When he kicked her out she handed him doctor's report and said "I hope she'll take care of you soon"

when the husband brought his mistress home and kicked his wife out the door she silently handed him the doctor's report and said I hope she'll take care of you when you're helpless soon what Garrick mumbled in confusion staring at the test results however his confusion quickly turned into horror vionette how could this happen What Now tell me what should I do what can I say vionette replied this is no longer my concern you are no longer part of my life go talk to your young wife the mother of your child as for me we're divorced

let me remind you Garett collapsed onto a chair clutching his hair as if viette's words were a mere trifle married or divorced 10 years together still mattered for vionette it wasn't easy for her to let go of her Gravely ill husband to another woman could Rachel care for him as she would have have would she fight for his life like vionette would vionette had learned about her husband's diagnosis while he was away on a week-long business trip she exhausted herself talking to doctors and went to collect the results alone upon receiving them she sat crushed

in the oncology Clinic's hallway initially Paralyzed by fear she quickly began devising a treatment plan and thinking of how to break the news to Garrick it wasn't going to be easy but she wanted him to hear he it from her a loyal wife and friend who could provide support and hope over the phone however especially when he was Far From Home such news couldn't be delivered when Garrick called that evening and asked what the doctor had said she replied calmly don't worry everything's fine there's some treatment required but nothing serious don't stress just come home

soon Garrick I miss you if only she had known how her dear husband with whom she had shared so much in their 10 years of marriage would return they had married young with nothing but ambition and Grand dreams Garrick's plans often overshadowed hers she was content even with their tiny room in an old apartment building their first home together but Garrick wasn't satisfied he vowed to build a life where his wife and future children would never want for anything trust me vionette soon you'll have everything you'll never regret marrying me he'd say daily but when

vionette became pregnant shortly after their wedding his reaction wasn't what she'd hoped for vionette what are you thinking children now where would you put a crib or stroller bathing a baby in a rusty tub it really isn't the right time it's not fair to bring a child into this mess Garrick's logic was sound but vionette cried bitterly after after all it was going to be their first born the decision to terminate as it turned out also meant they couldn't have other children later despite the difficulties improvements began they were young loved each other and for

a long time simply didn't think about having children in order for Garrick to start his business they had to take out a large loan the repayment of each installment initially threw them off balance sometimes forcing them to live on just bread and water but this didn't last long very soon Garrick and his partner jareth's business started to thrive they paid off the loan took out a mortgage for an apartment but this time there were no such hardships or worries even the fact that new expenses appeared didn't bother them much they knew they could handle it

all vionette however was worried about something else after 5 years vionette realized she couldn't conceive thus began visits to doctors clinics and treatments all in vain vionette I'm afraid these so-called treatments will ruin your health you're not sick stop running to these doctors Garrick said but I want our child everyone says there's still a chance and as long as there is I can't give up if nothing happens in 5 years we'll consider adoption she replied good but for now take a break I'm tired of all this Garrick said vionette noticed Garrick had grown distant the

passionate love they once shared had faded but they weren't discussing divorce even with her infertility yes her husband was often inattentive sometimes irritable rude frequently stayed late at work and went on business trips well what could she do he was a businessman vionette had thought about going to work herself but her early marriage had left her without a proper education she had only finished trade school it felt awkward being a businessman's wife but just an ordinary cook besides she had grown accustomed to being a homemaker and enjoyed it the money she might earn wouldn't make

the slightest difference to their family budget however the time needed for managing the household would be significantly reduced if she worked on top of that her visits to doctors often took up entire days meanwhile jareth's wife Natalie led a Carefree life life younger than vionette she didn't think about work or children unlike vionette Natalie didn't confine herself to the house she spent her days at social events trips or shopping vionette couldn't help but compare her own life to Natalie's vionette found such a lifestyle utterly wild she didn't interact with Natalie though she didn't judge her

everyone had their own life things might have continued as they were but over the last year Garrick had started to have health issues at first it was nothing major a slight discomfort in his stomach the kind of thing men often dismiss he blamed it on poor eating habits at work grab and go meals and dry snacks it was just gastritis he thought he didn't pay much attention popping a pill when it hurt and moving on vionette however was worried gastritis might be minor but it can turn into an ulcer before you know it she warned

Garrick please go see a doctor I'll make an appointment for you this week when can you go not this week not next week I don't have time for doctors Garrick would respond dismissively you're the one who likes running to doctors and what good has it done you they just take your money that's all seeing him every day vionette didn't notice the gradual changes in his appearance but a neighbor stopped her one day vionette what's wrong with Garrick he looks so thin and yellow you should get him to a doctor before it's too late men never

go until it's bad and then were stuck taking care of them vionette took a closer look and was shocked Garrick had indeed lost weight looked unwell and wasn't eating the same as before but doctors even the herbal te's vionette brood for him were a struggle to get him to drink later she would blame herself for not being more persistent she'd never been firm enough with her husband it wasn't until Garrick could no longer hide it when he clutched his stomach in pain and groaned that vionette couldn't stand it any longer Garrick this can't go on

I'm calling a doctor and we're starting treatment right away I can't watch you destroy yourself like this Garrick's reaction frightened her more than his groans fine call the doctor what else can we do I'm not refusing he said in a helpless lost voice as if he finally understood how serious it was vionette called a general practitioner from the clinic to start with basic tests but she knew they'd need to see a specialist after further examinations the dreaded word oncologist came up while no diagnosis was confirmed the mere suggestion was terrifying so is it cancer Garrick

asked directly I'm not saying that the doctor replied not looking up from his notes you need to undergo tests to rule it out or confirm it Garrick said grimly if it is we start proper treatment right away there's no need to fear even cancer isn't a death sentence anymore many cases are treatable the doctor said firmly Garrick muttered something about being reassured though his tone suggested otherwise all the way home vionette tried to comfort him it's nothing serious yet they're just being cautious remember I had similar tests done before and everything turned out fine you'll

