Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a chubby little dumpling crawled out from under the table, looking up at her with wide, timid eyes, as if genuinely afraid she'd throw her into the sea. Flora was used to her sudden appearances by now and remained calm. Noticing the needle marks on her hand, she squinted, "What happened to your hand?"

The little girl's delicate hand was dotted with several puncture marks.

"Daddy found a really good doctor who said he could cure me. These marks are from the injections he gave me," Nina sighed with a maturity that belied her age. "But what's the point?"

Even at five, she wasn't completely naive. Over the years, Elio had taken her to countless doctors, and she had a vague understanding that she must be seriously ill. Otherwise, why would the treatments stretch on for years without success?

So, could this new doctor really cure her now? And if not, why continue the treatments?

Seeing her sad expression, Flora felt a pang of sympathy. So young and already burdened with such a harsh fate.

"Help yourself to anything on the table," Flora offered.

"You're not going to throw me into the sea, right?" Nina asked anxiously.

Flora was baffled. Why was this little girl so afraid of being thrown into the sea? She wasn't that mean! When had she ever given her that impression?

She shook her head firmly. "No."

looked at her nervously. "I can really eat anything? And it's

"Yes," Flora nodded.

and she eagerly started eating from the

sight of the

interrogate

handsome big brother...

all have

so handsome!" Nina giggled, her big, grape-like eyes sparkling with admiration. "Do you have

if big brother cooked so well, she'd get to eat delicious food for life! Plus, she wouldn't have

Flora: "..."

girl, you're only five, what are

and when he approached, she kissed him on the lips. "See? This is my

Husband...

Connor's throat bobbed.

pouted, looking

Connor found it amusing. He picked up the bowl of soup he had just brought in and said softly, "Have some soup. It's just the right temperature; it'll get cold