Twisted Ties of Love

Liam remarked with a sigh, "Popping pills like they're candy, of course you're gonna have a bitter taste hangin' around. Look at ya, tongue's as white as a sheet."

Brett took a deep breath, his gaze dropping to the bracelet clasped around his wrist. The silver band with its tiny lock had once adorned Izabella's delicate wrist, and now it felt oddly out of place on his own. Initially, it had been too tight - a constant reminder of its presence. But over time, even the most ill-fitting things find a way to settle in.

He could still remember that day, Izabella's birthday, when she lay in his arms, and he had fastened the bracelet around her wrist, telling her only he could unlock it.

But in the end, it was a raging fire that claimed Izabella's life and tore the bracelet from her, leaving it to fall from her charred wrist.

After swallowing another spoonful of soup, Brett glanced at the sunlight streaming through the window.

"It's stuffy in here. Let's crack a window, get some fresh air."

"It's winter; opening the window will bring in a draft. You're not at your strongest; you could catch a cold," Liam reasoned with patience.

"But it's sunny outside, how can it be cold? If you won't open it, I will," Brett said, attempting to rise to open the window himself. Out of options, Liam reluctantly grabbed the remote and cracked the window open.

As anticipated, a chill breeze swept through the room, making Brett shiver slightly. Indeed, even the gentlest winter wind can cut to the bone.

Upon entering the room, Liam spotted the live stream still running on the computer, the camera circling the happy couple.

Izabella's sweet voice filled the air. "I vow to take Casey as my husband, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. I will forsake my own desires, betray my nature, to be loyal, to honor, to care for, and to support him. I will share my life with him, from first sight to our final days."

It was a beautiful day, and Brett watched as Izabella blissfully married another man, his heart quietly wishing her all the happiness with her new love.

He continued to sip his soup, not noticing the tears that mingled with the broth.

There was nothing to be upset about, really. Everything had simply returned to the way it always was - he had nothing to begin with.

After a few bites, Brett couldn't eat anymore. His body was short on nutrients, and soon he'd have to be hooked up to an IV drip. The bags were large, and the fluid ran slowly

a full hour to administer. Even with the heater on, the cold would seep in, numbing his hands to the point he couldn't even make a fist.

Once Liam had stepped out, Brett moved closer to the computer. This time, he shut it down and set up a camera instead. Facing the lens, he chewed his lip, pondering what to say. After a long silence, he finally spoke, "Let this be a message to myself at twenty."

The Dempsey household, now under the care of Beck and Wendy, was settling down after the wedding festivities. Izabella had delegated her work responsibilities to enjoy a honeymoon with Casey, whose condition had improved, with fewer nightmares and sleepwalking

episodes.

On their return to Wye before the New Year, perhaps due to Bunny's hearty holiday cooking, Izabella had put on a few pounds, her cheeks rosy and bright, free from stress; her days were filled with rest and good food.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

It was a Dempsey family tradition to have an annual health check-up, scheduled regularly. The thought of a hospital visit still scared Izabella, especially check-ups, remembering how years ago, an extensive exam which cost several hundred bucks led to a stomach cancer diagnosis.

But this time was different. She wasn't alone; her family was by her side, especially Casey.

Sensing her anxiety, Casey squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, love. You're in fine health. There won't be any bad news, and I'll be with you every step of the way."

She had to agree. Regular meals, exercise, she felt strong and healthy.

Midway through the check-up, the doctor suddenly paused, causing Izabella's heart to race again.

Not just hers, the entire family looked on anxiously, Bunny especially. "Is there something wrong, Doc?"

The doctor offered a reassuring smile. "No problem at all, I just wanted to ask you, Ms. Salotti, when was the last time you had your period?"

Izabella was taken aback by the question.

It was then she realized she had indeed missed her period. Always one to expect the worst, her mind didn't jump to happy possibilities, and she grew tense.

"It's been a while," she admitted, her cycle sometimes irregular due to stress or hormonal imbalances.

But this time, the wedding prep and honeymoon had filled her days, pushing such concerns out of mind.

"Ms. Salotti, you're seven weeks pregnant, and it appears to be twins."