The 99th Divorce

Ou Ming didn’t ask any further questions. He gently covered her hand with his own. “Today is the second day of the New Year, isn’t it?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Yu Lili said.

It was indeed the second day of the New Year, and it was traditionally spent together with family. To an orphan who had no family, this day was no different from any other.

“It must be really festive outside. I’d initially wanted to take you to Kingstown Tower to sightsee, but we I can’t go now,” Ou Ming regretfully said.

“That’s fine. If we can’t go this year, we’ll go next year. There’ll always be a chance to go,” Yu Lili said.

The regret in Ou Ming’s heart increased. The intention to go there hadn’t been for sightseeing. He had intended to propose.

In the most festive moment of the year, at the most festive time of the year, he had wanted to propose in front of the multitudes. When the public office reopened after the holidays, he’d settle the paperwork.

But, that could not happen now. His eyes couldn’t see anything at all. He couldn’t even see her face. With what right could he promise her a good future?

His heart started to ache. His healthy hand released Yu Lili as he tried hard to sit up.

Yu Lili rushed forward to help him and said, “Slowly.”

There was no change to Ou Ming’s actions. With Yu Lili’s help, it became much easier.

Once he sat up straight, he flipped the covers open and swung both his legs onto the floor. “Take me for a walk,” he said.

“Alright,” Yu Lili said. “Wait a moment.” She turned around to retrieve the men’s coat that was hanging on the rack. “I help you put it on. Lift your hands up.”

Ou Ming lifted his hands and threaded his arms through the sleeves. With much effort, the coat was finally put on. Yu Lili looked down to the lower half of his body. The material of the hospital-wear was a little thin. She was afraid it’d be too cold outside.

“Let me find you a pair of pants.” Yu Lili turned around and started searching the closets.

Ou Ming didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. “Are my pants soiled?” he asked.

“It’s windy outside. I’m afraid it’ll be cold for you,” Yu Lili said.

“It’s fine. Let’s go. My body isn’t that weak.” Ou Ming stood up and tugged on his clothing. “Hold my hand.”

Yu Lili thought about it. What he said was true. The pants he normally wore weren’t very thick either.

She held his hand as they made their way outside. Once they were outdoors, the wind became increasingly stronger.

Yu Lili brought him to the hospital garden where there were children playing. At the same time, there were also elderly and disabled people from the hospital chatting together in the garden.

Yu Lili held his hand and led him to a bench in a quiet corner of the garden to sit. It was wind was a little cold.

Nearby to their left was a little girl who was approximately 3 or 4 years old dressed in a pink jumpsuit. She looked around and was running to the right with a cloth doll in her hand. Her laughter was shrill, and her smile was bright. Full of energy, she yelled out, “I’m your older sister! You cannot chase me!”

Right behind her was another little girl dressed in identical clothing giving chase. She yelled back, “No, I’m the older sister! You’re the younger sister! Wait for me!”

The little kids ran until they were breathless. When they got closer, Yu Lili realized that both of them looked identical.

“Are they identical twins?” Ou Ming asked. “Identical twin girls, probably 3 or 4years old?”

Yu Lili was caught by surprise. She turned to Ou Ming and asked, “How did you know?”

Ou Ming’s eyes remained empty, unfocused, and unseeing. When he heard Yu Lili’s reaction, he knew he’d gotten it right. “If our child had been born, the child would probably be around this age too. If it had been two girls…”