It turned out to be Garet. He parked the car in the garage, got out, and looked at me with a confused expression. “Where are you going?”

“To a party,” I said curtly, trying to walk past him. But he grabbed my wrist and said, “I’m coming with you.”

“No, you’re not. It’s a colleague’s party, and you don’t even know him.”

“Him?”

“Let go of me, my taxi is waiting!” I said, pushing his hand away and heading for the cab.

“You can’t go to a guy’s party dressed like that,” he said, trying to stop me.

“What’s that supposed to mean? You can cheat with your ex, but I can’t go to a party with a male colleague?” I pushed his hand away again and got into the taxi.

When I arrived at the party, my friends were already enjoying themselves. The living room was buzzing with laughter and conversation, and Hendrick, the host, greeted me warmly. I joined the group and soon found myself caught up in the fun, which included a lively karaoke session in the backyard. It had been a long time since I’d enjoyed myself this much, and we snapped plenty of photos.

During the karaoke, I needed to use the restroom, so I asked Hendrick where it was. He started to explain, but his voice was drowned out by the noise of the party.

Without warning, Hendrick took my hand and guided me inside, away from the commotion. “I’ll show you where the restroom is,” he said once we were far enough from the noise and then let go of my hand.

“Okay,” I said, feeling a bit nervous. The house was enormous, and the restroom on the first floor was centrally located.

I quickly took care of things and emerged from the restroom. Hendrick was still waiting for me near the fish pond, which was surrounded by beautiful koi fish, water lilies, and stones. I stood beside him, and we watched the fish swim gracefully.

“They’re so pretty,” I commented.

“Yeah, they are,” Hendrick agreed. “And you.…”

“Me?” I asked, intrigued.

“I mean, and you know what? Just like these fish, which look their best when they’re well cared for and in the right environment, people also need to be in a good place and treated well to truly shine,” he explained.

“I guess that’s true,” I said. I wasn’t entirely sure where he was going with this, but his words felt meaningful.

After a while, we headed back to the main party area. By then, some friends were preparing to leave since it was getting late. A colleague who lived near me offered me a ride, so I accepted and said my goodbyes to those who remained.

Hendrick saw us off at the gate and gave me a warm smile, which I returned before getting into the car.

“He seems different tonight,” my colleague remarked.

“Different how?”

“Usually, Hendrick is so quiet and reserved at the hospital. But tonight, he’s smiling and more talkative,” she explained.

“Yeah, I noticed that too,” I said. I felt like I was starting to understand him better. While he could be reserved and intense, he also had a warm and approachable side that shone through when given the chance.

In the car, I took a moment to repost all the stories my colleagues had tagged me in. We were all smiling and dancing, and there was even a collage of candid shots. One photo caught my eye: I was laughing at a silly performance while Hendrick looked at me. I didn’t remember when it was taken, but it made me blush. I quickly pushed the thought away—after all, I was still married.

When I got home, Garet was still there. I tried to walk past him, but he blocked my way. “Move!” I said.

He stood there silently, scanning me from head to toe. I rolled my eyes and tried to sidestep him, but he wrapped his arms around me. I was stunned. I used to find comfort in his embrace, but now it only annoyed me. I struggled to free myself and said, “Let me go. Why don’t you stay at Jane’s place tonight?”

At the mention of Jane, his expression shifted, and he released me. “There’s nothing between us. We were just catching up. That’s all,” he insisted.

“Bullshit!” I snapped. Did he really think I was that naïve?

“Let’s go visit your mom,” he suggested.

I hesitated. Why the sudden change of heart?

I didn’t respond and pushed past him, heading upstairs to lock myself in my room. He could use the guest room or the sofa for all I cared.

After removing my makeup and taking a shower, I messaged Roxanne to fill her in on what had happened.

She replied almost immediately, [I think he’s jealous. Good job, Livy!]

[Really?]

[100% positive,] Roxanne responded with confidence. I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction.

It seemed like my plan was working. I was starting to think about accepting Garet’s offer to go to Mom’s house together; it would definitely make her happy.

The day finally arrived. I packed a bag with some clothes and took it to the office, planning to head straight to the train station after work. Garet had offered to pick me up so we could go together. I said, “Whatever.” Given the state of our relationship, I wasn’t sure if he’d actually show up. If he didn’t, I was ready to go alone.

When my shift ended, I grabbed my bag and headed to the lobby to wait for Garet. I’d told him when my shift would finish, and he’d assured me he’d be there soon. As I was waiting, I bumped into Hendrick in the corridor.

“Going somewhere?” he asked, noticing the travel bag I was carrying.

“I’m off to visit my mom for the long weekend. Taking the train,” I replied.

“Do you need a ride? I’m heading home now too,” he offered.

“Thanks, but I think my husband will pick me up,” I said.

