"You just spat blood, didn't you? Did it just happen, or has this happened before? Tell me what's going on, Robert. No, come to the hospital with me – no, we have to go to a reliable place first, and where's Ivan? Get him on it!"
Georgia was in a state of panic and didn't know what to do. It had just been one thing after another, and she'd let her guard down, feeling that Robert's body was balanced enough to wait on for a while.
But seeing that Robert was coughing blood, she couldn't help but wonder how long this had gone on for and if Robert was hiding it all from her.
And also if his body was still worsening. The moment she considered those things, she almost went insane.
"I'm fine, Georgia, don't panic. Come home with me now."
"How could I not panic!"
Georgia crumbled.
"I can tell just from your expression that this isn't the first time, is it! Didn't I tell you before to tell me whatever situation it was and not to hide anything from me? No matter how much trouble we faced from how on! How could you do this to me, Robert? Am I your wife or not?"
Georgia sobbed, clapping her hand over her lips and keeping herself from whimpering.
Her body didn't hurt physically, but the agony had her crouching down.
She felt like knives were stabbing at her chest and couldn't stand.
She knew that Robert wasn't telling her because he didn't want her to worry, and she knew that he was keeping it from her to lessen her burden.
But she didn't want this sort of feigned happiness. Why was she this useless?
Why did she believe such a mirage? Knowing full well that Robert's condition couldn't even be revealed in the hospital.
So long as the balance inside his body was broken, the cancer cells would spread uncontrollably.
Why did she let her guard down?
"I'm sorry, Georgia."
Georgia didn't speak. She turned away, angrier at herself than anything.
"I was wrong, darling."
Robert grabbed Georgia's hand. She tried to extricate it, but the man's strength was too great.
Georgia remained silent and Robert leant over, kissing her on the cheek.
"I was wrong, Mrs. Simpson. There's too many people outside. Could you come in to talk with Mr. Simpson? We'll attract an audience like this."
"You're still concerned about an audience at a time like this?
Georgia couldn't help but bellow in rage. But the moment she yelled, she saw Robert clutch at his chest.
She grabbed his hand, instantly concerned.
"What is it? Where is it now?
"No, why am I arguing with you? I'm so stupid. Let's go for a checkup now. I'll punish you later for lying to me."
Georgia said that, and was preparing to head to the car gripping Robert's hand and planning on doing an emergency test in the hospital.
But before she could complete her motion, his large hand suddenly landed on her waist.
The world spun and she found herself in Robert's bridal carry.
"What are you doing? Let me down."
Georgia was yelling, while Robert bent his head and kissed the yammering woman.
"I'll kneel on a washboard back home, darling, and we can talk about it back there..."
After a long kiss, Robert leant next to her ear and spoke.
When she opened her eyes, she found that she and Robert had already walked through the threshold.
Annie and Wesley were standing a short distance away looking at their parents.
Both kids were covering their eyes.
"I saw it all, Mommy, you were just kissing Daddy. The two of you are too sappy, you're like sappier than those couples on TV..."
Georgia choked on all her words and stopped struggling, unwilling to show the children that anything was off.
"Mommy and Daddy have some private things to talk about. Play downstairs for the moment. We'll see you at dinner."
Georgia said that, then turned to Robert with a cold gaze, warning him to hurry up and take her inside to explain.
The two quickly went inside the upstairs bedroom. The moment the bedroom door closed, Robert turned around and took a washboard out of a drawer.
Georgia had been in the grips of sorrow and rage, but seeing the washboard, she looked at him in shock, her voice growing disbelieving.
"You really did buy something like this? I'm telling you, Robert, even if you kneel on it, I won't forgive you. How many times have I told you to tell me what happens with your body at all times? You promised to grow old with me and to take care of your body. How could you treat me like this? Do you want to make me a widow? Do you want me to take in a bunch of young men from now on and take them to your grave to see you?
"I'm telling you, if that's what you want, say it right now and I'll satisfy you! Once you're dead, I'll take in all sorts of young men and you won't ever rest well!"
Georgia said that angrily, while feeling even sadder and more afraid.
She was afraid he'd suddenly leave her and afraid his body would get worse and there was nothing she could do about it.
OF course, she was most afraid of her thinking everything was fine while this man's body was getting worse. That no matter how hard she worked, she'd have to watch him leave her.
"I'm sorry, darling. It's my fault. Can you forgive me?"
Robert actually put the washboard before Georgia's feet, then knelt on it straight away.
"Get up! What are you kneeling for? I don't want you to kneel, you annoying little... you're still joking around with me at a time like this!"
Georgia tugged at Robert's hand, furious and upset.
Robert was the one with the problem, but at a time like this, he was still trying to do his best to sooth her.
How could she bear to have him leave her!
HE loved her, cherished her.
She devoted all her heart to him just the same. She couldn't accept a world without him.