The End of a Marriage
Aristo had been feeling pain in his stomach for a while now. Day by day, he was getting thinner and could only eat a very limited amount. Mey insisted that Aristo go to the doctor. At first, Aristo didn't want to because he thought it was just his usual stomach or ulcer issues. Mey kept pushing him to go over and over until Aristo got annoyed and finally agreed to see the doctor.
"I suspect this is colon cancer," Dr. Bondan said. "But we need to run some tests first. Is there anyone in your family who has had similar health issues? This type of cancer is usually hereditary."
"Yes, Doctor. My father. He passed away from colon cancer as well," Aristo replied.
"Yeah, that can happen. If we dig a little deeper, there might be an uncle or aunt who had the same issue. It could be related to the colon, stomach, or any part of the digestive system."
Mey felt weak upon hearing the doctor's statement, while Aristo appeared strong even though his face showed signs of shock. He never expected to inherit his father's illness at such a young age.
The test results revealed that the colon cancer had reached stage three. The doctor wondered how Aristo had been able to endure the pain, but there are times when patients don't notice anything unusual and just think they have a stomach-ache or regular indigestion.
Mey tried to meet with Dr. Bondan alone to ask more detailed questions without Aristo present.
"How long does my husband have, Doctor?"
"Not much, Ma'am. I estimate around six months. His body will continue to get thinner, and eating will become increasingly difficult. When he can no longer eat, food will have to be administered through the nose until the end."
"Is there no other treatment option, Doctor?"
"There isn't, Ma'am. It's a pity this isn't in the early stage. Moreover, cancer is still a very difficult disease to treat, at least for now. Use the remaining time to make him happy."
Mey felt an overwhelming sense of regret, wondering why she had wasted the opportunity to improve her marriage all this time. God had given her three years for her and Aristo to be together in their marriage without a third, fourth, or fifth person involved.
Mey supported Aristo in his daily life. Aristo was aware that his time was limited. It was unusual for Mey to be by his side, leaving her flower shop to her assistant and allowing the tutor to handle all of Dennis's school matters.
"How long do I have?" Aristo asked Mey. "You can just be honest with me, Mey."
"When we first got the results, the doctor said it will be no longer than six months."
"So that means I have four months left," Aristo said with a smile. He gently touched Mey's tear-streaked cheek, "Mey, don't cry. I deserve this pain, to atone for all my mistakes toward you."
"Don't say that. I've also wronged you. Truly, I regret it. If only I hadn't retaliated against all your actions. If only I could control myself," Mey replied.
"You wouldn't have done that if it weren't for me. Don't grieve for too long after I'm gone. You still have Dennis—be strong and keep living. He still needs you very much. Live in happiness, because you truly deserve it."
Aristo passed away three months later, just five months from the six-month estimate given by the doctor.
Mey called Ratih to come during Aristo's final moments. Ratih arrived with their children, accompanied by her new husband. Ratih said her goodbyes to Aristo and offered prayers for his peaceful departure.
Karunia, Nuh, and Dennis also kept vigil by Aristo's bedside. One by one, they kissed Aristo's forehead, said their goodbyes, and conveyed the message, "Goodbye, Dad. Until we meet again in Heaven, we will surely meet you in His time. We love you."
The end of the marriage was not filled with a heart broken by infidelity and arguments. The ending chosen by Aristo and Mey was love. The love that initially united them was what ultimately separated them.
Indeed, there is no perfect marriage. But with full commitment, we can work towards it.
---
