The fact that the driver was still out there—free, probably living his life and enjoying things Leonard no longer could—was unbearable. Anyone in their place would’ve felt the same rage. The injustice of it sat on Richard and Jasmine like a boulder, heavy and suffocating. Just days ago, their son had been laughing, full of life, right by their side. And now, everything had changed. The thought alone was enough to make their hearts ache all over again.
When Megan saw the time, she finally spoke gently, “Mr. and Mrs. Knight, it’s getting late. I should head back now.” Hearing that, Jasmine felt a pang of reluctance. She’d grown fond of the girl—Megan was warm, polite, always smiling, those dimples making her even more endearing. More importantly, Nora seemed to light up whenever she was around. In Megan’s arms, the child looked calmer, more at ease, even happier than she did with her own parents. That was something Jasmine hadn’t seen in a long time.
They wanted Nora to keep improving, so both she and Richard secretly hoped Megan could stay a little longer. Sensing their hesitation, Megan smiled knowingly. “Don’t worry, Mr. and Mrs. Knight. I’ll come by whenever I have time. You don’t have to worry.” “Really?” Jasmine asked, her eyes lighting up with hope. The joy in her voice was impossible to hide. “Of course,” Megan said warmly. Hugging Nora a little tighter, she added softly, “She’s such a sweet girl. I love spending time with her. I’ll visit whenever I can. And besides, Leonard’s my friend too. It’s only right that I’m here.” Hearing that, Jasmine’s eyes shimmered with emotion. She pressed her lips together, fighting the tears threatening to fall. This wasn’t the time to cry, not when her heart finally felt a little lighter. “Good girl,” she said softly. “I knew from the start you were special.” Richard spoke up gently from the side. “Alright, don’t hold her up. Go ahead and take the little one home. I’ll stay here with Leonard and Nora.” “Of course, no problem at all,” Jasmine said quickly.
As she walked Megan out, she held tightly onto her hand, reluctant to let go. Her eyes swept over the girl again and again. No matter how she looked at her, she just couldn’t help liking her. Outside the ward, Megan caught the emotion in Jasmine’s eyes and looked a little puzzled. Why did they seem so moved? She hadn’t done anything special, just what anyone would do. “Mrs. Knight, are you alright?” she finally asked. Jasmine paused, then smiled through the emotion that lingered in her voice. “I’m just happy, that’s all. Don’t worry.” She hesitated for a moment, then added softly, “Megan, did you notice how Nora was just now?” “I did,” Megan nodded. “She seems a bit shy, doesn’t she?” Jasmine blinked, momentarily speechless. This child really was sincere—so simple and straightforward. In the eyes of others, Nora’s condition would be labeled an illness. But to Megan, it was summed up in two soft words: a bit shy. That thought warmed Jasmine’s heart.