be okay too you just need to take better care of your yourself it's easy for you to say Garrick snapped you'll live but what if I don't it was clear he was scared lost and expecting the worst vionette was just as afraid but her fear pushed her into action rather than paralyzing her don't talk nonsense first we don't even know if anything's wrong second even if it's serious it's not the end you're young you've always been healthy stop acting like you're dying already she said firmly by the time they got home Garrick had calmed down

fine I'll do the biopsy and when it shows there's nothing wrong I'll sue them for scaring me to death he joked but he calmed down so much that he decided not to wait for the biopsy results and prepared to leave on a business trip are you insane vionette cried what business trip you're sick it's just a regular trip what's the big deal I feel fine and I have to go who else will you jareth he's busy too and stop meddling in things you don't understand it felt to vionette like Garrick was desperate to escape his

wife the doctors everything maybe being at work surrounded by colleagues helped him feel normal healthy at home the illness loomed large and really nothing is confirmed yet she thought trying to reassure herself maybe it's not cancer at all still she couldn't shake the feeling that Garrick was running away not just from her but from the truth the heaviness in viette's heart only grew and as it turned out it wasn't for nothing a few days after Garrick left on his trip the doctor called the diagnosis was confirmed stage four cancer with metastasis immediate treatment was necessary

but even its success was uncertain that same day Garrick called to ask if the results had come in of course she couldn't tell him the truth come back soon Garrick I miss you she said instead holding back tears she allowed herself a moment to cry but quickly wiped her tears away there was no point in crying now a treatment plan had to be devised and their lives were about to change completely vionette also had to figure out how to break the devastating news to Garrick gently and manage the emotional storm that was sure to follow

she just wished he would return sooner so they could face it together and start the treatment she was determined they would defeat this terrible illness and be together for a long long time finally the key turned in the lock Garrick had come home but he wasn't alone Garrick had long had a second family though he himself wasn't sure how it had happened during a work party he met Rachel a young beautiful waitress fueled by alcohol and a sense of Freedom he felt like he'd Fallen head over heels in love she seemed interested too and one

thing led to another they woke up together at her place at first he felt ashamed it was his first time cheating on vionette his beloved wife but then he rationalized it what's the big deal I've been faithful for nearly 5 years one mistake doesn't mean anything vionette won't find out so it's fine this won't happen again but Rachel was captivating and what Garrick thought would be a one-time mistake turned into a series of secret meetings their relationship was mutually enjoyable and seemingly without obligations Rachel made it clear from the start don't get me wrong I

don't want to marry you I don't even want anything serious I just like you and that's all if we get tired of each other we'll just part ways simple as that this Arrangement suited Garrick perfectly here work required frequent trips to nearby towns so his family life wasn't significantly disrupted Rachel lived on the other side of the city they shared no mutual acquaintances and Garrick's slightly longer business trips didn't raise any alarms with vionette these trips gave him time to spend a day or two with Rachel 3 months into their relationship Rachel announced she was

pregnant it was unplanned and she was visibly shaken what am I supposed to do I'm not going to ruin my body with an abortion she said firmly Garrick understood her stance he was all too aware of the consequences an abortion could have viette's infertility was a result of the one he had insisted on years ago you're right Rachel that's not the solution but understand I can't divorce my wife if you have the baby I'll support you both but I can't leave vionette fine by me Rachel said curtly live however you want I don't care just

pay child support their first argument left Garrick wondering if their relationship would end part of him was sad he'd grown attached to her but part of him thought it might be for the best he reasoned that he'd still provide for his child and no one especially vionette would ever have to know having a child even one outside his marriage felt like a small consolation but their argument didn't lead to a breakup Garrick frequently visit visited Rachel during her pregnancy bringing fruit and money though he never stayed long when their son Johnny was born Garrick felt

a deep unexpected Joy he even considered telling vionette the truth but when her health worsened and it became clear she couldn't have children he realized it would be too cruel to confess Garrick's guilt over that first abortion made him more devoted to vionette even as his bond with Rachel deepened he lived a double life dividing his time and resources between his wife and his mistress eventually Rachel grew tired of their Arrangement perhaps she realized no one else was eager to marry her or perhaps she felt ready to have a complete family she started dropping hints

the child is growing how are we going to explain why his father is so rarely home will explain all dads work that's normal you knew this from the beginning Garrick replied defensively yes but people change I've changed and you you're still singing the same tune I can't I can't what exactly can't you do do you even know Garrick didn't have an answer he was stuck caught between two lives he couldn't reconcile and the consequences of his choices were starting to close in Garrick truly didn't know what he wanted life with Rachel was good but life

with vionette wasn't bad either Rachel's recent demands coincided with his health problems and Garrick even believed that his illness wasn't caused by poor diet but by nerves at Rachel's place he felt like a normal man she didn't fuss over him like vionette did how are you feeling did you take your pills did you drink the herbal tea did you check your blood pressure lie down early you look tired what would you like for breakfast open me M or semolina those conversations made him feel like he was some kind of disabled person yet after a few

hours with Rachel he'd long for viette's care especially when his stomach began to ache or when he felt nauseous at the sight of Rachel's diet of pizza Sushi grilled chicken and creamy desserts he even worried for their son Johnny Imagining the harm Rachel's food choices could cause him sometimes Garrick dreamed of taking Johnny and going back to vionette leaving Rachel behind forever but he knew such a plan was impossible one day Garrick went to Rachel's seeking a break not so much from work but from the endless doctor visits and worries that came with them he

was feeling relatively well and his anxieties seemed to have disappeared along with the familiar pains all those doctor predictions are nonsense he thought I'm fine look at me I have a woman a growing son life is good he called vionette who confirmed that she'd heard the biopsy results and assured him everything was fine his mood swar feeling a surge of affection he wanted to embrace Rachel and Johnny overwhelmed by love for them in that moment but Rachel's reaction was far from warm was that your wife couldn't find you well go on don't keep her waiting

go hug and kiss her instead she snapped hear that Johnny you're your daddy's Off to See Another Woman guess we've bored him stop dragging the child into this Garrick said wearily why shouldn't I your son's going to school soon what will he say when someone asks about his father and you do you even know what you told me last time let me remind you you said things with her were almost over that was years ago Garrick years my son's grown and you're still talking about almost Garrick paced the room thinking what what am I doing

life is short I've been close to the end recently who am I kidding I feel sorry for vionette but who says I can't feel sorry for her from afar she still has time to meet someone and be happy I can live with Rachel and my son and maybe we'll even have more kids unexpectedly he blurted out that's enough pack your things we're leaving Rachel stared at him shocked where home Garrick replied firmly let's stop dragging this out he grabbed a suitcase from the closet and what about her Rachel asked that's not your concern she'll understand

