Diary of Fragile Heart (Spin of Loving You Too Long)

Often we hear that time passes so quickly for those who enjoy their moments, but it feels slow for those who do not. And that applies to Gladwin. For him, although his beloved wife is not by his side at the moment, time passes quickly because he enjoys every second, minute, hour, day, and week he spends. Serving patients who need his help between the surgeries he usually performs. Completing property design requests that are increasing day by day in his workshop. And he spends his evenings being intimate with his beloved wife even if only via a screen.

Miss her? Of course, Gladwin misses his wife very much. If he could-actually he could but Flavia forbids him-Gladwin wants to realize his intention by resigning from the hospital and joining his wife to settle in Turkey. Getting away from all the oddities of problems, living together, and expressing love every chance they get without caring about other people’s opinions. Like people say when they fall in love, the world feels like it belongs to both of them, while others are just tenants. That’s exactly how Gladwin feels right now.

Phoebe? That woman hasn’t given up yet even though Gladwin has been rough and embarrassed her. Perhaps that woman has already discarded her shame along with the remnants of childbirth blood she once helped with. And as for the private investigator whom Gladwin hired, to this day Hendrick is still trying to delve deeper into Phoebe’s affairs. The man says he has obtained some suspicious points about Phoebe.

Just waiting for concrete evidence for execution. Gladwin hopes it won’t take long to do it. Sometimes he regrets why he didn’t borrow the services of that man since the beginning of his marriage to Flavia. At least if he had done so from the beginning, maybe by now he would have chased that woman away far.

A month had passed since his return to Kansas. That means Flavia’s pregnancy is now entering the fifth month. Her grandparents threw a party for Flavia, but no family members went back to Turkey because they were afraid Julie would suspect something if Antony and the newly returned family to America suddenly had to go back abroad. Although Gladwin grumbled, Flavia tried to calm him down.

Two weeks ago.

“Honey..”

“Yes, Honey?”

“Earlier, this afternoon, I felt something tickling in my stomach.”

“Really? But my hand wasn’t touching you.” Gladwin teased, making his wife pout.

“Honey, it’s not because your hand tickled me. But our baby tickled me in the belly.” Flavia showed her annoyed expression, making Gladwin chuckle. His hand now really itched to pinch his wife’s cheeks that were starting to round. “Granny said, she said our baby now has a soul, he already has a life.”

“That means you have to be more careful. Remember, he’s the most beautiful gift from God for us in the midst of the trials we’re facing now.”

“Yes, Honey.” Flavia replied again. Gladwin noticed his wife bowing her head. Surely his beloved was now rubbing her bulging belly. And for God’s sake, Gladwin also wanted to do the same if he could. “I miss you.” His wife’s voice sounded soft, but her head remained bowed. Gladwin feared it was just his imagination.

“Honey, did you say something?” Gladwin indirectly asked Flavia to repeat her words. Flavia looked up with a face that Gladwin believed was blushing and repeated the word longing she had uttered a few seconds ago. Reluctantly, Gladwin smiled. “I also miss missing you, and our baby.”

Flavia smiled, but her eyes seemed to blink rapidly. As if to ward off the tears that fell. Then her tiny hand seemed to wipe the corners of her eyes slowly. “I want to go home.” She whispered again.

“I’ll stay with you there, what do you think?” Gladwin offered. But Flavia shook her head.

“Just a little longer. I promise I’ll return there soon. As soon as the doctor gives me permission.” She said firmly, which Gladwin responded to with a nod.

Flashback Off

And now, two weeks later. Gladwin stood at the airport, eagerly awaiting the return of his beloved.

She looked beautiful in a milk chocolate-colored dress that accentuated her fair skin, walking between her grandparents who purposely escorted her back to America. Their love for their daughter-in-law was immense. Gladwin vowed that as long as he lived, he would never intentionally hurt his wife.

Half-running, Gladwin approached his wife and hugged her tightly. Releasing some longing that he couldn’t even express with just a brief hug they shared.

Gladwin kissed Flavia’s forehead, both cheeks, and lips, even if only for a split second before stroking his wife’s hidden belly beneath her loose dress. Let others think he’s being excessive, especially when his tears fell freely as he expressed his longing for those he loved. Flavia cried in his embrace. Though not in sobs, it was enough to move her grandparents as well.

Ah, Gladwin almost forgot about the elderly couple. He hugged Arthur and Brianna in turn, which the middle-aged couple returned just as warmly.

After waiting for the relatively few suitcases, they walked away from the airport area towards Antony’s family home in Manhattan. Yes, the Quirino family still living in America had gathered at Antony’s residence. Including Altezza, Adaline, and their sons and daughters.

They arrived at Antony’s residential area. The bustling noise from the front door instantly stopped as Gladwin’s entourage entered. Warm embraces were exchanged. Indeed, it wasn’t just Gladwin who missed Flavia, but also his parents and siblings. Not to mention the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Considering the time, their parting hadn’t been long. But well, that’s longing for you.

Unfortunately, Flavia’s best friend couldn’t come because she had a photo shoot scheduled out of town. The girl was annoyed because she considered Flavia’s return sudden while she couldn’t break her contract just like that.

“I missed you so much,” Flavia whispered in Gladwin’s embrace.

They were in Flavia’s room now. Not on the bed but on the balcony of the room. They sat embracing each other on the sofa on the balcony, watching the pool view at night with the beautiful light of the full moon.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

It was past midnight and everyone had returned to their respective rooms and fallen asleep. But Flavia was reluctant to move even though Gladwin had been coaxing her. She argued that she had slept enough during the flight.

“What did the doctor say? Have you had an ultrasound?” He asked, rubbing his right hand on Flavia’s belly while his left hand stroked her head and shoulders. Flavia shook her head. “Why not?”

“Later, with his father,” she answered shyly. Her beautiful face lifted, and Gladwin rewarded her with a long kiss that left them both breathless. He didn’t dare to go further for fear of his wife and baby’s condition. “Later, we’ll go to the doctor together. So that his father knows, Baby here is a girl or a boy,” he said, speaking to Flavia’s belly again.

Flavia leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder. While her hands hugged Gladwin’s waist tightly. ‘Oh God, this longing truly becomes its own trial for us. May You soon remove all our problems. Amen,’ Flavia prayed silently in her heart.