Chapter 1989

Nathaniel's face stiffened, and the atmosphere in the room turned cold. Mavis had finished most of her soup, and when Nathaniel offered her another spoonful, she turned her face away. "I'm full. That's enough for me." Nathaniel did not insist. He picked up the bowl and prepared to leave when Mavis called out to him. "I'd like to see Ella. I'm feeling cooped up in here. Is that possible?" He stopped but did not turn around or agree immediately. "Once your health improves, I'll consider letting you leave the hospital. At that point, you can see Ella anytime you want." The word "consider" was an uncertain factor, just a possibility. Mavis felt as if Nathaniel was giving her a false promise, trapping her in a prison of his making. The feeling was suffocating. If she had to stay until after the baby was born, she might be driven to madness. She needed to find a way to escape and free herself. She refused to always be forced into a passive position; she had to strik