Johnny pack your toys we're going home you'll have your own room there he said to his son really awesome Johnny shouted excitedly Gathering his belongings don't take too much we'll come back for the rest later Rachel said pragmatically the lease isn't up until the end of the month anyway as they headed out Garrick's earlier confidence began to waver the old familiar pain in his stomach returned Goring at him it's just nerves he reassured himself we'll figure everything out vionette was waiting for him at home preparing lunch and rehearsing how she would break the devastating news

about his diagnosis when the door opened she turned to greet him and froze Garrick had entered with a young woman and a boy of about five we have guests she asked hesitantly why didn't you tell me guests explain to your ex-wife Garrick who's who here Rachel said smugly and Johnny and I will go pick out our new territory I'm his woman and this is our son she added addressing vionette vionette stared at them unable to comprehend what she was hearing is this a joke are you insane it's not a joke and I'm not insane Garrick

said trying to sound calm I should have told you sooner but I didn't Rachel and I have been together for a while and we have a son I brought them here because they have nowhere else to go we can't all live together so you'll have to pack your things I'll call a cab and everything will be fine what address will you give the driver I have nowhere to go vionette said still in shock there's a hotel nearby Garrick replied as if it were the most logical solution you can stay there for a few days while

you find something more Perman permanent a divorce shouldn't be complicated we don't have kids and I don't think you'll contest the division of property take what you need your clothes dishes whatever's reasonable I'll even give you some money you'd better not give her too much Rachel interjected we need to live on something too stay out of this it's between me and vionette Garrick said trying to sound authoritative sure sure Rachel said mockingly but don't forget I need to feed our son Garrick led vionette to their bedroom pulling out a Dusty suitcase to help her pack

vionette moved mechanically unable to fully process what was happening her husband her Garrick was kicking her out of their home and there was nothing she could do about it vionette stood in the middle of the room suitcase in hand her emotions teetering between Despair and anger finally she said quietly but firmly you know I could call the police right now Garrick froze what would that accomplish sure maybe they won't kick Rachel out she has a child after all but no one can force me out of my own home what are you suggesting that we all

live here together his voice Rose in frustration this apartment Garrick continued is mostly mine I paid for it I covered the mortgage you didn't work didn't contribute you didn't even take care of yourself look at what you've become now now you want what to split the apartment turn it into some kind of shared living space God forbid viette's voice was calm but laced with a bitterness she couldn't hide don't worry Garrick I'll leave I'll come back for the rest of my things later for now I'm going because I can't stand living here with you but

before I go I should tell you something she paused watching his face for a reaction the biopsy results came back you have answer stage four the documents are on the table you should see a doctor as soon as possible preferably with your wife she practically spat out the last word fortunately I'm no longer burdened with taking care of you or watching you waste away Garrick collapsed onto the sofa clutching a rag in his trembling hands are you serious he asked in a whisper more than you can imagine the papers are there read them s but

don't count on me for help you're no longer a part of my life vionette said as she grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door on her way out she glanced into the kitchen where Rachel was feeding Johnny good luck she said her voice tinged with mock politeness she walked out managing to maintain a composed appearance until she reached the small hotel room she had rented there alone at last she allowed herself to to cry fully absorbing the catastrophe her life had become meanwhile Garrick sat in stunned silence the medical documents still untouched on the

table he couldn't bring himself to read them everything around him felt surreal as though the ground had been ripped out from under him seeking distraction he wandered into the kitchen so she's gone Rachel asked casually Garrick did she always feed you that bland m everything's steamed tasteless no salt or pepper no wonder you're so skinny I like it Johnny piped up Rachel rolled her eyes sure kid it's fine for babies or toothless old folks let's order a pizza hand me your phone she said looking at Garrick more closely what's with your face you look like

you've been to a funeral did she threaten you with court or something it's fine Garrick muttered nothing to worry about good because if she eyes will handle it you just need to toughen up a bit Garrick right now you look worse than a corpse seriously what kind of pizza do you want Garrick flinched at her comparison I don't care I'm not hungry I'm going to lie down he said leaving the kitchen without another word Rachel shook her head disapprovingly men she muttered under her breath lying in the bedroom Garrick felt the now familiar ache in

his stomach intensify he knew it wasn't just nerves this time he thought about what vionette had said about the cancer and for the first time he fully grasped the reality of his situation yet he couldn't bring himself to tell Rachel she'll find out soon enough he thought bitterly but when she does I doubt anything good will come of it a month later Garrick and vionette met at the courthouse to finalize their divorce vionette gasped when she saw him Garrick are you getting treatment you look terrible I'm fine Garrick snapped in fact my wife and I

are doing great and you how are you I'm fine too vionette replied cooly though her heart achd at the sight of him it was clear he wasn't taking care of himself wasn't following any kind of treatment or Diet but what could she do their lives were separate now and any attempt to intervene would likely be met with hostility on after leaving Garrick vionette struggled to figure out her next steps though he had given her some money it wouldn't last long especially if she continued staying in a hotel she had no idea what to do in

her desperation she reached out to Natalie jareth's wife though they had never been close Natalie driven by curiosity or perhaps genuine sympathy invited vionette over Natalie was outraged by Garrick's actions and immediately suggested legal action take him to court she insisted we'll clean him out let him in that hop between cheap hotels jareth however was more pragmatic calm down Natalie whether or not you can take him to the cleaners is one thing but for now vionette needs to figure out how to move forward Natalie scoffed you're just defending your buddy you men are all the

