The day I left the hospital was bright and clear, with autumn in the air. I changed into my own clothes and finished the discharge paperwork. My doctor handed me my discharge papers with a smile. "You're recovering very well. Eat regular meals and try to keep your stress down, and come back for your follow-ups."
"Thank you, doctor."
I took the papers and walked out of the inpatient building.
Vincent was still waiting by the entrance. For the past few days, he'd come every day. Afraid to disturb me in my room, he'd sat on a folding chair in the corridor or stood beside the flower bed outside. He'd visibly fallen apart. The man who'd once been so full of confidence now stood hunched over, his eyes dull.
When he saw me pulling my small suitcase, he hurried toward me, carefully cradling a
