ManyWriters

On the day my spouse delivered a child for her dying former sweetheart, my wife's parents positioned multiple guards outside the birthing suite. Even after the birth, I didn't appear to cause any commotion.
My mother-in-law clutched my wife's hand, exhaling in relief. "Rest easy, Ottilie. We're here to ensure he doesn't come near you."
"Your dad even has people watching the hospital entrance. If he attempts to interfere with you having this baby, we'll alert the authorities!"
Ottilie nodded faintly, but she still instinctively looked towards the lift. Seeing it vacant, she finally eased up.
She struggled to comprehend why I couldn't just back her decision to help her ex-lover leave a legacy.
Observing the crying infant in the nurse's arms, she grinned contentedly. She believed that if I visited her the next day, she would forgive our previous disagreements. She'd even be willing to let me be the child's dad.
However, she was unaware that I had just submitted my application to join Doctors Without Borders.
In a week, I would relinquish my citizenship and become a stateless physician, never to return.

A Husband's Escape

As this understanding emerged from the core of my being, I could only respond with a wry smile.


"If you're not inclined to go, then don't worry about it."


I suppose I was just being overly involved, inviting criticism upon myself.


Before long, the day to celebrate the infant's first month arrived.


I showed up late, finding the reception area crowded with family members whose names escaped me, feeling somewhat disoriented.


This event was even more elaborate than my wedding to Ottilie.


At the reception area's entrance, a family picture of the five of them was prominently displayed.


As for myself, I was nothing more than a punchline from beginning to end.


Upon my arrival, relatives immediately began murmuring amongst themselves. I didn't need to hear to guess the subject of their conversations.


Shortly after, my aunt pulled me aside for a brief chat. "Jude, when did you return? Ottilie hasn't mentioned it at all."


Chapter 4