same if you ever tried pulling something like this jarth you'd regret it vionette meanwhile found herself agreeing more with jareth's approach she needed a practical plan not a drawn out legal battle as she listened to Natalie's TI raids she couldn't help but think that Rachel with her fiery temperament would probably make a better friend for Natalie than she ever could vionette understood that finding a job was the most practical solution however she had no idea how to rent an apartment or search for work years of focusing solely on on her home husband and domestic life

had left her unprepared for making independent decisions here jareth's help was invaluable with his assistance vionette quickly rented a room in an apartment that fit her budget she also remembered her vocational training and found a job though her long break from work made her an unappealing candidate she managed to secure a position it wasn't glamorous but it was enough to cover her rent and living expenses at first vionette often visited Natalie and jareth sharing her small victories and frustrations she secretly hoped to hear something about Garrick though she never asked directly jareth who saw Garrick

nearly every day didn't mention much about him and vionette never revealed Garrick's illness to them one day after jareth left the house Nataly surprised vionette with an unexpected question tell me honestly vionette was there ever something between you and my jareth vionette was stunned she hadn't anticipated such a question of course not not now not ever what are you talking about well you knew him before didn't you before Garrick it was true over 10 years ago fresh out of vocational school vionette had met Garrick and jareth both final year University students they had competed for

her attention and for a while vionette herself wasn't sure who she liked more but Garrick had been more persistent and proposed to her first in hindsight vionette sometimes wondered how her life might have turned out if jareth had been the one to take the lead there was nothing between us vionette repeated firmly sure maybe back then Natalie said her voice dripping with suspicion but now you're a free woman after all I've seen the way he looks at you Natalie please don't make things up vionette replied uncomfortable with the turn the conversation was taking why not

you could do worse you're single now and he's Natalie's tone was half joking but her eyes betrayed something sharper jealousy stop it Natalie nothing happened then and nothing will happen now vionette said more firmly this time after that conversation vionette realized she couldn't visit Natalie in jareth's home anymore whether Natalie's suspicions were Justified or not didn't matter vionette didn't want to cause any discomfort or misunderstandings vionette threw herself into work honing her skills and making an effort to socialize soon she had a circle of friends and thoughts of her previous life began to fade Garrick

occasionally crossed her mind but she imagined he was doing well recovering supported by a young wife who cared for him and their child however her thoughts often lingered on Johnny Garrick's little son she wondered what it would have been like if Garrick had confessed earlier and brought Johnny to her could she have raised him what nonsense she would scold herself no mother would willingly give up her child and from what she could see Rachel was a decent mother meanwhile Garrick's life seemed to be falling apart shortly after divorcing vionette he and Rachel filed for marriage

at the registry office they opted against a lavish wedding choosing instead to spend the money on a honeymoon but during their trip Garrick's Health which had been deteriorating quietly took a turn for the worse the change in climate unfamiliar food and increased activity took their toll Garrick tried to hide his condition from Rachel but it wasn't long before he could no longer keep up with her Pace Garrick you're ruining my vacation Rachel said one day as she stared at him sprawled on the hotel bedou only 5 years older than me but you act like some

ancient Grandpa lying around all day like a turtle why should I have to go out alone you could at least be jealous or something Garrick forced a weak smile thinking her insensitivity is incredible can't she see how awful I feel vionette would never leave my side she'd be fussing over me offering pills or herbal tea asking how I was feeling every second he debated whether to tell Rachel about his illness but decided against it he didn't want to ruin the trip entirely he resolved to come clean once they returned home when they finally got back

Garrick was barely holding on without even greeting Johnny who had been staying with a nanny he stumbled into the bedroom collapsed onto the unmade bed and asked Rachel to call an ambulance Rachel stunned stared at him for a moment before reluctantly picking up her phone for the first time she began to realize the seriousness of her husband's condition oh come on call calling an ambulance already is it that bad Garrick Rachel asked finally realizing the severity of the situation Garrick unable to hold back any longer nodded weakly fine just hold on she muttered at least

let me unpack our things first Johnny come here what did we bring you as a gift Garrick watched her thinking bitterly how can she not see how bad this is dialing the emergency number himself he thought am I really going to die like this with no one even offering me a glass of water when the paramedics arrived Rachel didn't even come out to see what was happening she stayed busy unpacking uninterested in her husband's condition the paramedics gave Garrick pain relief but didn't recommend hospitalization as you can understand one of them said this kind of

illness isn't treated by emergency services or general hospitals you need to contact your oncolog olist immediately to arrange for proper treatment after the paramedics left Rachel stormed into the room why did they say oncologist do you have she couldn't bring herself to say the word so she finally believes I'm not faking Garrick thought grimly before admitting the truth yes I have cancer I don't know how much time I have left but the doctors aren't optimistic Rachel's face Twisted with anger so that's why your ex-wife left so easily she didn't leave me a husband she left

me a wreck to nurse what a clever little plan she used you until you were no good and now I'm stuck with the leftovers what are you even talking about Rachel Garrick asked weakly you know exactly what I mean she snapped while you were healthy she didn't need me but now when you're falling apart she dumps you on me God why is this my life I waited 5 years for you to make me your wife I gave you a son and this is what I get in return it wasn't like that Garrick tried to say

vionette then you got sick and she ran without a tear or a word of reproach she should have kissed my hands for taking you off her plate stop it Rachel Garrick said trying to keep his voice calm knowing stress would only worsen his pain Rachel ignored him ranting louder even when Johnny started crying she snapped at the boy what's your problem now stop crying this is adult business go to your room or I swear I'll deal with you Rachel leave him alone Garrick said weakly but Rachel wouldn't stop she berated her husband cursed her bad

