone marrow cancer... your life expectancy is... 12 months... but we can seek a second opinion... we can try our best, perhaps it's a misdiagnosis... or we might find a donor for you... Savannah, there's-" 

The doctor's words pierced through me, each syllable intensifying the ache in my chest. Me? Dying... within 12 months... Tears streamed down my face as I felt my chest tighten. Accepting this harsh reality is a challenge, but it's the truth. As someone who feels like they have nothing to live for, I can't help but feel like I deserve this fate. I deserve this pain. Yet, despite trying to convince myself otherwise, I am desperately seeking out Keith, my ever-supportive husband. Perhaps, if I reach out to him again, beg him to return and listen, he might understand.

"Are you okay, Ms. Savannah?" The doctor's concern barely registers as I force a weak smile before bidding him farewell."I know someone who specializes in this field, I'll refer you to him," he adds. Slowly, I leave the hospital, fingers trembling as I dial the same number over and over again.Please, just answer me once...

But there was no response, so I left a voicemail.

"Please come home, Keith. There's something I need to tell you..."After sending those messages, I make my way to the bus stop and head home. 

Yes, I can do this.

As I open the door, a sense of anticipation fills me. Could Keith be inside? I rush in, hoping to see his face, but deep down, I know he hasn't come because of my messages.

"Savannah..." His voice is calm as he approaches, but there's a hint of something off. He's stumbling, and the strong scent of alcohol surrounds him.

"You're drunk..." I say softly, but before I can react, he's kissing me, his hands roaming beneath my clothes. It feels wrong, and I try to push him away, but his grip on my wrist is firm. What can I do against him? I can hardly resist. Perhaps I was tired, weary of reality but somehow I know I was hoping for a glimmer of the Keith I used to know.

"I'm sorry," he whispers, but his words only bring more pain as he takes advantage of my vulnerability. I didn't fight back, for I have needed this, I needed my husband back even in just a glimpse of his affection, even if he was just drunk. Soon enough, it's became a long, agonizing night for me. But Keith knew nothing about it nor would I dare to speak about it. 

When I wake up, I prepared breakfast and gather my courage to confront him. I hear his footsteps approaching as I wait in the kitchen. I slowly handed him the medical results expecting the worst reactions I could get, maybe a bit of pain within his eyes would be enough for me, at least he cared. 

But his reaction was chilling, as if I invented whatever was written there. Like it was a complete deception to bring him back, a pure desperation to seek his attention. 

"Bone marrow cancer? Really, Savannah?" His tone is mocking, as if he doesn't believe a word of it."Do you honestly think this is real? After last night, you're stronger than anyone I know with cancer..." His words cut deep, and I struggle to hold back tears.

"And besides, it wouldn't be so bad if you actually died..." His callousness leaves me speechless, and before I can respond, he's gone.

Fear grips me, and I can feel my chest tightening with every breath. The man I loved, the man who promised to stand by me, has turned his back.

Maybe it is true, people would only see your worth when you're gone, but I don't see those in Keith's eyes. I never knew what I did for him to hate me this much. 

but none of those matters,  With my life hanging in the balance, all I can do is wait...