Chapter 11 — I took my three children and left, and he regretted it

The boy's voice was very quiet.

“How is your brother?”

“Infusion in progress.”

I lowered my voice.

“It will probably be okay.”

“Go to sleep.”

“Remember to lock the door carefully.”

“No one who knocks on the door will open it.”

“But I can't sleep.”

Niem An mumbled.

“I'm a little scared.”

I closed my eyes. Swallowing back the bitter feeling that was rising.

"It's OK."

“Little brother's fever is almost gone.”

“Go hug that big bear.”

“It's like I'm hugging you.”

The boy was silent for a moment then said:

“Don't be afraid, Mom.”

The call ended. I bowed my head and looked at Niem Du in my heart. Each drop of medicine slowly drips down from the infusion bottle. So slow that it seems like the transmission never finishes. Right at that moment. From the end of the hallway came the sound of rapid footsteps. I don't pay attention. Until the footsteps stopped right in front of me. I raised my head. Then stunned. It's Deputy Canh Sam. He is wearing a dark shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to the elbows haphazardly. The bandage on the forehead has been removed. Revealing the new red scar. He was breathing very rapidly. Forehead is covered with sweat. My eyes locked tightly on Niem Du in my heart. There was panic in my eyes that I had never seen before.

“What's wrong with you?”

he asked. I looked at him.

“What are you doing here?”

Deputy Canh Sam showed me his phone. On the screen is my post from an hour ago. Photo of the ceiling of the infusion area. The status line has only five words:

“Pray for peace and safety.”

“I told my assistant to monitor your account.”

He was hoarse.

“Just saw that post and I…”

He didn't finish his sentence. He raised his hand to touch Niem Du's face. But while he was asleep, Niem Du frowned slightly and turned his head away. His hand floated in mid-air. Finally, I had to quietly withdraw it.

“Laryngitis.”

“I already gave my child an IV.”

“Nothing serious.”

I speak briefly. Deputy Canh Sam sat down in the chair next to him. Stiff posture. It's as if you don't know where to put your hands. A moment later. He spoke up:

“How old is Niem An?”

“Three and a half years old.”

“What about the two kids?”

“One year and four months.”

His throat moved slightly. The voice dropped completely.

“What is your birthday...?”

I turned to look at him. The white light in the infusion room divided his face into light and dark halves. The new scar on his eyebrow made his whole body look much more haggard than before.

“Deputy Canh Sam.”

I said softly.

“What's the point in asking these things now?”

He bowed his head. Both elbows rest on the knees. Ten fingers clasped tightly together. Knuckles turned white from exertion. After a long time, he said in a low voice:

“I just want to know.”

I don't answer. Five o'clock in the morning. Niem Du's fever has subsided. The doctor allowed discharge from the hospital. I picked up my baby and stood up. Both legs are numb. Almost fell down. Deputy Canh Sam immediately reached out to block it. The big hand held my arm tightly. The palm of the hand is hot. I stand firm. Then take a step back. Stretch the distance between two people.

“I can do it myself.”

He stood still. The hand slowly dropped. I carried Niem Du out the door of the emergency room. The sky outside had just dawned. The air carries the cold and dampness typical of the early morning. Deputy Canh Sam chased after him. Block in front of me.

“Let me take you and your mother home.”

"No need."

“Calling a car is very convenient.”

He called me by my full name I. There was suppressed impatience in his voice.

“Let me take you home.”

“Just this once.”

I looked at the scar on his forehead. Look at those cold, heartless eyes. Now filled with worry and prayers. I said softly: All the way. He drives very slowly. Niem Du slept soundly in my arms. Every time I stop at a red light. I could feel his eyes looking through the rearview mirror. But I pretended not to know. Go to the beginning of the alley. As soon as I opened the car door, I got out. Deputy Canh Sam called back:

“The children…”

He stopped. It seems like there are so many things to ask. Too many things to say. But in the end I don't know where to start. I don't wait. Just holding Niem Du and walking into the alley. That car was parked for a long time. Haven't left for a long time. On Di Tinh is here again. This time I didn't bring an assistant. Do not bring gifts. Just come alone. The makeup is lighter than last time. On his face was a calm expression that he tried to maintain. But the knuckles clenching the bag handle until they turned white betrayed everything.

“Can we talk for a bit?”