“At that time, your grandfather went out with the other members of the family while I stayed at home. It was then that I had the chance to ask Mr. Barnes to perform the heart transplant surgery."

Mrs. Jenkins shook her head with some regret.

"I was softhearted. Even though I had taken Maria's heart away for your sake, I was afraid she would die instantly. So I asked Mr. Barnes to give her your old heart. I then thought that with a heart as weak as your previous one, Maria would not live more than a month.

I never expected her to survive."

Barbara silently listened to Mrs. Jenkins and did not interrupt her for a single moment.