Observing the car's trajectory ahead, Jarrod anticipated Nicole's destination. Maintaining a safe distance to avoid detection, he trailed behind.

As expected, the taxi halted at the entrance of the sanatorium where Nicole's mother resided.

Nicole alighted from the vehicle and proceeded inside.

Nicole's visits to the sanatorium were frequent, and the staff had grown accustomed to her presence. Upon spotting Nicole, they greeted her warmly, "Miss Lawrence, you're here."

Nicole nodded in acknowledgment and inquired, “Have there been any changes in my mother's condition over the past few days?"

This inquiry was routine for Nicole. She feared that even a brief absence might result in her missing pertinent updates regarding her mother's health. Yet, she couldn't afford to disregard external matters entirely and remain constantly by her mother's side.

Undoubtedly, Nicole harbored a fervent desire to bring her mother home, but Jarrod's opposition rendered it an unattainable prospect.

Furthermore, the sanatorium offered comprehensive medical facilities crucial for her mother's treatment, amenities that couldn't be replicated at home.

The nurse responded, "No change. She remains unchanged from before."

Consistently receiving the same update didn't dampen Nicole's spirits.

Oftentimes, the absence of change was the most comforting news of all.

Dora existed in this perpetual haze. Wasn't this state a blessing? If Dora were to awaken, how would she confront the harsh reality of their broken family... If feasible, Nicole wished to shoulder this burden alone.

Addressing the nurse, Nicole requested, "May I have some time alone with my mother?"

“Of course, Miss Lawrence. I'll step out for now. If you require anything, just ring the bell."

“Thank you."

Once the nurse exited, Nicole turned her attention to Dora, who remained seated on the bed, fixated on the delicate flowers adorning the windowsill, motionless. Nicole gently called out, "Mom..."

Dora offered no response, her gaze steadfastly fixed on the blossoms outside, unblinking.

Nicole drew closer to Dora, enveloping her in a tender embrace. "Mom.."

Nicole harbored a multitude of thoughts, a torrent of words clamoring for release, yet she grappled with where to begin. In this sacred space, she found solace in unburdening herself of the myriad thoughts and pressures that had weighed heavily upon her, finding a measure of relief in the act itself.

"Mom... Mom..." Ultimately, Nicole didn't reveal anything. She simply held her mother close, tears streaming down her cheeks in a torrent of anguish. With each sob, the weight upon her shoulders seemed to lighten, as if her tears carried away a portion of her burdens.