Chapter 6: Medicine

Words : 1783 Updated : Oct 23rd, 2025

"Mario Walton!" Panic and shame tangled together, and Nancy snapped, her voice sharp enough to sting. Her shout jolted Mario back to his senses. Since last night, Nancy hadn't given in to him, but she'd never shut him down this bluntly before, and that had made him bolder, little by little. Her shout hit him like a slap, snapping him back to reality. His face burned red. Shame and feverish heat twisted inside him, and for a moment, he didn't know how to face Nancy. Just then, as the air grew tense, they heard the front door lock turn twice in the living room. Both startled-Ryder Walton was home. He'd come back earlier than usual, which surprised Nancy. At the same time, she felt relieved she'd held her ground; if her husband had walked in and seen her wrapped in his younger brother's arms, how could she ever explain? "Mario, helping your sis-in-law cook?" Ryder Walton set down his briefcase and chuckled. "Uh… yeah. I'm all thumbs, I ended up making more trouble than help." Still flushed, Mario mumbled and hurried off to his room, feeling guilty as he slipped away. Ryder didn't think much of it. He was married to his work-quiet by nature and not one to overthink things. He changed into slippers, greeted Nancy, and headed for a shower. In the kitchen, Nancy watched his back and couldn't hold back a long sigh. She muttered, "You just don't get women…" She glanced toward Mario's door, a faint ache settling in her chest. "Was I too harsh with the kid just now?" Her brows knitted, then she shook her head lightly. "Better finish making dinner." Soon, a spread that looked and smelled divine filled the table. Ryder came out, toweling his damp cropped hair, took in the dishes, and couldn't help but praise them. "We're feasting tonight?" "Mm. Go call Mario out to eat," Nancy said, setting out bowls and chopsticks. At her word, Ryder went and knocked on Mario's door. "Mario, dinner's ready. Your favorite braised pork's on the table!" Hearing Ryder's call, Mario hurried out. After Nancy's earlier shout, he still felt embarrassed and downcast. He stepped up to the table and didn't dare meet her eyes. Oblivious to the tension, Ryder grinned and picked up a piece of pork for him. "Eat up. You're heading back to school tomorrow. The cafeteria's nowhere near as good as your sis-in-law's cooking." "Mm. Got it, bro." Mario nodded and ate with his head down. For Mario and Nancy, the meal felt stifling, as if a thin veil hung between them. The next morning, Mario finished packing. "Sis-in-law, I'm heading back to school." Nancy blinked. "Don't you usually go back in the afternoon? Something up?" "Uh, I… I promised someone I'd play basketball this weekend. I should go." Mario scratched his head, latched onto the excuse, and hurried out. "Sigh…" Nancy wanted to say more, but Mario had already slipped out the door. It clicked shut, soft and final. Ryder had left early too. At five in the morning he'd taken a call and headed to work. In an instant, she was alone in the big apartment. "That kid-he got spooked and bolted." Irritation pricked through her. She didn't resent Mario; she actually doted on him like a kid brother. Yesterday's scolding had been just a reflex. With Mario gone, the rooms felt hollow. Nancy was a civil servant, not nearly as busy as Ryder Walton. Her salary wasn't as high, but the benefits were good, and she had weekends off. That was why Ryder asked Mario to come by every week-to keep her company. He worried she'd be lonely. Ring, ring, ring! As Nancy stewed, her phone chimed. She checked the screen. Anne was calling. "Mom, what is it?" Nancy answered. "Nancy, I went up into the hills and prayed for a remedy for you two-a folk fertility medicine," Anne said. "Our neighbor Emily is going into the city today, so I asked her to bring it over to you." "Medicine?" Nancy's brows drew tight; she had a bad feeling. "What kind of medicine?" "It's to help you have a son. You and Ryder have been married so long-I'm dying to hold a grandson," Anne chattered. Heat rose in Nancy's chest, but she kept her voice even. "Mom, things like that are usually just tricks. Why go all the way into the mountains again…" "Listen to me, this one absolutely works. Peipei in our village used the same remedy-she got pregnant within six months," Anne cut in. Seeing how determined Anne was, Nancy could only humor her for a bit before hanging up. Anne had urged them to have a child more than once, often sending old folk cures. None had ever worked. "Always telling me to take medicine, never once asking if your son might be the problem." Nancy pouted, unable to hold back. That afternoon, Emily called. Nancy headed to the station to pick up the remedy. Emily was warm and kept saying, "Nancy, once you finish this, you'll surely have a big chubby boy." A faint blush crept into Nancy's cheeks. Emily from our bureau seemed kind, but there was something else-a hint of judgment-in her eyes. Because of Anne's nagging, Nancy swallowed her annoyance, thanked Emily, and hurried home. "Damn you, Ryder Walton. I tell you to get a hospital checkup and you keep saying you're busy. Great-now everyone says I can't have a child." Back home, she slammed the bag down on the table and, still fuming, stomped into the bedroom for a nap. Half-asleep, Nancy sensed someone enter. She forced her eyes open, heavy and slow, and looked toward the doorway. It was Mario. He hadn't left. "Sis-in-law." He came toward her, breathing hard, eyes burning. "Mario?" Nancy had been sound asleep. She tried to sit up, but she had no strength at all. "You didn't go back to school?" "No. I couldn't leave you." Mario said it, then fell on top of her. "Ah!" Nancy cried out and tried to push him off. "Get off… Mario, stop it. Get up." "I'm not playing." He held her gaze, stubborn, and kissed her. "Sis-in-law-no… Nancy. I like you. I really do." His kiss made Nancy go weak all over. She had no idea why her reaction was so strong. His kiss was awkward but intense, and the heat in his eyes made Nancy's heart race. She found herself, all at once, swept up in the rush of young love.

Chapter 6: Medicine

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