Jennifer Mandez II

Mia realized that over the last three years, she had unknowingly been tending to her husband's mother—her mother-in-law. The realization left her incredulous.

Despite processing the information over and over again, it felt like an enduring, surreal dream.

Suddenly, Shawn's arms enveloped her shoulders from behind, causing her to freeze.

‘What’s going on?’

"Thank you," he whispered in his husky voice, his minty breath sending a shiver down her spine as the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

Each time Mia hurried to the hospital, even on every weekend, it was all for his mother. Shawn couldn't help but feel gratitude.

"Thank you," he whispered once more.

___________

The couple stayed in the ward until the next morning. Mia dozed off after a few hours of tending to her mother-in-law, while Shawn remained awake throughout the night until daybreak.

Doctor Alfred and his colleagues came to check on the patient five times throughout the night before dawn, ensuring she was perfectl