You should live well

As the days passed by, time seemed to trickle slowly in the small village. Lian stayed in the village from then on.

Despite not actively seeking to meet Aalia, he did make an effort to frequently meet Lina at least once a week. During these encounters, he would always inquire about Aalia's well-being. It was as if he couldn't help but feel a deep concern for her.

The delivery date of Aalia was closing in. One week before the anticipated arrival, as part of their routine, Lian and Lina met to discuss the final preparations.

"Mr. Lian, I expect the delivery in a week", Lina said to him.

"Ms. Lina, please do me a favor.", Lian asked Lina.

"What's that?", Lina asked with a puzzled expression

"Take Aalia to the nearby hospital tomorrow.", a deep voice sounded.

Lina stayed silent and thought about it. And agreed to him.

In the evening, as Lian said Lina suggested Aalia to the nearby hospital.

"Aalia, your expected date is closing in and your body is still week, we have to admitted to the nearby hospital tomorrow.", Lina deliberated for a lon time before said to Aalia.

"Alright.", Aalia calmly replied.

From the moment she reached the village, not a single soul had ever witnessed the curvature of her mouth forming into a profound expression of joy. It was as if she had become trapped in a lifeless existence, merely going through the motions. And in much the same way, no one had ever seen her shed a tear, her eyes concealing the depths of her emotions.

When Aalia discovered that she was pregnant, her initial reaction was marked by two streaks of tears running down her face. However, beyond those tears, she appeared numb, as if a part of her soul had been lost. Even if she remember nothing so far, she remained emotionally distant. Lina couldn't possibly fathom the depth of Aalia's internal struggle.

The next day Aalia and Lina went to the hospital. Lian was waiting at the hospital. After proceeded admission formalities, Lina went to meet him.

"Mr. Lian, I have done as you said. What are you going to do?", she asked with worry.

"Take good care of her. I have to meet the doctor.", Lian instead said and left, left behind a flabbergasted Lina.

"He's being mysterious again.", she whispered to herself.

After about an hour Lian came out of the doctor's room. He went to Lina.

"Ms. Lina, thank you for the care for Aalia. I'm greatful for you.", he started to talk in deep voice filled with gratitude.

"This is a small appreciation for you.", he reached out his arm which held a cheque on it.

"Mr. Lian, but Aalia... ", she started to say.

"From now on, you forget about Aalia.", before she finished her words Lian intercepted.

"What do you mean?", she asked skeptically.

"Ms. Lina, I'll take her with me. I've already talked to the doctor. So, you don't have to worry about her. I'll take care of her and make sure her well being.", he said as he looked into distance.

"Alright.", she looked down and said in a low tone.

"Take this. And one more thing, if anyone ask about her, don't say anything about her and don't ever mention her name from now on. This is for her safety. I hope you understand.", Lian placed the cheque in her hands.

She accepted the cheque, with mixed feelings and left without saying anything. But as she exited the hospital doors, her steps heavy and turning back briefly, she glanced at Lian, who stood where he was, watching her silhouette slowly fade into the distance.

After Lina left the hospital she looked at the cheque. The amount that filled with it was enough to make her whole village to live well for a lifetime. She bitterly smiled and tore down the cheque in her hand. With a heavy heart, she continued on her journey. Her mind filled with the same thoughts again and again.

"Aalia, you should live well."