The One

Part 7

Finnigan had been confined to the hospital for several days, and Brielle had not appeared to visit him. Rather than tarnish her image, he had kept the truth from their parents, pretending that she stopped by occasionally whenever she had a moment to spare. He grappled with the realization that she didn't harbour any feelings for him, which stung, yet he found solace in her honesty. Despite investing three years in their marriage, he had been unable to win her affection. Sitting alone in his room, the doctor entered and inquired about his well-being. Finnigan smiled and asked about his discharge, feeling stifled by his prolonged bed rest. The doctor told him he could go home that evening since he had significantly improved.

That made Finnigan happy. At least he was free from the overwhelming stench of medication and the bland hospital food. "But you must get enough rest and avoid stressing yourself out, particularly at work. It's risky if your hypertension recurs. I've already informed Brielle about this and asked her to take good care of you," he said, chuckling and teasing Finnigan. The doctor who treated him was Brielle's friend; however, they were unaware of the issues in Finnigan's marriage. Finnigan chuckled back and nodded his head. "I'm sure she will take good care of me."

The doctor nodded and smiled affirmatively. "You should make it a habit to come in for a health check-up now and then," he advised. Finnigan had never really prioritized his health. While he focused on eating well and living a healthy lifestyle, he hadn't fully recognized the importance of mental well-being. "Sure, doc. I'll keep that in mind. I can't wait to get back to work anyway. Being cooped up in this hospital for so long makes me feel less than well," he quipped to the doctor. "Of course. Who enjoys being in the hospital for an extended period? But as I mentioned, take it easy. You have a few extra days off before you can return to work," the doctor reassured. Finnigan smiled faintly and nodded. "Understood," he said, and then the doctor excused himself.

Not long after, his parents arrived. Finnigan greeted them with a smile, happy to see them. "Good morning," his mother said, and Finnigan greeted her. "How are you feeling today?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice. "I am much better. I will be discharged this evening," Finnigan reassured her. His parents were thrilled to hear the news. "That's good news. Do you want us to come and fetch you?" she asked, wanting to be there for him. Finnigan shook his head with a soft smile. "It's okay. Brielle will do that for me," he lied to her. "Okay then, if you say so," she said, smiling as she tried to mask her worry.

"By the way, everyone at the precinct already misses you," his father, the police commissioner, said, "They send their regards and hope for your speedy recovery."

"Thank them for me," Finnigan replied, a sense of longing in his voice. "I can't wait to get back to work anyway." His mother intervened by gently slapping his hand. "Stop thinking about work for once. You are just getting better, so think about yourself more," she said with concern etched on her face.

Finnigan chuckled at his mother's comment. "I will, Mom. Don't worry," he reassured her, holding her hand and giving her a comforting squeeze.

"We can't stay long here. Your dad has to go back to the office. Let us know if maybe Brielle can't take you home," she said as Finnigan nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting his determination to get back on his feet.

Later in the evening, Finnigan changed his clothes and was ready to be discharged. He went to sign the release form and make his way out of the hospital. He took a cab and went over to the park before going home. After being confined in the hospital rooms for a few days, he wanted some fresh air. Once there, he walked, enjoying seeing kids running around and laughing with their parents. He smiled to himself, realizing that his dream of being a father might never come true. Three years felt like a very long time, and she still couldn't accept him as her husband. He harboured so much pain inside, but how could he tell anyone? It wasn't Brielle's fault. She was correct; she was forced into this situation. He couldn't be selfish and force her to love him. He believed that God would someday help him and needed to be patient. That was all he could do for now.

Brielle anxiously paced back and forth in the brightly lit hospital hallway, her heels echoing off the sterile walls. She had rushed to Finnigan's room, eager to take him home as his parents had promised. However, upon reaching his room, she discovered that Finnigan was nowhere to be found. Frustrated and worried, she repeatedly dialled his cell phone, only to be met with the frustrating beep of voicemail. She fretted over how she would explain his absence if his mother or parents questioned her.

Shaking her head in frustration, she returned home, desperately hoping that Finnigan had already returned. As she stepped through the door, she hurried to his bedroom, her heart sinking as she found it empty and devoid of his presence. "Where on earth could he be?" she growled in frustration.

Feeling lost, Brielle racked her brain, trying to think of someone who might know Finnigan's whereabouts. She remembered Michael, one of his closest friends, and considered reaching out to him for help. Glancing at the clock, she realized with a sinking feeling that evening was fast approaching. "But I don't have his number. Urgh!" she lamented, sinking into the soft cushions of the sofa.

Sighing, she prayed for Finnigan's safe return, a sense of unease settling in her heart. It dawned on her that perhaps this was how Finnigan had felt when she had arrived home late the other night.

Finnigan started his journey home when the sun descended below the horizon, casting long shadows across the street. As he reached for his cell phone to let Brielle know he was on his way, he was disheartened to find that his phone had run out of charge. Though frustrated, he continued walking toward home, eager to see Brielle.

Upon arriving, he unlocked the door and set down his bag, only to be greeted by an agitated Brielle, anxiously waiting for him at the hospital. Not understanding why she was so concerned, Finnigan was caught off guard as she confronted him, expressing her worries about him being released from the hospital without her knowledge.

She explained that Finnigan's mother had informed her about his release and had expected Brielle to bring him home. She had been trying to reach him, but his phone had been unreachable, leading her to fear the worst. Finnigan listened to her, realizing the misunderstanding and the worry that had consumed her while he was unaware of the situation.

When Finnigan chose to stay silent and looked at her, she could feel her frustration mounting. "Why aren't you saying anything? Please, answer me!" she demanded, her gaze filled with anger. "Are you finished speaking?" he inquired. As she glared at him, he nodded. "Alright, here's my response. First and foremost, how was I supposed to know that my mom would inform you about my release today? Furthermore, you didn't visit me during my time in the hospital, so I assumed you wouldn't care when I was eventually discharged," he explained while maintaining eye contact with her.

"I went to the park to get some fresh air. My phone died. I guess you know there is no place for me to charge my phone at the park," he said and sighed deeply. "I am sorry that I make you worried as hell. I didn't mean to do that. I thought you never cared about me," he said, still looking at her. 

"I don't care about you. I'm just worried about whether your mom or my parents will call. I don't know what to answer them if they want to talk to you," she said and looked away from him. Finnigan nodded his head. He was right that she didn't care about him. She thinks about herself. "Okay. We are settled then. I am tired. I wanna rest," he said. He went to his room and closed the door.

Finnigan sank onto the edge of the bed and released a heavy sigh, the weight of his emotions palpable in the air. It was painfully clear that she would never hold him in the same regard. He grappled with the idea of taking a significant step with their marriage. Was it truly wise to consider letting her go? However, he couldn't ignore his solemn promise to her, the vows that bound them together in matrimony. His mind was consumed by the relentless pull of conflicting emotions, leaving him with profound uncertainty.