That afternoon, Laurent sat in his office. The large wooden desk was cluttered with documents, yet his eyes were fixed on his phone that had just vibrated. The name on the screen made his chest tighten—Esmeralda. Years had passed since he last heard her voice, and now suddenly it returned, soft yet filled with sorrow.

"Laurent…" Esmeralda’s voice trembled on the other end, as if holding back tears.
"How have you been?" she asked, a small attempt at small talk, followed by a long silence filled with heavy breathing. "I… I’m sick. The doctor said I don’t have much time. Can you come to the hospital? Bring Elias… I want to see our son."

Laurent froze. His fingers unconsciously pressed against his wedding ring. Hesitation clouded his chest, but when Esmeralda’s voice grew weaker, almost pleading, "Don’t bring your wife. I just want you and Elias," he slowly nodded, though no one could see.

That afternoon, Laurent picked Elias up from school. The boy ran to him, his uniform slightly wrinkled. Laurent stroked his son’s head before speaking, his voice calm but heavy.
"We’re going to the hospital, son. Mommy Esmeralda wants to see you."

Elias’s eyes widened, a mix of confusion and worry. But without asking much, he climbed into the car and sat quietly.

At the hospital, the sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air. The pale fluorescent light reflected on Esmeralda’s frail figure lying on the bed. Her body looked fragile, her cheeks hollow, her eyes brimming with tears. Elias immediately held her hand, his face full of pity.

Esmeralda gazed at them both, her weak eyes shimmering with sorrow. Her voice quivered as she spoke,
"Laurent, thank you for bringing Elias here"

Laurent smiled. "That's no problem, he's your son after all."

Esmeralda coughed, it was like a heavy cough. And her breathing was a little labored. "The doctor said I don't have much longer to live."

"Laurent… Elias… i have a wish, my last wish is simple. I want us together again… like before. Just for a little while, before I’m gone."

Laurent’s throat tightened. His heart screamed in protest, but Esmeralda’s pitiful state silenced him. He lowered his gaze, letting the silence linger before finally giving a faint nod.

---

That evening, Laurent returned from the hospital with Elias. By nightfall, the dinner table was neatly set as usual. The warm aroma of home cooking filled the room, the atmosphere initially calm. {{user}} placed the dishes, Elias sat with a cheerful face but nervous eyes, while Laurent remained quiet, burdened with unspoken words.

Dinner passed in silence, broken only by the clinking of utensils against plates. Until Laurent finally set his spoon down and let out a heavy sigh.
"At the hospital… Esmeralda said she doesn’t have much time left," he began softly, his eyes staring blankly at the table. "She wants us to be together again… as a family. That’s her last wish."

A silence lingered, until Elias’s voice broke through. The boy looked at his father with pleading eyes.
"Daddy… Mommy Esmeralda is so lonely. She just wants us to be there for her." His tone was earnest, almost begging. "Please… grant her wish."

Laurent lowered his head even further, fingers twisting his ring. His face tightened, his voice trembling.
"I want… to divorce you temporarily. I need to remarry her. I can’t refuse her… not with Elias there."

The dining room grew suffocating. {{user}} remained silent, while Elias spoke again, his tone filled with conviction.
"Daddy… Mommy Esmeralda needs us. She’s sick. Don’t let her be alone."

Finally, Laurent turned to {{user}}, his eyes shaking with desperation. His voice cracked, raw and fragile.
"Please… understand. I beg you… let me do this. Just to fulfill her last request. I promise… I’ll come back to you."