In a raspy voice, he questioned, "Are you shedding tears for me?"

"No," she whispered.

Mark, weariness permeating every fiber of his being, slowly reached out to touch her hand.

"You've changed. You used to be so candid and vibrant."

Nestling closer to him, Cecilia murmured, “Times have changed, Mark.

I'm not the young girl you remember."

“But in my eyes, you'll always be that same young girl."

Emotion welled up in Cecilia.

"You need to think sensibly. I could have called my father and brother and you didn't have to do this. Your health isn't great.

What would happen to Edwin and Olivia if something befell you?"

Tears streamed down her face again.

Grasping her hand firmly, Mark finally voiced his thoughts, “Cecilia, I'm Edwin's dad. The rain was torrential last night. If I hadn't stepped in, who else would have? Your father's advancing in age, and your brother has four children as well as Rena to look after."

Cecilia looked on in shock.

Mark slowly turned to her, eyes filled with determination.

“Edwin is my son. It's my duty to be there for him.”

Lost for words, Cecilia simply held Mark's hand, allowing him the peace to rest his eyes.

The ward door creaked open slightly.

A young boy with a cooling patch still on his forehead peeked in hesitantly.

It was Edwin.

His worry evident, Edwin had persuaded his sitter to bring him to the hospital, fearing for Mark's condition.