luck and complained about the burden of caring for a sick man and a child that night after putting Johnny to bed and giving Garrick his pain medication she packed her things and left the next day Garrick forced himself to go to the doctor half hoping they would admit Adit him to the hospital Rachel's outbursts had made staying at home unbearable and he worried for Johnny left alone with her anger but the doctor's news shattered any remaining hope the disease had progressed too far for effective treatment hospitalization wasn't an option but they prescribed pallative care and

various procedures to ease his symptoms when Garrick asked about his prognosis the doctor said bluntly there's nothing more we can do to stop the disease the focus now should be on ensuring you have a dignified end of life experience we can recommend a hospice but there might be waiting lists Garrick nodded numbly thinking so that's it a one-way ticket all that's left is to pray that the end won't be too painful though as an atheist what good will praying do returning home he found Rachel more distant than ever she insisted he should go to a

hospital or hospice saying she couldn't bear the burden of caring for him any longer Garrick refused knowing there were no available hospital beds and suspecting she was more concerned about her own convenience than his well-being the days that followed were marked by Rachel's constant accusations complaints and resentment she blamed him for ruining her life for being selfish for trapping her in a role she never wanted Garrick growing weaker by the day tried to tune her out focusing instead on the few moments he could spend with Johnny one evening after another heated argument Rachel finally broke

she tucked Johnny into bed gave Garrick his pain injection and walked out the door without looking back she didn't return When Garrick woke up he initially waited for Rachel to return As Time passed he grew worried walking around the apartment he found a note on the vanity table with a single word gone checking around he realized that Rachel had taken all her money jewelry and valuable belongings Dad when will mom come back Johnny's Small Voice startled him from behind the boy stood there still in his pajamas rubbing his eyes I don't know sweetheart go get

dressed okay I'll make you something to eat what would you like I don't know I want Mom to come back there's some cookies I can get them myself are you better now not completely but I'll manage to make something you don't have to mom lets me eat cookies for breakfast Johnny said his voice trembling tears welling up in his eyes no no she'll come back soon healthy and happy Garrick lied his heartbreaking for his son even that short exchange left him exhausted he knew he needed to feed the boy but had no energy to cook

for himself he could barely manage a few spoonfuls of liquid food each day he gave Johny permission to eat cookies with milk then collapsed onto the bed I need to call someone for help he thought but who the only person who came to mind was jareth not only did they need to settle matters related to the business but jareth might also know how to help with this impossible situation when Garrick explained his plight jareth arrived almost immediately they quickly resolved the business issue Garrick sold his share to jareth putting part of the money into a

trust for Johnny and keeping the rest for medical care and a caregiver jareth also arranged for a caregiver finding a retired nurse willing to handle both Garrick's care and Johnny's needs jareth Garrick said hesitantly I want to call vionette not to ask for help I just want to ask for forgiveness I need to make peace with people before it's too late of course jarth said gently I haven't spoken to her in a while there was some falling out between her and Natalie but I think she still has the same number call her you should talk

to her jarth stayed until the nurse arrived explained her duties and ensured everything was in order once Garrick was settled and calmed by a pain injection he fell asleep deciding to call vionette the next day he knew there might not be a tomorrow but he was too drain to do anything else meanwhile viette's life was moving forward she was doing well at her job had made new friends and marveled at how she had once lived so differently though she still thought of Garrick often worrying about his health she consoled herself with the thought that he

was likely receiving treatment and doing well if something serious happened she reasoned someone would tell me after all we spent 10 years together she had tried calling him a few times but his number was no longer in service out of Pride she avoided asking jareth or Natalie about him not wanting them to think she was clinging to the Past in truth if Garrick had called her to suggest starting over she would have refused her current life suited her then one day the call came vionette it's me I'm sorry I haven't called it's been complicated I

wanted to ask for your forgiveness it's time for me to make amends make amends what do you mean the asked fear creeping into her voice Garrick are you very sick yes vionette he said quietly I let my health deteriorate I didn't take care of myself and now it's too late the doctors have stopped active treatment they're just keeping me comfortable my time is running out oh Garrick vionette whispered horrified that can't be true are they sure there's nothing more they can do they're sure I don't want to bird you with this but I needed to

say I'm sorry I know I wronged you and it's probably foolish to ask but please don't hate me don't be ridiculous vionette said her voice trembling I never hated you I couldn't a wave of cold washed over her as she fully grasped the reality of his words despite everything Garrick was still the man she had once loved the man she had spent a decade of her life with she could only remember the good things now his youth strength and love is there anything I can do for you Garrick tell me she said earnestly I know

your wife there's no wife anymore Rachel left me she even left Johnny he's still with me she left the boy too vionette asked stunned how could she I don't know but we're managing jareth helped me hire a nurse she's wonderful she takes care of me and Johnny it's it's not easy but I'm not in much pain the hardest part is the emotional toll I just want to see you one last time vionette will you come of course Garrick are you at home I'll come right now vionette said already grabbing her bag that would mean so

much to me thank you don't thank me Garrick I'm coming just wait for me I'll be there in an hour she said hurriedly I'll be waiting Garrick replied softly vionette hung up the phone pacing nervous ly around her small room the apartment was quiet her neighbors weren't home she started toward her closet to choose an outfit but stopped herself this isn't a date she thought it doesn't matter how I look God Garrick my Garrick is dying what can I do I can't help him just try not to upset him further vionette quickly dressed and freshened

up just as she was about to leave the doorbell rang who Could That Be she wondered in frustration as she opened the door it was Jack her downstairs neighbor a notorious drunkard he often roam the building knocking on doors to borrow money vionette had never lent him anything knowing it would never be returned vionette come on be a good neighbor Jack slurred wreaking of alcohol I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important my oldest is back from the Zone released early for good behavior imagine that we've been celebrating for 3 days now but the money's all

gone but don't worry we'll pay you back my son's going to work and I will too I swear no Jack I can't help you vionette said firmly trying to close the door vionette don't be like that come on it's a celebration show some compassion you're such a kind beautiful woman off to a date are you vionette gritted her teeth her patients wearing thin she didn't have time to argue reluctantly she she pulled a small bill from her wallet fine just this once don't come back I'm in a hurry I'm going to visit a sick relative

