But who would be her savior? Alexis leaned casually against the hallway wall.

She lit a long, slender cigarette with a contemplative air.

She smoked it in silence.

Someone approached from the front. It was Calvin's assistant, Karin Boyd, with reddened eyes.

Alexis said casually, "Take good care of him! Find him a psychologist.

No, let me arrange one! I'll have someone come over tomorrow for a session with him."

Karin dried her teary eyes and uttered softly, “It's of no use, Miss Fowler!"

Alexis was momentarily startled.

Karin sobbed quietly, “Calvin has acute leukemia. The doctor said it was dire. He probably won't make it past the summer!"

Alexis stood there, stunned.

Leukemia, a prognosis with no summer.

She leaned against the white wall, the world spinning around her.

It took her a while to steady herself.

“Have top-notch specialists, both domestic and international, been sought out?"

Karin shook her head.

"He didn't want anyone to know, and he didn't want me to inform you."

Alexis' eyes welled up. She gently comforted Karin with a pat on the shoulder before returning to the ward.

Calvin remained at the window, his gaze fixed on the outside world.

She remained adrift in a cloud of mystery about his thoughts.

Alexis removed her coat, slipped into slippers, and entered. She playfully tapped him on the head.