12

As consciousness slowly returned, Jerome opened his eyes. Before he could catch his breath, a little girl suddenly rushed to his bedside, excitedly shouting, “Daddy's awake!” Sandra hurriedly pressed the call button and asked softly, “Jerome, are you feeling better?” Jerome's gaze lingered on her face for half a second, then he suddenly sat up abruptly. The movement was too sudden, pulling on the IV tube, and the needle pricked his wrist sharply, but he didn't notice. “Where is she?” He grabbed Sandra's wrist with such force it was terrifying. “Where is she?” Sandra's wrist hurt from his grip, and her eyes welled up with tears. “Jerome, she's already dead. Let's just try to live well from now on, okay?” “Shut up!” He turned around abruptly, his eyes brimming with despair. “She's not dead. She's just angry with me. I have to go find her...” He stumbled toward the door, the IV tube pulled taut, the needle on his wrist yanked out forcefully. Drops of blood trickled down his arm, but