good for you visiting the sick we'll drink to their health and to you too Jack said his greedy eyes lingering on her wallet he noticed the other bills inside what's with the stinginess you've got plenty in there why not give a little more one bottle isn't enough we need two each leave now vionette snapped closing her wallet but Jack grabbed her purse come on you're not going to miss it it's for a good cause let go you scoundrel vionette cried trying to pull her bag back but Jack stronger and desperate for another drink yanked it

away shoving her in the process she fell striking her head against the corner of a table Jack glanced at her motionless form muttering see what greed gets you she'll be fine women like her are tough he rifled through her purse took her wallet and fled vionette lay unconscious a pool of blood forming under her head luckily her neighbors returned home shortly after found her and called an ambulance she was rushed to the hospital with a severe concussion and head injury meanwhile Garrick waited for hours but vionette didn't show he tried calling her but there was

no answer I see how it is he thought at first she promised but then she must have changed her mind decided there was no point point in revisiting Old Wounds fair enough at least we talked on the phone I should be grateful for that Garrick's condition continued to worsen the next day he asked his nurse to call jareth he's in bad shape the nurse told jareth come quickly if you want to see him I think he wants to say goodbye and maybe discuss Arrangements I'm worried about Johnny he's so young and he knows something's wrong

with his father jareth arrived promptly gar though weak managed to finalize his business matters and forly revoked Rachel's parental rights as she had abandoned Johnny and never returned jareth I don't want Johnny to grow up in an orphanage Garrick whispered don't worry Garrick I won't let that happen I don't have kids of my own Natalie and I will raise him she might Grumble but she'll come around thank you my friend Garrick said his cold hand gripping jareth's a few days later Garrick passed away efforts to contact Rachel about the funeral were unsuccessful no one knew

where she was vionette still in the hospital remained unreachable her phone turned off neither of Garrick's former wives attended the funeral jarth kept his promise and took Johnny in despite Natalie's objections this wasn't part of the deal Natalie said irritably I didn't sign up to raise someone else's kid no one's asking you to raise him jareth replied firmly just treat him well you didn't want kids of your own and that's fine but I need this he needs this fine Natalie hued but let's be clear he has a mother somewhere doesn't he why are we involved

at all she's gone Natalie she abandoned him the court stripped her of her rights this is the end of the discussion jarth said ending the argument Natalie had no choice but to accept Johnny's presence in her home though she resented it deeply she knew better than to openly defy jareth her entire lifestyle depended on him without him there would be no glamorous events no multiple vacations each year a divorce would leave her with nothing especially since she couldn't have children of her own and had no fallback vionette spent a month in the hospital when she

regained Consciousness her first thought was of Garrick though her memories were fragmented At first she believed they were still married and living together with Garrick waiting for her at home slowly the truth began to surface but the details of what had happened remained blurry when a police officer came to take her statement she could only describe a terrifying man who had pushed her the investigation quickly uncovered that her neighbor was responsible and he confessed admitting to stealing her phone however he had given the phone to his son who had since disappeared vionette couldn't remember any

phone numbers not Garrick's not jareth's her friends visited her often but they couldn't help her reconnect with Garrick vionette clung to the hope that she would be discharged soon she planned to visit Garrick in person apologizing for what she assumed he must think that she had abandoned him out of fear she didn't know that Garrick was already gone while vionette recovered Natalie was busy plotting though she had grudgingly accepted Johnny's presence she was determined to find a way to get rid of him the only feasible option she realized was to locate Rachel as Johnny's biological

mother Rachel might have a legal path to reclaim her parental rights even if they had been revoked Natalie reasoned that Rachel wasn't a bad person she didn't drink and her abandonment could be chalked up to stress from Garrick's illness Natalie reached out to mutual acquaintances and after considerable effort managed to contact Rachel Garrick's dead Natalie told her bluntly what that was quick Rachel replied shocked I didn't even know he was that bad off what about the inheritance well if you want to claim anything you'd better act fast from what I know Garrick finalized the divorce

before he died but Johnny he's still your son no one can take that away from you I'm his mother Rachel said decisively I'll come get him he's registered in the apartment isn't he I'll move in with him he's here with us Natalie said but if you want him you'd better hurry and don't worry about vionette she hasn't shown up or tried to claim anything Rachel didn't waste time she arrived at Natalie's apartment shortly after jareth was at work leaving the women to greet each other like old friends hearing his mother's voice Johnny ran out of

his room and threw himself in into her arms mom you're back dad's gone isn't he we'll go home now right yes sweetheart we'll go home mom will never leave you again you love me don't you Rachel CED Natalie hesitated maybe we should wait for jareth he's responsible for Johnny now to hell with him Rachel snapped I'm the mother not him what does he have to say about it I suppose you're right I'll get the keys Natalie said handing Rachel the Apartment keys perfect tell jareth we're leaving he can drop off the documents later I'll figure

out the rest paperwork everything Johnny hesitated will we come back to visit uncle jarth said he'd be like a new dad to me don't be silly Rachel said dismissively we'll find you a better dad now go pack your things Natalie lent Rachel a large bag and together they hurriedly packed Johnny's belongings both both women knew jareth would object and wanted to leave before he returned when the door closed behind Rachel and Johnny Natalie felt an overwhelming sense of relief at last the gloomy withdrawn child was gone she had tried to bond with Johnny offering him

sweets and toys but he remained distant Rachel was right Natalie thought jareth's all about the kids tragic loss what tragedy he's 5 years old living comfortably being fed and cared for what does he know about loss his father's death means nothing to him Natalie opened a bottle of wine to celebrate her new found freedom and to steal herself for jareth's inevitable displeasure when he found out jareth was furious with Natalie his anger simmering just beneath the surface how could you let Johnny Go Natalie we're responsible for him he snapped and what was I supposed to