Hendrick nodded, and we continued to the lobby. Just then, a red BMW pulled up and stopped right in front of us. Garet got out of the car, looking worried. He quickly started calling for some hospital staff. From the passenger seat, Jane emerged, looking pale. The staff helped her inside, clearly attending to her needs.

Garet spotted me and hurried over. “Livia, I’m really sorry, but Jane’s suddenly sick. I need to take care of her. Can we postpone our visit?”

“No, I’ll go alone. You should stay with her; she needs you more,” I said calmly, trying to keep my tone even as I smiled.

Garet looked surprised and a bit frustrated. “Do you need me to call a taxi for you?”

“No, it’s fine. Hendrick can give me a ride,” I replied, glancing at Hendrick who was waiting nearby. “Isn’t that right?”

Hendrick nodded. “Absolutely.”

Garet looked unhappy but didn’t argue. He just walked away, leaving me and Hendrick.

We got into Hendrick’s car, and there was an awkward silence for a while. Hendrick finally broke it. “Your husband… wasn’t he with the intern just now?”

Hendrick seemed puzzled, and I decided to fill him in. “Yeah, but she’s not an intern anymore. They’re actually cheating on me.”

“You know they’re cheating?” Hendrick asked, clearly taken aback.

“Yep,” I said.

Hendrick was quiet for a moment before asking, “You seem pretty indifferent about this. Are you alright?”

“I’m okay now,” I said with a smile. “I think the spark has been gone for a while.”

After a brief chat with Hendrick, I boarded the train and settled in for the four-hour ride to my hometown. By the time I arrived, it was already night, but I managed to catch the last bus heading to my village. Once I got off, I had a pleasant fifteen-minute walk ahead of me to reach my old house.

The night air was refreshing as I strolled along the dimly lit path. Despite the darkness, I felt safe knowing the crime rate here was virtually nonexistent. The full moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft orange glow over everything, while the cool breeze rustled through the leaves and the symphony of insects filled the air.

When I finally reached the cottage, I felt a rush of nostalgia. The small wooden house with its sprawling front and backyard, where Mom grew all sorts of vegetables and flowers, felt as welcoming as ever. I opened the low wooden gate, the bell above it jingling softly, and made my way to the front door, which was unlocked.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by the cozy living room. It was a small space, with a set of sofas facing the fireplace and walls adorned with framed photos and newspaper clippings. Each frame captured a piece of my life—from childhood moments to my graduation, my wedding, and articles celebrating my achievements. Seeing them all displayed so lovingly brought tears to my eyes; it was a powerful reminder of how much my mom cared for me.

Just then, a middle aged woman appeared, a dust cloth slung over her shoulder. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a broad smile spread across her face. “Oh my goodness, is that you, my little Livy?”

She came closer and hugged me tightly. No matter how old I got, I would always be her little girl. I hugged her back, breathing in the familiar jasmine scent that always reminded me of home. Mom loved to put jasmine flowers on her bed to sleep with.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming today! I would have cooked more if I knew,” she said, guiding me to sit at the dining table.

“I wanted to surprise you,” I replied with a big smile.

As she prepared hot chocolate, she asked, “So, Garet couldn’t come with you? That’s too bad, I miss him.”

“No, he’s busy,” I said.

“You two aren’t fighting, are you?”

“No, Mom. Don’t worry,” I assured her with another forced smile.

“How long are you staying?”

“Three days,” I answered.

“You should stay longer, maybe a week.”

“I can’t, Mom. Those poor patients would cry if I didn’t give them anesthesia during their surgeries,” I joked, trying to keep things light.

We chatted as she handed me the hot chocolate, and then Mom helped me carry my bags to my old room. It was just as I had left it, a time capsule of my teenage years. Everything was still in place, and the sense of nostalgia was overwhelming. Photos of me and Mom when we were younger brought a wave of gratitude for the bond we shared.

I laid on my bed, which wasn’t as soft as the one in the city but still felt comforting. Closing my eyes, I let memories of my friends and family wash over me, filling me with joy and a sense of belonging.

However, my phone buzzed. It was Garet. I didn't want to talk to him and ignored his calls, putting my phone on do-not-disturb mode.

The next morning, I woke up early, feeling the chill in the air because I hadn’t used a blanket. I opened the window and looked out at the sky. My room faced east, giving me a perfect view of the sunrise. Watching the sunrise used to be my favorite way to start the day before school, and now I got to relive that moment. The sky transformed from dark to red, then orange, pink, and purple before finally turning blue. Those few minutes of serenity were magical.

I went downstairs to find Mom already up, busy in the kitchen like she always was.

“Hi, Mom. Need help?” I asked, pouring myself a glass of water.

“No, this kitchen is too small for the two of us,” she said with a warm smile.

