22

"What do you want, Benjamin?" Unlike the quiet woman he was accustomed to, Hazel's voice had a harsh edge.

Benjamin continued after a long silence during which there seemed to be pregnancy. "I just wanted to… see how you're doing." His tone was tight, almost uncertain.

Hazel scoffed, her tone acerbic and sceptical. "All right. since you've consistently expressed concern for my welfare."

On the other end, silence stretched. Benjamin finally let out a heavy sigh. "Look, Hazel, I made a mistake. Largely. I am aware that regrets cannot change the past, yet nonetheless.

"But what?" Hazel was powerless to resist. A small, sensitive part of her longed to hear an expression of regret or acknowledgement of the suffering he had brought about.

Benjamin suddenly said, "But I want to see my child," in a remarkably honest voice.

Hazel caught her breath. This caught me off guard. She was surprised by a desire for participation, even though she had expected rage and threats.

"Your child?" she said ag