do Natalie shot back emboldened by a glass of wine keep him against his will against his mother's will Rachel's his real mother jarth she has rights did you see how that boy ran to her what should I have done tear him away and anyway it's easy for you to talk about responsibility when you're gone all day and I'm the one stuck here with him oh yes poor you it must have been exhausting jareth retorted his voice dripping with sarcasm the truth is you're not fit to care for a child you never wanted one and you've

proven that time and time again you're being unfair Natalie whined suddenly realizing how far she had pushed him look if you want we can go together and bring him back I miss him too you know Rachel only went to their old apartment that's why I gave her the key to keep her from disappearing somewhere jareth glared at her with pure disdain you're a lying selfish hypocrite I'm not going anywhere with you in fact I don't even want to see you right now now jareth please Natalie whimpered stepping toward him but jareth ignored her retreating to

his office and slamming the door shutting out the sound of her sniffling in the hallway he picked up his phone and dialed Rachel Rachel are you home is Johnny with you he asked his tone cold and firm yes we're home and Johnny's with me and his new father Rachel replied her voice full of defiance so don't even think about interfering in our lives listen carefully jarth said cutting through her tirade you have no right to be in that apartment neither you nor your so-called new husband if you don't leave by tomorrow morning I'll come over

with the police and I'll be taking Johnny Over My Dead Body Rachel yelled jarth didn't wait to argue he hung up and muttered to himself I just hope nothing happens to Johnny before tomorrow the next morning as jareth arrived at Garrick's apartment building he was startled to see vionette walking out tears streaming down her face vionette he exclaimed rushing over what are you doing here where have you been we couldn't find you anywhere is it true is Garrick really gone she stammered barely able to speak through her sobs jareth nodded solemnly vionette collapsed against the

door frame weeping vionette had only been released from the hospital the day before having undergone extensive tests and treatment for her injuries doctors had warned her to avoid stress a laughable piece of advice given her current situation she had gone back to her rented room reassured by neighbors that her belongings were safe the elderly woman next door greeted her warmly oh vionette dear we were so worried about you as for that Thug who hurt you don't worry the police took him away he won't bother anyone again thank you Mrs Jones vionette said softly did anyone

come looking for me while I was gone just your friends from work the woman replied and satisfied that no one else had tried to contact her vionette decided to visit Garrick the next morning when vionette arrived at Garrick's apartment she was surprised when Rachel answered the door hello I'd like to see Garrick vionette said hesitantly Rachel smirked her eyes sweeping over vionette in mock appraisal well aren't you a sight but you're a little late dear predecessor there's no Garrick here anymore we buried him almost a month ago vionette froze her breath catching he he's gone

she whispered leaning against the door frame for support what did you expect he was sick for ages you must have known he didn't have long and don't get any ideas you wouldn't have inherited anything even if you'd come sooner Johnny and I are the legal heirs you're just the ex-wife from inside the apartment a man's voice called out Rachel why is the door open he appeared in the doorway his friendly greeting contrasting sharply with Rachel's hostility goodbye Rachel snapped shoving vionette out of the doorway and slamming the door shut vionette barely noticed her mind was

reeling Garrick is gone I didn't even say goodbye he waited for me and I wasn't there the thought hammered through her mind as she stumbled away tears blurring her Vision vionette stood Frozen in place for a few moments tears streaming down her face wiping them away she stepped out of the building and immediately bumped into jareth vionette jareth exclaimed stunned you're here we tried to find you but your phone was off let's sit down for a moment so you can calm yourself then we can go to the cemetery it's almost been 40 days since Garrick's

passing did you go into the apartment no vionette said shaking her head Rachel answered the door and told me everything Garrick he's really gone she paused struggling to hold back tears and Johnny did you see him jareth's face darkened Johnny was staying with me after the funeral I planned to take legal custody and eventually adopt him but Rachel found out somehow she showed up yesterday while I was out and took him away and Natalie he broke off frustration visible Natalie just let take him honestly I wouldn't be surprised if she told Rachel herself she never

wanted Johnny in the first place jarth vionette began gently don't make any rash decisions I understand your frustration but divorces well let's just say I have my own complicated feelings about them jarth sighed heavily I just want Johnny to be loved viette and I promised Garrick I wouldn't abandon him but how can I leave him with Rachel and her new whatever he is will you come with me to get him back vionette could see that jareth genuinely needed her support and she herself was worried about Johnny she nodded of course I'll come they returned to

Garrick's apartment and rang the doorbell what is it now Rachel shrieked before even opening the door when she saw vionette and jareth her tone turned mocking oh look who's here the cheerleading squad not going to help help you honey enough Rachel jarth said firmly give me Johnny leave the keys and get out don't make me involve the police Rachel sneered but didn't back down you're all bark no bite this is my son and this apartment is mine jarth ignored her raising his voice Johnny are you there a muffled shout came from inside let me go

you jerk Johnny yelled seconds later the boy ran out and threw himself into jareth's arms Uncle Roma take me with you I don't want to stay here with that Kevin Johnny what are you talking about come here don't you want to live with Mom Rachel cried trying to grab him no he says I'm useless and should be sent away Johnny sobbed a young man likely in his 20s appeared in the doorway barely acknowledging jareth and vionette what the hell is this he demanded glaring at Rachel you said the apartment was yours but now there are

people coming and threatening to call the police what kind of mess have you dragged me into Rachel stomped her foot it is mine tell them jarth jareth's voice was ice cold Rachel you know perfectly well that you have no claim to this apartment or Johnny you're free to charm as many boyfriends as you want but you'll have to find other assets to flaunt the young man snorted forget this Rachel I'm not getting involved in some fight over a kid in a fake apartment I'm out Kevin wait Rachel begged clutching his arm I'll come with you

just give me a second to grab my things throwing curses at jarth vionette and even Johnny Rachel hastily packed a bag and ran after Kevin slamming the door behind her Johnny sitting in jareth's arms whimpered mom's leaving again I'll never have a mom will I don't cry little one vionette said softly taking him from jareth's arms let's get you something to eat have you had breakfast no Johnny mumbled they said we'd eat later yesterday I had a roll they gave me fish too but it was really salty viette's heart achd at the boy's words let's

