Chapter 20
The doors to the operation ward swung open, and Jasper wheeled Esther towards the doctor.
“Doctor, Tinkerbell…” Esther’s voice trembled.
The doctor shook his head grimly. “We’ve done our best. Our condolences.”
Esther was in shock. “What do you mean? Condolences? What does that mean?”
She sprang out of the wheelchair, her aggression uncharacteristic, and grabbed the doctor’s surgical gown.
“What do you mean? You’re supposed to save your patients! Go back now… Go back and save my daughter!” she tearfully asked.
Jasper wrapped an arm around her shoulder, trying to console her. “Esther, calm down. The doctors have done their best.”
“No! No! No!” Esther couldn’t believe this harsh reality. She had finally found her daughter, but she didn’t get the chance to hug her or tell her that she was her mother-and now she was gone!
This must be a nightmare! She had to be dreaming!
Esther raised her hand and slapped herself hard.
Jasper quickly caught her hand and sobbed. “Esther, what are you doing?”
“I’m dreaming, right, Jasper?”
Jasper held Esther close, comforting her like a child. “Tinkerbell is still waiting for you. Experts say that hearing is the last sense that remains for dying patients. You can still tell Tinkerbell that you’re her mother. She can hear it. I’ll take you to see her, Esther.”
With Jasper’s support, they approached Tinkerbell, covered in a white cloth.
Esther shakily pulled a corner of the cloth back. Tinkerbell looked as if she had just fallen
asleep, so innocent and peaceful.
“Tinkerbell, it’s Mommy. Wake up, Tinkerbell. Open your eyes and look at me! Mommy’s here, and we’re going home.”
Esther tried to lift Tinkerbell, but her weakened state made it difficult even to stand, let alone carry a child.
Jasper looked away, wiping his tears, and patted Esther’s shoulder gently. “I’ll be outside, Esther. Talk to Tinkerbell. I know it’s hard, but you still have Pixie. You have to pull yourself
Chapter 20
together for her. Don’t do anything silly. I’ll be right outside. Call for me if you need me.”
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Jasper left and closed the door behind him, leaving Esther and Tinkerbell alone in the spacious operation room.
Esther knelt on the floor, blowing warm air toward Tinkerbell as a way to comfort her.
“Tinkerbell, Mommy’s here. Don’t sleep, okay? It’s Mommy’s fault. I’m late. You can scold me or hit me, but please don’t ignore me. Open your eyes, please. Look at me…”
