Chapter 216

Chapter 216

But all

even is hinged on a premise that Belinda was unwilling to accept. So, she wouldn’t

entertain a discussion about it. Every time a Red Cross representative came

knocking, they’d get an earful, sometimes even more.

These were matters that children shouldn’t have to know about.

But with the Red Cross reps coming in several times, whispers among the nurses or other patients were inevitable. It wasn’t a secret anymore.

“Jada, do you understand what this all means?”

Jada nodded. “I know. With my condition, it’s only a matter of time. I’ve known that for a while now. But I can’t tell Mom; it would break her heart. But I’ve made my peace with it.”

Children who’ve battled with illness for years often have a maturity and acceptance of death beyond their age.

“And do you know why your mom disagrees?”

Leanne said, “From a medical standpoint, the doctors want to do everything they can, based on your condition. They prepare for the worst-case scenario. But to your mom, that scenario doesn’t exist. In her eyes, you’re not going to die.”

“I know,” Jada replied. “My mom loves me a lot

“If I were to persuade her, it’d be like forcing her to face that scenario. It’s too har too devastating.”

Leanne, as Belinda’s primary doctor, wished nothing more than to cure her.

But sometimes, the human spirit is more fragile than the body. Agreeing to a corn transplant meant accepting her daughter’s impending death, and that could break completely.

Jada looked up, her gaze firm. “Dr. Castillo, do you love your mom?”

“Love her? With all my heart.”

Just the mention of it made Leanne feel like crying. How could she not love her mother?

Jada asked, “Would you give your eyes to save your mom?”

The question stopped Leanne in her tracks. For her, the answer didn’t even need a second thought. She would

After a long silence, Leanne looked at Jada and smiled helplessly.

“Are you really only nine? You seem wiser than I am.”

Jada blushed slightly, her cute dimples showing, feeling both shy and proud.

1/2

Chapter 216

Leanne ruffled her hair. “I’ll find time to talk to your mom.”

Working the night shift was draining, especially with Leanne’s mind full of thoughts.

One moment she thought of Jada, so sensible and yet so heart-wrenchingly aware of her fate, and the next, of her own mom.

And then there was Curtis, always popping up to make his presence felt.

By morning, she was exhausted.

After they swapped shifts, Donna took one look at her and said, “You look beat. Go home and get some sleep!”

Leanne stretched. “I’m going to talk to Belinda first.”

“Ah, you finally decided?” Donna smiled. “I knew it. You’re too soft-hearted to just stand by.”

Leanne sighed, massaging her shoulders. “No choice, Jada talked to me yesterday.”

“Jada’s a sharp one. So sensible and smart.” Donna caught a glimpse of Leanne’s wrist. and grabbed it, eyes sparkling.

“That’s a beautiful watch! Is it new?”

Leanne remembered she was still wearing the watch, having forgotten to take it off.

“It was a gift.”

Donna gave her a knowing look. “I see.”

…See what exactly?

Leanne glanced at the watch for a moment before taking it off and placing it in her

08 20