The Way Back 38

“I did,” Hazelle calmly replies.

“Then why…?” He nods nervously, his brows furrowing as he attempts to grasp the reasoning behind her choices.

“I wanted to believe I hadn’t made a mistake.”

Silence settles between them, leaving no more to be said. This awkward predicament arose because Hazelle had clung fervently to her certainty, unwilling to tolerate any miscalculations. Yet, her obstinacy had led her into this despairing situation.

“The doctor stated that you have less than a month to live… Haze,” Marshall discloses.

Hazelle remains silent.

“Say something,” he implores, yet receives no response. Marshall averts his gaze, turning away from her.

“I knew you had doubts, and I knew you hesitated,” he speaks now, exhaling deeply. “Yes, it is time for you to acknowledge that the suspicions you had when you first noticed your condition have now proven to be true.”

Gazing sadly at Marshall, Hazelle wraps herself in the blanket, hoping to conceal the imminent tears that threaten to spill. The shock grips her, as the voice of denial within her screams not to accept the reality that Marshall has presented. It is forbidden, taboo for her. After all she has done, how can she possibly backtrack? How dare she?

With clenched fists clutching the blanket, Hazelle endeavors to suppress the anguish consuming her, but it proves insurmountable. She feels exposed, ashamed, and deeply disappointed in herself. The pain is overwhelming, her gut twisting with each thought. Marshall has unveiled what she had concealed for so long.

“Go to him,” Marshall concludes his statement, and Hazelle reacts sharply, pleading, “Please, stop.” She continues, “Can’t you comprehend the magnitude of my deliberation? Now that you have arrived at the truth, you must also understand why I have resisted swimming against the current until now.”

“I know, Haze. But you cannot continue in this manner. Go to him,” Marshall insists.

Hazelle realizes that resisting the truth is no longer an option. She rises abruptly from the bed, heedlessly removing the IV, and slips on her shoes. Marshall avoids her gaze, his eyes lowered to the floor. He cannot impede her, for both of them must confront this truth. People learn from their mistakes, but confronting the consequences proves to be the most arduous task. If he were to intervene now and offer his assistance, he would undermine all that Hazelle has striven for. He stands and walks toward the window, observing a sight of beauty.

“Here comes the first snow,” he smiles. At last, tranquility settles upon his own life as well.