The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Jeremy led Corinne to the pediatric ward.

Joey sat absent-mindedly on the bed, eating an apple that Francine had peeled for him.

Greg and Pamela's worried expressions faded when they saw Corinne entering.

"Corinne! You're awake, too!"

"Thank God!"

Corinne nodded toward Greg and Pamela. She then released Jeremy's hand and quickly walked to the bedside. Tears fell as she looked at Joey.

'He's alright. Joey really is alright...' thought Corinne.

When Joey saw Corinne, he instantly released the apple in his hand and threw himself into Corinne's arms.

I thought I'd never see you

hugged him tightly. "Mommy's here! I'll never lose you

"Mommy..."

also subtly furrowed his eyebrows, his emotions

ask Francine, "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at home looking

and said, "Don't worry! We've got more than enough people at home to protect them. I even asked Chester to stay with the kids. I was just too worried about Joey, so I came with Grandpa and Grandma to check on him. I'll

home with you.

for us to stay here with Joey. Plus, Corinne needs to rest too, so let us help

anything happens, it'll only complicate things for us. Just go home,

not want to add to his worries, so she nodded and said, "Alright, we'll go back with Francine, then. Take good care of Corinne. She's been through a lot these past few years, waiting for

"Of course I will."

arranged for someone to drive Francine, Greg, and Pamela back home. The ward became quieter after