“I’ll take care of the garden, then,” I replied, smiling back.

Mom’s garden was her pride and joy. In the backyard, she had tomatoes, eggplants, carrots, pumpkins, and cucumbers. The front yard was a vibrant display of jasmine, roses, petunias, and many other flowers I couldn’t name. Everything flourished under her careful attention.

I spent too much time in the hospital, surrounded by the sterile white of operating rooms, the smell of chemicals, medicines, blood, and disinfectants. It felt refreshing to be outside, surrounded by the vibrant colors of nature, listening to birds chirping and water flowing, and breathing in the scents of flowers, fresh water, and soil.

I smiled as I watched the drizzle of water on the plants’ leaves. After watering the garden and harvesting some vegetables, I joined my mom in the dining room, savoring the warm pumpkin and mushroom soup she had made. She also prepared mashed potatoes and hot milk for me.

“You need to eat more, look at how thin you are now!” she exclaimed, placing more food in front of me.

“Calm down, Mom. I’m full. You’re the one who needs more nutrition. I brought supplements for you,” I said, trying to reassure her.

“Nonsense, I’m fitter than you. I’d bet on it,” she retorted with a grin.

Our playful banter continued until we finished our meal. I washed the dishes while she went out to run some errands. It was only 8 o’clock, and I wasn’t sure what to do next. The air was still cold, and a bath sounded freezing, so I decided to take a nap.

I was awakened by the sound of people chatting. The sunlight streaming into my room told me it was already noon, and the warmth had increased. I got up and stretched, feeling rested and ready to face the day.

I checked the clock on my phone; it was 11:30. At that moment, I noticed several missed calls from Garet. I opened the notifications and saw his message. Around 11, he said he was near my mom’s house and would arrive in 15 minutes. I frowned. Was it him talking to my mom now?

Quickly, I got out of bed and walked downstairs. Sure enough, there he was, smiling and chatting with Mom in the living room.

“Livy, you said he wasn’t coming!” Mom exclaimed when she saw me, her voice filled with joy.

I forced a smile and approached them. “Well, that’s what he told me. Isn’t that right, Garet?”

“Yeah, I managed to reschedule a meeting, so I can stay here for the weekend,” he explained.

“It doesn’t matter. You two are here now, and I’m so happy! I’ll make you a pie. Garet, you should rest up after driving for so many hours this morning,” Mom said warmly.

“You drove all the way here?” I asked, a bit incredulous.

“Yes, that’s my car outside.” He pointed out the window. I wanted to ask about Jane but hesitated because Mom was there.

Once we were in my room, I finally asked him about her. “How’s Jane?”

“She’s okay now,” he replied.

I didn’t press for more details and quickly grabbed a towel, heading to the bathroom. As I was about to leave, he suddenly called out, “Livy.”

I paused, turning to look at him. “What is it, Garet?”

“I’m really trying here,” he said, his voice soft and earnest. “I know things have been rough between us, but I want to make things right.”

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and hope. “We’ll see, Garet. Actions speak louder than words.”

With that, I went to the bathroom, letting the hot water wash away my thoughts. I needed time to clear my head and figure out my next steps.

When I returned, Garet was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He looked so different from the confident man I had married. There was a vulnerability in his eyes that made my heart ache.

“Do you want to talk?” he asked.

“Not now,” I replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Let’s just enjoy the weekend with Mom.”

He nodded, seeming to understand. We spent the rest of the day helping Mom around the house and enjoying her delicious cooking. It felt almost normal, like we were a family again. But the underlying tension between us was hard to ignore.

Later that evening, after Mom had gone to bed, Garet and I sat on the porch, watching the stars. The silence was comfortable, yet charged with unspoken words.

“Do you remember our first date?” he asked suddenly.

I smiled, remembering the awkwardness and excitement of that night. “Yeah, you took me to that fancy restaurant, and I spilled wine all over my dress.”

“And I thought it was the cutest thing ever,” he said, laughing softly. “I knew then that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“Garet...” I started, unsure of what to say.

“I know, Livy. I’ve made mistakes. Big ones. But I’m here now, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to fix things,” he said, his voice filled with determination.

I looked at him, searching for sincerity in his eyes. “It’s going to take more than just words, Garet.”

“I know,” he replied, reaching for my hand. “But I’m ready to put in the work, if you’ll let me.”

I squeezed his hand, feeling a glimmer of hope. “One step at a time.”

We sat in silence, the cool night air wrapping around us. The familiar comfort of his presence was still there, but so were the wounds that needed healing. For now, it was enough to simply be together, under the vast, forgiving sky.

As the night wore on, I felt a small flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could find our way back to each other. But it would take patience, understanding, and a lot of effort. I was willing to take it one day at a time.

