Vilhelmina studied in a boarding elementary school. Every night after the evening activities at eight-thirty, the children could take back their cell phones to call home.
It has been two years. The habit has weathered the storm.
Maximilian and I looked forward to hearing the children's voices to relieve the fatigue of a long day's work. But the phone would never ring again.
“I called you before, Max.” I lowered my eyelids.
“Oh, really? I’m sorry, my wife. It's my fault that I'm too busy today. There was a traffic jam.” Maximilian Kostomarov chagrined. “Vilhelmina told you something, right? Come on, tell me about it!”
I looked at my husband with eyes full of expectation. I really wanted to tell him the truth. The truth was that our daughter, Vilhelmina Kostomarov was dead.
But I opened my mouth and just said, “She didn't say anything, Max. Our daughter just shared interesting things in school today. She then asked me about her birthday arrangements in three days.”
“Oh, okay, but hold on, Arabelle.” Maximilian Kostomarov pulled out his cell phone to reply to the message. He then absentmindedly chimed in, “By the way, is there something wrong with you today? Why are you calling me so many times?”
I made up a lie. “Nothing happened, Max. It's still about Vilhelmina's birthday. She especially cares about her tenth birthday this year. She has been talking about it all this month. She is so excited for her party.”
Maximilian took back his cell phone. He then naturally put his arm around my shoulders.
“Don't worry, my wife. I've been preparing for Vilhelmina's birthday half a year in advance. I promise I will give her an unforgettable memory.” He inhaled and frowned. “What is this smell on you?”
I answered, “Oh, sorry, Max. There's blood all over your pants!”
“It's fine, my wife.” Maximilian suddenly changed his face. “Are you okay? Are you injured?”
That was Vilhelmina's blood. I forced myself to hold back my grief.
“I had a car accident, but I wasn't hurt. This blood is someone else's.”
Maximilian sighed in relief. “Speaking of which, I also saw a car accident victim being brought to the hospital tonight. I think she is a girl who is the same age as Vilhelmina's age. This accident is so tragic, Arabelle Moonstone. It's probably impossible to save her after being hit like this.”