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 a member of Doctors Without Borders, I felt detached from any single nation. Where could I possibly go back to?


Only when conflicts ceased worldwide and our services were no longer needed could I consider going home.


Until then, the entire globe was my potential dwelling place.


"I realize my mistake now. I shouldn't have deceived you or presumed to have a child. I'm facing the consequences. Kieran's health is critical; the physician says he might only have days left. Jude, how can I manage alone with a child? You once promised to be my lifelong protector."


"Ottilie, we're no longer married. Your future is your own concern. I have responsibilities here. This area is unsafe; you should return to America soon."


With those words, I headed towards the camp.


"If you won't leave, neither will I. I'll remain here with you, and when your work is done, we'll go home together."


Chapter 7