"When Opposites Collide"

Chap 66

The tears I was trying to hold, fell on my cheeks

Annie saw them and her features softened. I know she felt pity for me but I want her to be honest so I composed myself.

"Annie, did they die?" I repeated it to her even though each word were like a knife stabbing me on my chest.

"Ms. Lisa..."

"Did they?" I made myself sound strong even if inside, my whole being is collapsing.

"Yes."

One word.

It was one word but it was so heavy, it made my world fall to pieces.

"Thank you for being honest to me." I took my plate to the sink, turning my back to Annie whom became silent.

As soon as my plate washed, I wiped my hands with the paper towel and avoided looking at her.

I glanced back on the stairs, thinking twice if I should get up there and see Jennie, but after awhile of debating with myself, I chose not to.

I'll breakdown if I see her now after the talk I had with Annie.

Ever since we came back, I would cry in the shower so Jennie wouldn't hear me. Or in our bed when I know she was in deep sleep.

I don't want to show her weakness, she need me to be strong, she need a shoulder to grab on when things starts to collapsed and I need it to be me.

I left the house without turning my back.
As I sat alone in my car. the weight
of the conversation with the nurse pressed down on me like a heavy blanket.

I gripped the steering wheel tightly, trying to keep my composure, but the floodgates of emotion burst open.

Tears streamed down my face, my chest heaving with sobs.

Each breath felt like a struggle against the overwhelming sadness that threatened to consume me. The reality of Jennie's battle with a terminal illness hit me like a freight train, and in that moment, all I could do was surrender to the grief and let the tears flow freely.

After what felt like an eternity, I wiped away my tears and took a deep, shaky breath.

I knew I couldn't stay in that place of despair forever.

With a determined resolve, I straightened myself up in the driver's seat. mustering the strength to continue.

Turning the key in the ignition, the engine hummed to life, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped the car.

As I drove back to the office, the roads blurred with my tears, but I focused on the task at hand.

With each passing mile, I tried to push aside the overwhelming sadness and fear that threatened to consume me.

I reminded myself of the importance of being there for Jennie, of being her rock in this storm of uncertainty.

Arriving back at the office, I plastered a forced smile on my face, determined to mask the turmoil raging within me.