Why Is He Back??

Twisted Fate

It had been a few weeks since Zack's near-death experience. The memory of that day still clung to the edges of Olivia's mind like a stubborn shadow. Even though she tried to focus on her work, it was hard not to glance at Zack every time she passed his home office, his presence a constant reminder of how close she came to losing him. The man who had once been untouchable in her eyes was now visibly weakened, working from home while recovering from his injuries. But despite his own pain, Zack's attention often shifted to Olivia, especially on days when her health faltered.

There had been a couple of instances recently where Olivia had fallen ill-nothing too serious, just a persistent fatigue that left her bed-bound for days at a time. Despite his own injuries, Zack had been there, quietly ensuring she had everything she needed, his actions speaking volumes even when his words remained few. He would sit by her bedside, ensuring she ate, drank, and rested, and on nights when her fever spiked, Zack had been there with a cool cloth, wiping the sweat from her brow and checking her temperature. His care was meticulous, and though he rarely showed it, Olivia could sense the worry behind his stoic expression.

Olivia, finally feeling better after days of weakness, had just finished a meeting when her phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, seeing her sister Alandra's name flash across the screen. A smile tugged at Olivia's lips as she answered, "Heyy, Livy!" Alandra's voice was bright, but there was a hint of something beneath it. "Hey, Al! How are you? How's Zivia and Emma? Did something happen to them? Are they alright??!!" The questions spilled out in rapid succession, her concern palpable.

"Wowww, so much to ask about your niece and your daughter! What about your sister?" Alandra teased, her voice dripping with mock indignation.

"Sorry, Al..." Olivia's voice softened, realizing how frantic she must have sounded.

"No, it's fine. I get it," Alandra chuckled, a playful snicker escaping as she spoke. "Motherhood does that to you."

Olivia couldn't help but laugh, "Okay, okay, I admit it. I'm obsessed with the kids. But seriously, how are you?"

The sisters fell into a rhythm of easy banter, the conversation taking a lighthearted turn as they caught up. Alandra recounted a series of hilarious toddler misadventures involving Emma and Zivia, which had Olivia nearly doubling over in laughter.

"Oh, Livy, you should have seen them! They got into the pantry and smeared peanut butter everywhere. And I mean everywhere! Jacob nearly had a heart attack when he saw the kitchen," Alandra said, her laughter bubbling through the phone.

"Peanut butter, huh? Sounds like they're ready to be the next culinary masterminds," Olivia teased, her spirits lifting with each word.

"Right? I told Jacob we should just start calling them Chef Emma and Chef Zivia," Alandra quipped, a grin evident in her tone.

"Maybe I should get them tiny chef's hats. Or maybe not-who knows what they'd do with them?" Olivia added, laughing.

"Probably stuff them with peanut butter and throw them at each other," Alandra agreed, both of them descending into fits of giggles.

After a few more minutes of lighthearted conversation, Olivia could hear the shift in Alandra's tone as she said, "Okay, okay, on a serious note..." Olivia's laughter faded as she straightened, sensing the change. "Why did you call me, Al?"

Alandra hesitated for a moment, her voice a touch more somber when she continued, "Well, Jacob's dad...he's horribly ill. The doctors aren't able to do much for him. It's pancreatic cancer."

Olivia's breath caught in her throat. "Oh my God... What stage is it?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Stage four," Alandra replied, a sigh escaping her. "The doctors say he doesn't have much time left."