I didn't sleep a wink.
2.
Clement hadn't come back. The pains in my stomach became frequent. It was probably gastritis, an old one.
On the day of the premarital check-up, I put on the perfect makeup and drove to the hospital early.
The sun was shining, and I thought to myself as I looked at the bright sky, "I'm going to be twice as nice to him when we get married.
I love him. I get to be by his side as a wife for the rest of my life."
The great joy seemed to wash over me.
I didn't want to wait in the lounge, so I stood in the doorway.
I wanted to see him as soon as he arrived.
It was a bit hot. I bought two cold drinks.
An hour had passed since the appointed time.
He was late.
Besides, I couldn't get through to him.
The joy I had just felt was washed away. Anxiety paired with the searing heat. I swallowed half my drink in one gulp.
Suddenly, I had the most excruciating pain in my stomach in such a long time.
The sweat soaked my clothes.
My cell phone rang at the right time. I thought it must be Clement calling.
I forced the pain and answered it, my voice tinged with sobs.
"Clement..."
There was a two-second pause on the other end of the line. Then, a female voice came through.