Samuel's heart ached seeing his sweetheart cry beside him. He gently wiped away her tears, but he didn't agree with what she said.

"Marcus will recover, and I'm working hard on my treatment too. Don't talk about taking Hopey to the mountains - that's not happening." He pulled her close, holding her tightly as if he could shield her from all the pain. "It's my fault for making you worry, Eli. I'm sorry!"

He took all the blame on himself. Indeed, it was all his responsibility. As a ...