Maybe it was the pure air of the village, away from the pollution and toxicity. My feeling became so peaceful, and I softened. We slept together that night, but not doing any sexual interaction, just cuddling.

The next day, I woke up alone at around 7 am. I wondered if Garet was downstairs, so I went down. It turned out to be true. He was sitting on the sofa, watching TV leisurely with Mom.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” Mom teased when she saw me. “Did you have a good sleep?”

“Yeah, it was great,” I replied. “What’s the plan for today?”

“Well, I was thinking we could visit the local market after breakfast. It’s been a while since you’ve been home, and I’m sure you’ll love to see what’s changed,” she suggested.

“That sounds perfect,” I agreed, feeling excited about spending the day with her.

“Can I come, too?” Garet asked.

“Of course.” Mom was overjoyed.

We headed to the market, and I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells brought back so many memories. We wandered through the stalls, picking out fresh produce and chatting with the vendors. Everyone seemed to know my mom, and they greeted us warmly.

Later, back at home, we spent the afternoon cooking together. We made a delicious vegetable stew with the ingredients we had bought at the market. As the aroma filled the house, I realized how much I had missed this—the comfort of home-cooked meals and the warmth of my mom’s presence.

As evening approached, we sat on the porch, watching the sunset. The sky was a beautiful blend of oranges and pinks, and the air was cool and crisp. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this time with my mom and the opportunity to reconnect with my roots.

“Thank you for everything, Mom,” I said, breaking the comfortable silence.

She smiled and squeezed my hand. “I’m just glad you’re here, Livy.”

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. This trip had been exactly what I needed to recharge and gain perspective. No matter what challenges awaited me back in the city, I knew I could face them with the strength and love I found here.

Around 9 PM, Mom felt sleepy and went to her room, so I did the same. Garet, however, decided to stay up and enjoy the night a bit longer.

I laid on the bed, checking my phone and replying to some messages, including one from Roxanne. I told her Garet had come over and we’d spent the day together.

I heard footsteps approaching. Garet walked into the room without saying a word, and neither did I. Then he looked at me with a strange smile.

“What?” I asked.

“Don’t you want to grant your mom’s wish?” he replied.

“Mom’s wish?”

“Yeah, giving her a grandchild.”

There was an awkward pause. I wasn’t prepared for this question and froze. Despite having a good time here, I still held a big grudge against him and didn’t fully trust him yet.

Without warning, he quickly held me tight and tried to kiss me. Part of me wanted to resist, but the other half didn’t. We hadn’t touched each other in months, and although my feelings for him had changed a lot, my body was still touch-starved.

Eventually, I gave in, and we had sex that night. It was really good.

***

Monday came, the last day of our stay at Mom’s house, and I wanted to make the most of it. Since Garet had brought his car, I suggested we visit the nearby waterfall and hot spring. Everyone agreed, so after a hearty breakfast, we set off in the morning.

Although it wasn’t far, the road was bumpy and narrow, so the car had to move slowly. We arrived an hour later.

The hot spring was nestled at the base of a hill, and if you hiked for 15 minutes, you’d find a beautiful waterfall. My mom and I used to come here every weekend back in the day.

“I’ll just enjoy soaking in the hot spring here. You two can go up if you want to,” Mom said.

“Alright, I wanna see the great waterfall,” Garet, who had never been here, replied.

So, I accompanied him up the hill. It was an easy trail with stairs and everything. We didn’t talk much during the hike; I was still embarrassed about last night. We were married, but since we’d been so distant, having sex with him felt like being with a stranger. Enjoyable, but awkward.

“Still far?” he asked as we walked.

“Nope, that’s the gate over there.” I pointed ahead.

When we arrived, there weren’t many visitors, probably because it was still morning. I sat on the edge of a big rock and dipped my feet into the water. Garet seemed in awe and took lots of pictures of the waterfall. Then he asked me to stand up so he could take a picture of me with the waterfall in the background. I was in a good mood, so I agreed and struck several poses.

Finally, we took some pictures together, smiling and doing silly poses like a newlywed couple on their honeymoon.

After we’d had our fill of the waterfall, we headed back down to the hot spring. Mom was still enjoying her soak, so I joined her. The sauna and hot spring made me feel completely relaxed, especially since I got to chat and catch up with Mom.

We then had lunch at the hot spring’s restaurant.

“You guys are heading back today?” Mom asked, taking a sip of her chamomile tea.

“Yeah, today, Mom,” I said, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving her.

“I wish you could stay longer.”

“I wish we could too. Everything here feels so much better.”

“Well, that’s why I have no intention of moving to the city,” Mom replied with a smile.

“It’s okay. We’ll come back next month,” Garet chimed in.

I smiled, but inside, I couldn’t shake a deep sense of sadness, as if this might be the last time I’d see Mom.