Esther was still holding Felixâs hand tightly, afraid that he would disappear if she let go.
Fortunately, Felix was clever and quickly reassured Esther, making her happy, âMommy, donât worry. Iâll stay here with you.â
Upon hearing Felixâs words, Esther complied with the doctorâs examination. The doctor began by thoro ughly checking her body and confirming that all her physical measurements were within normal ranges.
She had been malnourished before, but the doctor had given her a lot of nutrition fluids during her hosp italization. Now, she looked much better than when she had just been released from prison.
The doctor came to a conclusion after he finished the examination. âMr. Bradley, thereâs nothing wrong with Ms. Quill physically.â
Bradley pointed to Estherâs head and stated, âThereâs something wrong with her head.â
âBradley, something is wrong with your head!â Esther retorted fiercely.
For a moment, Bradley could not help but think of their early days of marriage. Back then, she was as lively and vibrant as a fully bloomed rose, radiant and beautiful.
The doctor asked Esther, feeling a headache coming on, Maâam, who do you think this is?â
âMy husband!â Esther answered calmly, her eyes showing no signs of evasion.
The doctor felt that something was off and asked again, whoâs this?â
âMy son, Felix!â
The doctor was rendered speechless.
âCould this be selective amnesia?â
âAnd As Estherâs attending physician, he was more familiar with her physical condition and emotional experi ences than anyone else. If Esther had not lost her memory, considering her past with Bradley, she woul d never have shown such a relaxed and comfortable expression today.
Between the two of them, there were two lives at stake.
âMaâam, do you know why youâre in the hospital?â asked the doctor.
Esther furrowed her brows angrily and grabbed a pillow to throw at the doctor. âYou⦠Do you also susp ect that thereâs something wrong with my mind?â
The quickâ
thinking doctor caught the pillow that Esther threw and awkwardly said, âMaâam, Iâm just conducting a r outine. check.â
âAll of you, get out! I donât want to see any of you!â Esther got off the bed and pushed Bradley away, dis playing a spoiled and arrogant demeanor of being fed up with them.
Upon seeing that, the doctor quickly gave Bradley a signal.
Bradley looked at the now lively Esther and suddenly had a bizarre thought in his mind. âActually, she was not bad like this.â
After the doctor and Bradley left, Esther reached out and held Felixâs hand. As bright as stars, her eyes gazed at Felixâs little face.
âDoes it hurt, darling?â she asked.
Felix shook his head and jumped into Estherâs embrace, smiling happily. âMommy, Iâm not hurt.â
Esther gently cupped Felixâs face with her hands, and her voice was as soft as a cloud floating in the sk y. It was gentle and tender as it knocked right into Felixâs heart.
âMommyâs brave little boy.â
Felixâs face was filled with pride. âBecause Iâm a little man, Iâll protect Mommy.â
Outside the ward, the doctor considered his word choice before slowly speaking. âMr. Bradley, based o n my initial observation of Ms. Quill, I suspect she may be experiencing selective amnesia.â