Chapter 2

I stirred from my slumber, roused by the sound of rustling emanating from the living room's waste bin.

Scanning the area for Kevin, I spotted him by the trash can, rummaging through its contents.

"I'm famished. Is there anything left to eat? Mother must be starving too. I'll find some food for her."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I tried to stifle a sob as I reached out to embrace Kevin, intending to guide him to the kitchen for some bread. But I realized, with a heavy heart, that I was now merely a spirit, unable to hold my son one last time.

"Kevin, don't eat from the garbage. There's bread atop the fridge in the kitchen."

I gestured towards the kitchen, but my words fell on deaf ears as Kevin discovered a decaying orange at the bottom of the bin.

I attempted to stop him from consuming it, but his hunger was too great. He peeled the fruit, devouring the rotten half and placing the better portion before me.

"Mom, look! This part's still good! I saved it for you. Please eat it. You haven't been resting well."

Kevin called out repeatedly, but my body remained lifeless. The blood that once coursed through my veins had long since stilled.

Kevin's small hand gently touched my head.

"Mom, you're chilly. Are you too cold? I'll fetch a blanket to warm you up, alright?"

Kevin's tiny frame shuffled across the bed, retrieving a quilt from the wardrobe to cover me.

I watched him with tear-filled eyes as he carefully spread the quilt over my body.

A sudden creak from the hallway startled Kevin, his tear-stained face showing a glimmer of hope.

"Dad, is that you returning?"

Outside, Alex heard the noise and noticed the orange juice around Kevin's mouth.

"I'm attending a work gathering today. Where's your mother? Why are you in this state?"

Alex's mind raced, noticing Kevin's clothes reeked of garbage.

"Isabel, didn't I tell you to come back from your trip for the company event? You and Kevin were supposed to join us. Why are you still being difficult?"

Alex's angry voice frightened Kevin.

"If you don't come out, you'll never set foot in the company again!"

My heart felt as if it had been cleaved in two, the pain searing through me.

We'd been wed for a decade. I had silently supported him, helping to expand his small two-person business into its current state. Employees came and went, most unaware Alex was even married.

I knew the real reason behind his company outing—it wasn't just work-related. He was taking them to the beach, a place Katie had always longed to visit.

That's why I'd asked if Kevin and I could attend as family members.

"What a nuisance," Alex had snapped. "You said you wanted to go, but you're still not prepared. If you don't want to attend, just forget it!"

His irritation stung like a slap, sharp and dismissive, as if my hesitation was inconsequential.

Alex's exclusive ringtone sounded, seemingly soothing his agitated mood instantly.

Meanwhile, Kevin stood motionless, his face pale from hunger. He timidly clasped his hands and looked up at Alex.

"Dad, I'm so hungry..."

"Ask your mother when you're hungry!"

Kevin lowered his gaze and tugged at Alex's trouser leg.

"Dad, but mom is really cold. Can I have something to eat?"

Kevin's pleading voice held a hint of desperation. I watched him, speechless, my incorporeal hand reaching out in vain.

"Alex, Katie's having an asthma attack again. Can you take us to the hospital? We're out of medication at home."

Leona Swift's voice on the phone was tearful and anxious.

Alex's expression changed, sudden worry washing over his face. He answered while hastily opening the door, his tone hurried yet comforting.

"Leona, don't panic. I'm on my way now."

Kevin watched Alex leave and dashed after him. His bare feet stepped on a glass marble, causing him to fall and hit his forehead, leaving a large red mark.

"Kevin, let mommy kiss it better, okay?"

I tried to cup his face, but my hands passed through him, and even my strongest breath couldn't stir a hair on his head.

I observed as Kevin slowly rose, rubbing his eyes as he endured the pain in his head, and gradually opened the bedroom door.

"Mommy, it hurts. Mommy, please help me."

Kevin whimpered, wiping tears from his eyes with his tiny hands, slowly crawling into bed, lifting the covers and snuggling up to me.

Kevin cried for a long time until he exhausted himself, eventually falling into an even-breathed sleep beside me.