Chapter 10

“Mama,” Hazel’s little boy called out to her that morning during breakfast.

“Can we go see Daisy? I miss her,” the little boy said with an adorable pout.

“Yes, tiger. We’ll go see your sister today. Now finish up breakfast, Honey,” she instructed, taking off her apron and joining him at the table.

“Yay, Daisy!” He cheered excitedly, scooping another spoonful of cereal.

She had already called the office to let them know she would be late that day. The small family of two enjoyed their breakfast together, savoring the simple moments.

Hazel cleared the table while her son settled in front of the television, engrossed in a cartoon show. The familiar intro song of “Puppy Dog Pals” echoed through the room, casting a calming and soothing spell over the house.

Hazel hummed along to the theme song while her son danced to it, their laughter filling the

air.

“I love this feeling. If Daisy were home, everything would be complete. The house wouldn’t be this quiet; she would have argued with her brother to watch a different TV show instead,” Hazel thought sadly to herself with a sigh.

About four years ago, she had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl whom she had lovingly named Daisy and Liam. Her daughter’s survival itself was a miracle. At birth, Daisy had been pronounced stillborn, her fragile b*dy lifeless. But a determined nurse had refused to give up, tirelessly administering CPR until the newborn’s weak cry pierced the silence, breaking

into tears.

frequent hospital

account of Daisy’s small and fragile frame, and they were walking on thin ice while waiting. Daisy’s last seizure had thrown Hazel into a state of panic and fear. The night before, she and her kids had

been shattered by Liam’s frightened shriek while he shook Hazel awake. “Mama, Daisy’s

his face.

out of bed and sprung into action, rushing Daisy to the hospital immediately. “Her heart had slowed down,” the doctor explained to Hazel afterward. Daisy’s

the sight of her frail

week, with Hazel

hand to

squealed, doing a small happy dance. He adored and was fiercely protective of his younger sister. While she slept, most times,

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she was still breathing, and his presence offered Hazel a comforting sense of security. He

son, descended the apartment stairs side by side, a mother–son pair with an unbreakable bond. On their way to the hospital, people couldn’t

hospital, the unmistakable scent of antiseptics wafted through the air, causing both mother and son to wrinkle their noses in

remarked as they

the hospital environment. Nevertheless, it had become an all–too–familiar place for them; it was

with his sister’s dislike for the

familiarity with the hospital layout was remarkable for his age. Seeing his mother

Honey, very soon your sister will have the surgery, and she’ll be all better. She won’t have to stay in hospitals any

innocent optimism surfaced again, as he suggested, “Well, then let’s get the

it doesn’t work that way.” The elevator chimed and opened, revealing the sixth floor. The mother and son stepped out, headed for the children’s section where

over to hug his sister gently. “I missed you. Mummy

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