Reborn From Oblivion

Cameron headed upstairs. His gentle knock on the door was met with silence, a stark contrast to Nellie's usual cheerful greetings. His expression turned somber as he pushed open the door and approached the bed, looking down at the motionless figure. "Nellie, what were you thinking today? Do you realize your sister's been worried sick since you took off? Please, be more considerate next time. Don't give her a reason to fret..."

Nellie lay there, her face as lifeless as a desert landscape, void of any vitality. Cameron's words seemed to fall into the void, gaining no response.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" he asked, a hint of frustration creeping in. Normally, Nellie would be all smiles and sweet talk, but today, she was silent as a stone. Even Cameron, in his usual oblivion, couldn't ignore the shift.

He pulled back the covers and was struck by the stark red stains on the white sheets, a shocking contrast to Nellie's pallid skin.

"Why didn't you tell us you were sick, Nellie?" Panic rose in his chest. He suddenly recalled the therapist's words about Nellie's depression and found them hard to dismiss now.

Holding her in his arms, his hands trembled as he whispered, "I'm so sorry, Nellie. I've been neglecting you."

At the hospital, the doctor was thorough in his examination. He had heard of Cameron's influential status, but the feeling of being responsible overruled any hesitation. "Mr. Dawson, your wife recently had a kidney transplant. The wound's infected again. Even the strongest person can't endure this kind of negligence." Cameron's jaw tightened. "I understand."

Once Nellie was on IV fluids, her fever began to recede. Her eyes, once dull and listless, slowly found focus. But when they landed on Cameron, she recoiled as if he were some fierce predator.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, eyes wary, as though facing a threat.

Cameron, still groggy, blinked at her rejection, his dark eyes growing cold. "I'm your husband. Where else would I be when you're unwell?"

Nellie discreetly reached for a syringe on the nightstand, her defensive stance unmistakable.

Cameron noted her restless hand, and his expression darkened. "You don't remember me?"

Nellie nodded earnestly.

Drawing her face closer to his, Cameron said, "Take a good look at me. Remember your husband's face because from now on, we're sharing the same roof. I don't want you to act like you have amnesia every time you see me." Nellie asked timidly, "You say we're married? Got any proof?"

Exasperated, Cameron pulled out his phone, showing her a picture of their marriage certificate. "See for yourself, we're legally married."

Nellie edged away, clearly trying to put distance between them. "Certificates can be forged."

Cameron found himself at a loss. "Then how do you want me to prove it?"

"If we're married, there are plenty of ways to prove it... like kids? A wedding ring? Or maybe some photos of us together?" Cameron fell silent. He realized, with a sinking heart, that he hadn't given Nellie any of these tokens of their marriage.

"Nellie, I'm sorry. I'll make sure you have all those things from now on."

With anger in her voice, Nellie retorted, "I knew you weren't my husband. My real husband would never ignore me like this..."