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.

out of bed, but the nurse quickly stopped her.

"No, I don't!"

corridor but did not know what floor this was, so she ran to the elevator. When its door opened, Joseph, who was wearing a white coat, walked

him and pleaded, "Joseph, my mother.... Take me to my

sounded devastated, gripping his cuff and looking at him

was going

bad would

and

her to the

she gawped at Joseph, shaking her head hard and

smoking. He put out the cigarette

She told me everything she wanted

don't believe you.... You're all lying to me,

chance her mother wouldn't make it, she

reality was

to Mother, please...." She tugged her brother

lips and held her in his

louder. Bertie hooked his arms around her shoulders and

the evening, a Black Cayenne entered

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

fifth floor, and he could see the light on the right side

at it until it went

car

each other for two

meant it when she asked Joseph to go to Zofia.

he take

Kathy had trouble sleeping. Browsing WeChat moments, she was taken aback

"Rest in peace."

trembled. Mrs. Marshall

to the balcony.

be so upset right

used to be close friends, so Kathy was

Joseph with

black Cayenne

railing and bit her lips

in the

made

he patiently instructed her, and

noon. She picked up her phone and saw