My Sweetheart

The red light on the door of the operating room was on.

Zofia was in tears snuggling up to her brother, groggy.

Being said, she still peered at the operating room.

Three hours later, the red light went out.

A different doctor came out. Zofia scooted over and gripped his hand. "Doctor..., how is my mother?"

The doctor pursed his lips and said nothing.

After a long while, Joseph walked out and said in a deep voice, "I'm sorry."

Zofia's eyes widened. Teetering, she fainted in Bertie's arms.

Bertie looked much calmer than her, but pain crept up on his eyes.

"My mother...."

"You can see her one last time," Joseph said heavily and took off his mask.

The next second, Bertie grasped Joseph's shirt, and the two tall men locked eyes with each other.

The other doctor said calmly, "Sir, please take a grip on yourself."

Bertie squinted and clenched his fists. After a while, he let go of Joseph.

Joseph said in a grave tone, "I'm sorry for your loss."

Bertie asked his assistant to drive Zofia home and went into the ward.

Mrs. Marshall's eyes were closed, and her lips frequently parted. She was having trouble speaking.

Bertie stood at her bedside, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Shuddering, he bent down and said in a tone peppered with sorrow, "Mom...."

Zofia woke up two hours later in another ward with empty eyes.

A nurse came to pull out the needle for her. She asked in panic, "Where's my mother...?"

The nurse did not know the specifics and could not answer.

the nurse quickly stopped her.

"No, I don't!"

but did not know what floor this was, so she ran to the

at him and pleaded, "Joseph,

devastated, gripping his cuff and looking at

going

bad would happen

frowned and slowly

he took her to

and muttering, "No..., Joseph, take

put out

told me everything

all lying to me, aren't you?"

known there was a 50% chance her mother wouldn't make it,

reality was

quickly take me to Mother, please...." She tugged her

his arms, whispering, "Zofia, I promise

Bertie hooked his arms around her shoulders and left, throwing a meaningful

evening, a Black Cayenne

under the girls' dormitory. Turning off the car, he

fifth floor, and he could see the light on

until it went out on twelve

had seen Joseph's car when she had

hadn't contacted each other

it when she asked Joseph to go

could he take her word for

trouble sleeping. Browsing WeChat moments, she was taken

"Rest in peace."

trembled. Mrs. Marshall passed

sat up and ran to the balcony. Joseph's car was still

so upset right

close friends, so Kathy was worried about

Joseph with her

stared at the black Cayenne and saw it

the railing and

Kathy waited for Reece in the classroom. They

made

Instead, he patiently instructed

left the classroom at noon. She picked up her phone and saw a bunch of missing calls from Jennifer, so she