Sophia's stomach ached badly. Hearing the gossipy doctors' "advice," she found it amusing but kept quiet to save her strength.

She curled up in bed, waiting for the pain to pass.

Her mind was hazy until dawn when the IV finally finished. The doctor came to remove the needle, gossiping again, even asking if William had some kind of problem.

Sophia was speechless and had to pretend to sleep to avoid more questions.

After the doctor left, the ...