Ariana brought the instant broth upstairs. Making broth was not supposed to be this quick, but what could she do? She couldn't let Gerald wait for two hours just for a bowl of broth and risk aggravating his acid reflux, could she?

Ariana opened the bedroom door slowly. Her husband hadn't moved at all since she last left him. Ariana frowned. She placed the tray on the nightstand and approached him.

"Gerald. Are you asleep?" Ariana got closer and tried to shake his body. Gerald remained still. ...