- 2.
Obviously, I couldn’t sign the divorce papers.
A few days later, David, true to his word,
canceled Mom’s insurance. She was elderly,
with heart problems, diabetes, high blood
pressure
the works. Treatment could have
L
helped, but I knew she hadn’t used his money
in three years. Her illness was advanced. She
was ready to join me, but she wasn’t giving
up yet. She wouldn’t let her daughter, who’d
loved him so completely, be discarded and
humiliated. She’d wait until David felt the
sting of regret. A week passed. Mom made
no move. David called, his voice laced with
sarcasm. “Your daughter’s playing hardball,
huh? Dragging you into this with her little guilt
trip? Even if you die, I won’t shed a tear. Tell
Hannah to sign the papers!” Mom clutched
my photo, her fingers digging into her palm.
“David, I told you. My daughter is dead.”
David scoffed. “Playing hide–and–seek? I’ll
find her.” A bitter smile touched my lips. Find
me? I wish he could. I just hoped he wouldn’t
regret it. A weak, coughing voice came from
the phone. “David, honey, any news about
Hannah? Is she angry? Does she… want me
Г
to die?” David’s tone softened instantly.
“Rest, Emily. Don’t worry. I’ll get that divorce.
I’ll marry you.” Emily’s voice was choked with fake sincerity. “I know Hannah feels wronged. She probably resents me. I understand. I don’t want to steal you from her. I just… want you with me before I…” Every word painted me as the villain, as if I were the one trying to steal him away. And I knew David would never take my side. “Emily, don’t say that. I love you. Hannah means nothing. I’ll find her, even if I have to dig up her bones, and make her sign those papers.” He raised his voice
deliberately so Mom could hear, then hung up. The dial tone echoed in the silence. I felt Mom’s heart break. She stood, wiping away tears. “It’s okay, honey,” she said, a faint
smile on her lips. “Mom will be with you soon.”
