Melanie got up and walked quickly towards her daughter. The others immediately stepped aside, while Emily ran towards Philip. Barbara quickly protected her wound.

"Oh, my sweet daughter. Are you not sick anymore? People said you needed to be hospitalized for a few days. I wanted to visit you, but they didn't allow me. They were afraid I would be hysterical."

Melanie stroked Barbara's hair, as she usually did. However, Barbara felt strange. She couldn't even smile.

"Yes, I'm getting better. How ...