Burdens Shared

Writer's POV:

Wendy and Marvin are chilling inside the pool and Marvin notices a heartbreaking thing. The water turns red , indicating that Wendy is bleeding. As Marvin lifts her out of the pool, a sinking feeling settles in his chest.

He held her close, trying to shield her from the alarming sight of the water turning crimson. "Are you feeling any pain?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. Wendy shook her head, her expression clouded with confusion. In that moment, Marvin's heart sank as he realized the painful truth - they had just lost another baby. The weight of their loss hung heavy in the air as they clung to each other, his heart heavy with sorrow.

Marvin gently guided Wendy to the shower, ensuring she was comfortable before leaving her to bathe. As he washed away the traces of blood, he couldn't shake the heaviness in his heart. After they were finished, he helped her to bed, tucking her in with care.

"I'm going to make you some lunch, baby. Anything specific?" he asked softly, his eyes filled with tenderness. "I want noodles, baby," Wendy replied, her voice weary but determined. Marvin nodded, aching to bring her some comfort. "Coming right up," he promised, before heading to the kitchen to prepare her meal.

Marvin dialed the family doctor's number with a sense of urgency, his heart heavy with concern for Wendy. "We need you to come quickly," he said, his voice tense with worry. "It's Wendy." After relaying the address, he hung up the phone and turned his attention to the task at hand.

With a determined focus, Marvin began preparing Wendy's favorite noodles, each movement driven by a mixture of love and anxiety. As the savory aroma filled the kitchen, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered in the air. All he could do now was wait for the doctor to arrive and hope for the best.

As the doctor entered the room, Wendy's heart raced with fear, her eyes darting between Marvin and the physician. "What's going on, baby? Why is the doctor here?" she asked, panic creeping into her voice.

Marvin reached out to reassure her, his own heart pounding with apprehension. "Please calm down, baby," he said softly, trying to steady his voice. "Dr. Doncabe is here to help."

With a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, Wendy complied, lying down as the doctor began his examination. As he worked, Wendy couldn't shake the sense of unease that washed over her. The look on the doctor's face said it all, and Marvin's silent despair only confirmed her worst fears. Lost in confusion and dread, Wendy could only wait for the verdict, her heart heavy with apprehension.

With a heavy heart, Dr. Doncabe looked up from his examination and met Marvin and Wendy's eyes. "I'm so sorry," he said softly, his voice filled with sorrow. "There's nothing more we can do."

Wendy's world shattered at the doctor's words, a gut-wrenching wail escaping her lips as tears streamed down her face. Marvin reached out to her, holding her close as they both grappled with the devastating news. In that moment of profound loss, all they could do was hold onto each other, finding solace in their shared grief.

After watching Wendy drift away to a slumber , with fresh tears in her eyes , Marv felt his whole world shattering and he decides to call his father , looking for a shoulder to cry on.

Marvin held the phone tightly, his father's words cutting through him like a knife. "I understand, Dad," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But Wendy and I decided to keep it to ourselves this time. And you know I don't believe in those rituals."

Solly sighed heavily on the other end of the line, his disappointment palpable even through the phone. "I just want to protect my family," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I respect your decision, son. Just know that I'm here for you if you need anything."

Marvin listened to his father's suggestion with a mixture of reluctance and resignation. He knew his father was deeply rooted in tradition and superstition, and despite his own skepticism, he couldn't deny the desperation in his father's voice. "Alright, Dad," he finally relented, his tone heavy with resignation. "I'll let you arrange it."

Solly's voice softened with relief. "Thank you, son," he said gratefully. "I just want what's best for you and Wendy. I'll make the arrangements right away."

As Marvin hung up the phone, he couldn't shake the sense of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. Despite his doubts, he knew he had to do everything in his power to protect his family. And if that meant appeasing his father's beliefs, then so be it.

Marvin nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of their loss. "Thank you, Dad," he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. "I'll let you know if anything changes." With a heavy heart, he says.

"Son, I've been thinking," Solly began, his voice tinged with concern. "I'm going to call a traditional healer to come and cleanse both of you. Maybe they can help enlighten us on what's been causing these unfortunate losses."

Marvin hesitated, uncertainty gnawing at him. "I'm not sure about that, Dad," he replied, his tone hesitant. "I don't really believe in those things."

Solly's voice grew more insistent. "I know you're skeptical, but we can't ignore the possibility that there's something more at play here," he urged. "Please, for the sake of Wendy and your future family, let's give it a try."

Reluctantly, Marvin conceded. "Alright, Dad," he sighed, resignation heavy in his voice. "I'll let you arrange it."

Solly's relief was palpable. "Thank you, son," he said gratefully. "I just want what's best for you both. I'll make the arrangements right away." As Marvin hung up the phone, he couldn't shake the sense of unease that settled within him. Despite his doubts, he knew he had to do everything in his power to protect his family, even if it meant delving into the realm of the supernatural.

Solly dialed the number of the traditional healer with a sense of urgency, his mind filled with concern for his son Marvin and daughter-in-law Wendy. As the call connected, he greeted the healer with a respectful tone. "Hello, Master Li," he began, his voice carrying a hint of anxiety. "It's Solly. I need your help."

Master Li listened attentively as Solly explained the situation, his heart heavy with worry for Marvin and Wendy. "My son and his wife are going through some difficult times," Solly explained. "They've experienced multiple losses, and I fear there may be something more at play."

Master Li nodded solemnly, his voice filled with empathy. "I understand, Solly," he replied. "I will do everything in my power to help them. Tell Marvin and Wendy not to worry. I will be there soon."

Solly's gratitude was evident as he thanked Master Li profusely. "Thank you, Master Li," he said, relief flooding through him. "Your help means more than you know." With a sense of hope renewed, Solly ended the call, trusting in Master Li's expertise to bring solace and clarity to his son and daughter-in-law.

Solly's call to Marvin brought a sense of urgency to the situation, and Marvin listened intently as his father explained the need for him and Wendy to come home for the week. "I understand, Dad," Marvin replied, his mind already racing with plans to make the necessary arrangements. "We'll be there."

Concerned about his other son, Caleb, Solly inquired about his whereabouts, prompting Marvin to recall Caleb's recent struggles. "I'll check on him and make sure he's okay," Marvin assured his father. "But I'll ensure we come home together."

"Thanks, son," Solly replied gratefully. "Talk later." With a sense of determination, Marvin hung up the phone, his thoughts now divided between his own family's crisis and the well-being of his brother. He knew he had to act quickly to ensure that both his loved ones received the support and care they needed.

Marvin took a deep breath before dialing Caleb's number, knowing that he needed to share the heartbreaking news about Wendy's miscarriage. As Caleb picked up the phone, Marvin could hear the strain in his brother's voice.

"Caleb, it's me," Marvin began, his voice heavy with sadness. "I need to tell you something..."

As Marvin explained the situation to Caleb, his heart ached at the thought of burdening his brother with more pain. "I don't want you to put that into your head too much, especially since you're already dealing with Isabella's disappearance," he added, his concern evident.

Caleb listened quietly, his own heart heavy with sorrow for Marvin and Wendy. "I understand, Marv," he replied solemnly. "I'll be there for you, no matter what."

Marvin felt a surge of gratitude for his brother's support. "Thanks, Caleb," he said softly. "And Dad's arranged for a traditional healer to come. Maybe they can help with clues about Isa too."

Caleb nodded, his determination shining through despite the weight of their troubles. "Let's hope so," he said, his voice tinged with hope. "We'll get through this together."