"Mom, what am I supposed to do?" Nicole understood her mother wouldn't provide an answer, but still, she couldn't suppress the desperate plea. Just as she did in childhood, when faced with insurmountable challenges, she sought solace from her parents. They were her invincible protectors, capable of remedying any predicament.

Yet, Dora remained unresponsive.

Nicole wept for a time before tenderly smoothing Dora's hair and adjusting her clothing.

Though her heart still felt void, the emptiness was less acute than before. “Mom, I'm leaving now. I'll visit you again soon."

Nicole rose to her feet, a familiar routine unfolding as Dora remained silent, as always.

Nicole made her way toward the exit, her steps measured and deliberate. Just as she reached the threshold, a faint, fragmented utterance reached her ears from behind. "Flower..."

Nicole froze in her tracks. She couldn't believe what she had heard and swiftly pivoted to face her mother lying in the bed.

Dora raised her hand slowly, pointing at the petite blossoms adorning the windowsill. With a hesitant and halting cadence, she murmured, “Flower... The flower has bloomed..."

Nicole was incredulous. Rushing back to Dora's side, she grasped Dora's shoulders urgently. “Mom! Mom! Can you speak now? Do you recognize me?"

Dora was jolted by Nicole's sudden movements, compelled to turn her head and gaze steadily at Nicole. With deliberate slowness, she scrutinized Nicole's face before gradually lowering her gaze.

Nicole stood transfixed as Dora raised her hand toward Nicole's abdomen, gently making contact with an awkward yet deliberate gesture.

She stammered, "Flower... The little flower has bloomed..."

Nicole was stunned. Adorning her pure gray shirt was a small white chrysanthemum printed on a button.

Dora's finger pointed directly at the miniature chrysanthemum on Nicole's button as she repeated, “Little flower..."

Nicole's startled exclamation drew the attention of a passing nurse, who entered the room and was astonished to witness Dora uttering a few words.

Swiftly, the nurse summoned the sanatorium's doctor to conduct an examination.

Nicole waited patiently outside as the doctor conducted the examination. Once it was completed, the doctor approached Nicole and delivered his assessment, “Following our evaluation, your mother still hasn't recollected past events. Her recent speech may have been coincidental. Nonetheless, it's a positive sign. Improved communication and expression of basic needs signify significant progress. Regarding memory retrieval, pushing too hard may burden the patient. Excessive recollection could overwhelm the brain, exacerbating confusion."

The doctor's words resonated with a compassionate perspective, treating Dora as he would his family member.

For the elderly, simplicity and contentment often trumped extensive recollection. Memories, while precious, could sometimes weigh heavily.

Nicole didn't feel disappointed by the examination outcome. On the contrary, she was filled with gratitude. Her sentiments aligned with the doctor's perspective. In her view, this was the optimal outcome for her broken family. Simply being able to communicate in basic terms was a significant achievement for Dora.