The 99th Divorce

Shen Luo’an wasn’t particularly fit, to begin with.

The physical and emotional drain from the past two days had taken a toll on him.

Shen Zhilie supported him and sighed, “Take care of yourself, Big Brother, so that you’ll be able to take care of Manting.”

Shen Luo’an opened his eyes and tried to compose himself. “I’m going to see her.”

Shen Manting was warded in the ICU. Shen Luo’an peered at her through the glass window.

His heart throbbed with pain when he saw her hands and feet being bound and elevated.

Her entire head was wrapped in bandages; streaks of blood seeped through the white dressings. She looked particularly pitiful.

The stabbing pain that coursed through his being from seeing her in this state nearly suffocated him.

When he came back to his senses, he realized that his eyes were already flooded with tears.

Shen Luo’an started shaking all over. The pain had become unbearable. He recoiled and broke down in tears.

Shen Zhilie had spent most of the twentysomething – almost thirty – years of his life with Shen Luo’an. They grew up together.

He had never once seen him break down emotionally before.

He silently crouched down by his side.

Shen Zhilie gently patted him on the shoulder without a word.

Half a month had passed since Shen Manting fell unconscious.

The doctor finally confirmed that she had regressed to a vegetative state.

Everyone in the Shen family was in a grim and somber mood, as though a loved one had passed away.

–

Two years had passed by in the blink of an eye.

Shen Luo’an had been devoting himself to his work in the lab ever since Shen Manting had landed in the hospital.

Apart from spending two quiet hours by Shen Manting’s hospital bed with their son daily, he spent the rest of his time in the lab.

“Daddy!” The child stumbled into Shen Luo’an’s arms with an adorable soft toy in his hand. “Daddy, look at Grandma’s gift!”

Shen Luo’an carried his son in his arms and stood up. “Oh, it’s a little bunny. It looks lovely.”

Little Yue’er grinned and blurted, “Daddy, let’s visit Mommy!”

Shen Luo’an’s gaze became tender. “All right, I’ll take you to see Mommy later.”

Little Yue’er was well-behaved.

He had recently celebrated his second birthday and was an exceptionally bright child.

As he grew, his facial features started to look like a replica of Shen Luo’an’s. He bore an uncanny resemblance to his father.

Shen Luo’an drove to the hospital, bringing his son along.

The hospital grounds were quiet.

It was winter, but the weather felt especially warm.

The hospital was deserted than usual as the New Year season had just concluded.

As he was leading Little Yue’er to Shen Manting’s ward, he lowered his gaze to face his son and said, “Remember what Daddy taught you? What should you do before entering the room?”

“Knock on the door,” Little Yue’er replied, holding his bunny plushie in one hand and curling his other hand into a fist. He knocked on the door twice while mimicking the knocking sound. “Knock, knock.”

Shen Luo’an smiled and pushed the door open. Then, he and Little Yue’er chorused, “Mommy, Little Yue’er has come to see you.”

Both father and son entered the ward. However, Shen Luo’an felt as if his life had been sucked out of him the moment he stepped inside and saw Shen Manting’s bed.

His mind suddenly went blank.

The bed… was empty!

Without hesitating, Shen Luo’an howled, “Where is she?”

Little Yue’er was startled by his raised voice.

Little Yue’er’s lips started to tremble. He took a step backward and burst into tears.

Shen Luo’an soon realized that he had overreacted. He quickly picked Little Yue’er up and rushed out of the ward, yelling, “Where’s the patient? Who is in charge of this ward? Where is Shen Manting?”

He hollered in his booming voice.

His shouts reverberated along the corridor.

A nurse soon hurried over to check. She peeked inside and was surprised to find the ward empty!

Her heart sank. She asked, “Where’s the patient?”

Shen Luo’an scoffed incredulously when he heard her question. He retorted with reddened eyes, “How should I know?”