Once, Clara was staring at the sycamore tree outside the window in a daze. Liam came over, hugged her gently from behind, rested his chin on the top of her head, and said in a flattering tone: " Clara , are you still blaming me? I shouldn't have let you go to the hospital alone that day. I will never leave you again, okay?" His embrace was very warm, with the scent of cedar he often used. Clara always liked to nestle in his arms, thinking that was the safest place, but now, she just felt stiff all over, as if she was entangled by something and couldn't breathe.
She gently pushed him away, her voice calm: "I'm tired and want to sleep for a while."
On the day of discharge, Liam woke up at dawn, helped Clara pack her things , and even brought her a thick coat: "It's windy in the morning, don't catch a cold." Clara sat by the bed, watching his busy figure in silence , feeling ridiculous. The man who pretended to love her so much had already had a child with another woman behind her back.
" Clara , wait here for a while. I'll go drive and be back soon." Liam handed the crutches to Clara and helped her tidy up the loose hair on her forehead .
Clara nodded but said nothing.