Sleepless Night
Truly, a house without happiness is like a witch without a charm.
My mind was a jumbled mess, filled with endless thoughts about what tomorrow might bring. The anxiety was overwhelming—so intense it made me feel like I was losing my sanity. On the other side of that chaos, Mike was cheerful, laughing and playing as if everything were fine. His happiness only deepened my frustration. Doesn't he see what's happening around him?
William, on the other hand, appeared troubled. There was something in his eyes—uncertainty, maybe fear. I sensed something wasn't right. I wanted to ask him about it, but something inside me held me back, warning me to stay silent.
Rhetorical questions swirled in my mind. Why did I even get married? Yet, at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a measure of gratitude. I had two sons—one calm and composed, the other tenacious and spirited. Perhaps that was reason enough to be thankful.
Then I heard distant voices—it was Miss Halima, our house help, calling everyone for breakfast.
Before heading to the table, I decided to take a shower to clear my mind. As the warm water cascaded over me, I suddenly noticed something alarming: droplets of blood. They streamed from my nose, growing heavier by the second. At first, I dismissed it as a regular nosebleed. But the volume of blood increased rapidly, and fear gripped me.
That's when it hit me—I hadn't followed the doctor's prescription. And now, the illness was starting to take control.
I rushed out of the bathroom, heart pounding, and made my way to the bedroom. To my shock, Miss Halima was already inside, tidying up. Her expression turned to horror as she noticed the blood. I could tell, in that moment, she had discovered what I had tried so hard to keep hidden.
She was visibly shaken, but I quickly pulled her aside. "Please, Halima," I pleaded, "keep this to yourself. Don't, under any circumstances, tell the boys. They must not know—not yet."
She nodded silently, though worry still clouded her face.
Just then, my phone rang. It was a call from the office—my manager. I answered, trying to keep my composure, engaging in a brief conversation.
But then—something he said struck me so deeply, so suddenly—That I fainted.