go home she said firmly jareth picked up the keys Rachel had left behind we'll need to change the locks he muttered but let's head back for now vionette you'll come too right vionette hesitated glancing at the room where Garrick had spent his final days no I'll go back to my place she said quietly jareth frowned why not come with us don't worry about Natalie she's not a problem anymore I'm serious vionette smiled faintly no Johnny I'm going home but we'll see each other again soon okay don't be sad she turned to jarth let me know

when you're going to the cemetery I want to visit Garrick's grave jareth nodded his face solemn of course vionette get in the car I'll at least drive you home jareth said vionette agreed realizing the public transportation ride would be too long and she already felt drained from the morning's events on the way home she marveled at how the aching grief of learning about Garrick's death had softened into a Bittersweet sadness perhaps she had Johnny to thank for that as he played with a toy chattering sometimes to her sometimes to jareth he could have been my

son she thought with a faint smile jareth was also deep in thought though he didn't seem sad his mind lingered on the upcoming confrontation with Natalie and his parting with vionette years ago both he and Garrick had been in love with her but she chose Garrick in jareth's heart there remained an unresolved sorrow over a love that never came to be though he had experienced other relationships and even marriage none of them had touched him as deeply as his feelings for vionette now Garrick's death seemed to open a door to changes neither of them had

anticipated they parted at viet's home as friends promising each other and Johnny that they would see each other again Natalie greeted jareth and Johnny with exaggerated enthusiasm eager to make up for her previous harsh words she threw her arms around Johnny declaring how much she had missed him the boy smiled politely but pulled away why don't you feed him before you start hugging him jarth said Dry Natalie LED Johnny to the kitchen peppering him with questions about what had happened with his mother where she had gone and why slowly Johnny began to open up recounting

his time with Rachel and how Uncle Roma had sent her and that awful Kevin away then unexpectedly he mentioned that Auntie vionette had been there too Natalie's face darkened she stormed out of the kitchen to confront jareth so that's why you went there to see vionette do you think I didn't notice something's been going on between you two for a while are you out of your mind jarth snapped she'd been in the hospital and came to ask about Garrick not knowing he had passed away and conveniently showed up just in time to meet with you

Natalie said sarcastically who are you trying to fool why didn't you just hand the boy over to her instead you dragged him back here to burden me again jareth gave her a cold look so the hugs and kisses are over already if you're so unhappy you're free to leave go wherever you want right now if you like oh is that how it is maybe I really will leave wouldn't that scare you Natalie challenged sit down Natalie jareth said exhaling heavily no it wouldn't scare me at all I've been tired of your selfish attitude toward our

marriage and me for a long time I'd actually prefer if you left in fact I insist Natalie panicked she had no real feelings for jareth but her financial dependence on him was stronger than any emotional bond she quickly switched tactics promising to be the perfect mother to Johnny and the best wife jarth could ask for for a while things settled but it didn't last long Natalie couldn't maintain the facade of being a good mother she often left Johnny alone at home without even preparing him meals telling him stay quiet don't tell jareth anything and I'll

bring you a chocolate bar eventually her neglect led to a near tragedy while trying to cook for himself Johnny mishandled the gas stove if not for the Neighbors a fire could have broken out that incident was the final straw for jareth he told Natalie he couldn't live with her anymore and filed for divorce after a series of dramatic arguments and outbursts Natalie packed up and left taking whatever valuables she could jareth didn't mind considering it a small price to pay for Freedom during this time jareth occasionally met with vionette and often spoke to her on

the phone though he hesitated to express his feelings only after finalizing his divorce did he finely confess that vionette had always been the most important woman in his life I wouldn't have dared to say this while Garrick was alive back then I couldn't interfere in your relationship I saw how much you love loved him and he loved you too I decided to be content with just seeing you even if it was as my best friend's wife why bring it up now jareth it's all in the past vionette said softly why can't the past become the

present jareth counted I know I'm not the ideal catch a divorced man with a child I'm not asking you to decide right away but think about it could we be husband and wife is that really impossible jareth forgive me vionette replied with a small smile but this isn't romantic at all this isn't how you make a proposal ah so that's the issue jarth said brightening thank you for the hint vionette stood in stunned silence her hands pressed to her cheeks a warm blush spreading across her face jareth on one knee held out the small velvet

box his Earnest gaze locked on hers for a moment the world seemed to pause leaving just the two of them in the room jarth she began her voice trembling yes he asked a hopeful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth she laughed softly tears forming in her eyes you've caught me completely off guard that's the idea jarth said with a grin but I mean it vionette I've loved you for so long I've waited for this moment even when I thought it would never come you are the most important person in my life and I

want to spend the rest of it with you together we can can build something new not just for ourselves but for Johnny too say yes and I promise to make you happy viette's heart swelled as she looked at him the man who had been a steady presence during her most difficult times despite her initial hesitation his sincerity broke through the walls she had built around her heart yes jareth she finally said her voice full of emotion I'll marry you jarth smil SM widened and he slipped the ring onto her finger rising to his feet he

pulled her into a warm embrace holding her close as if afraid to let go I promise you vionette this is just the beginning of something wonderful he murmured into her hair she leaned back slightly her hands resting on his chest as she looked up at him with a mixture of happiness and playfulness you know for someone who claims not to be romantic you're doing a pretty good job right now he chuckled brushing a stray strand of hair from her face maybe I'm learning at that moment Johnny ran into the room his small hands clutching a

drawing he had made Uncle Roma auntie vionette look what I drew they turned to the boy whose wide smile and bright eyes lit up the room he held up a crayon drawing of the three of them holding hands with the word words happy family scrolled across the top vionette crouched down to his level and pulled him into a hug it's beautiful Johnny thank you jareth knelt beside them wrapping his arms around them both we're going to make this picture a reality buddy I promise for the first time in what felt like forever vionette felt truly

at peace in that moment surrounded by love and hope for the future she knew she was exactly where she was meant to be