Calvin embraced her.

He nestled his head in her arms, resembling the fragile, helpless child of yore.

Not a word escaped his lips.

Alexis’ eyes welled up. She held him close and said gently, “I'm here. I won't let anything harm you. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Calvin whispered, "I was afraid of being a burden to you."

Alexis caressed his face. Her heart felt tender and sorrowful.

Calvin's voice was muffled.

"You may be with him, but you can't abandon me! Don't ever leave me alone."

“I'm not ready to be with him yet."

Alexis sighed softly. What a tangled web!

Her day at the hospital was a flurry of activity.

She arranged expert consultations for Calvin and filed for matching.

All that was left was to await the results.

By the time she returned to her pad, it was already eight o'clock at night.

She parked the car and exclaimed, "I'm so worn out!"

But soon, her mind drifted again. She couldn't bear to forsake Calvin or allow any harm to befall him.

A knock on the car window interrupted her thoughts.

Glancing over, she spotted Leonel, cigarette dangling from his mouth and a trash bag in hand, looking surprisingly at ease.

Alexis rolled down the window.

"Mr. Douglas, what a surprise!"