The next morning.

Jasmine woke early. She wanted, for once, to be the one to wake her two little darlings, to kiss them, to sit with them over breakfast, and then to see them off to school.

Just like every other mom.

For five long, paralyzing years, it was this fragile dream that sustained her.

But now, with her legs still unsteady, she had no choice but to rely on Stanley’s help.

She waited patiently as Stanley came out of ...