Chapter Thirty-Two

“Marie, are you okay?”

“Yes.” She responded, wiping the tears off her face with the back of her palm. Clearing her throat, she reached for the glass of water by her side and took a gulp. Why would Sandra return her things in a box like mementos from a bad relationship she wished to forget?

“Can I come in?” Steven asked from outside the door. Why was he still here?

“Yes.” She answered. She hadn't felt this exhausted in years.

“How are you feeling?” Steven asked, hovering at the foot of her bed, with deep furrows in his eyebrows and forehead.

“I'm okay.” She said, cradling the box in her hands and looking away as she didn't trust herself not to start crying again. Steven had seen enough for today. She had taken out her illness on him all day and he had been surprisingly patient with her.

“You're crying, Marie. You have been, all day.”

“I’m fine.” She replied, her tone sounding more gruff than she had intended. Unperturbed, Steven plunked on the bed beside her. Hugging her knees to her