Everyone was shocked by my statement. The other doctors began to murmur amongst themselves.

“How can you say that? You don’t even know the treatment! That cure can’t be prepared by just anyone.”

“That’s right. We all make an effort to speak with Doctor Max every year, even if it’s just to say hello. And you’re talking about…”

I ignored them, my gaze fixed on Doctor Harold. He raised his hand, silencing the others. As chief physician, he commanded their respect.

“Are you sure, Natalia?” he asked.

The doctors were stunned, looking up at Doctor Harold. They were bewildered by his faith in a stranger.

“Yes,” I replied confidently.

He nodded at Auntie Grace, who stood behind me, then looked ahead. Turning, I saw that she was…

“If Natalia can help us, we will rescue him. If she can, it will be a miracle,” Doctor Harold said.

Auntie Grace, her voice eager, asked, “Natalia, is it true? Will you help Lucas?”

I nodded. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she embraced me. “I don’t know how to repay you. After everything, you still came to help.”

I assured her I would do everything I could to help her husband.

Doctor Harold cleared his throat. “I’m calling Alpha. I need to speak with him.”

A smile touched Auntie Grace’s lips. “Will Lucas be alright soon, Harold?” she asked.

Harold looked at me, as if believing I was his only hope. I nodded. He responded, “He will.”

Relieved, Auntie Grace went to sit beside Uncle Lucas. While Harold watched me, the other doctors adjusted the medical equipment.

“I’m leaving. A friend returned to the pack and wants to see me.”

I knew he meant me. I smiled as he left the cabin.

I stayed with Auntie Grace for a while. She kept asking about the cure and how I’d read the reports.

I told her I’d explain later, that I wanted her trust. She said she had no choice; her husband was dying.

When a guard arrived with lunch, I stood. “Have lunch with me. Your uncle’s asleep, so I’ll eat alone anyway,” Auntie Grace said.

“Auntie, you can have lunch. I need to meet someone. I’ll be back in an hour.”

She didn’t stop me. I left to meet Doctor Harold during his lunch break.

A guard handed me a bouquet of white roses. I realized they were for Doctor Harold.

I thanked the guard and went to the elevator. I pressed the button for the head doctor’s floor.

The elevator doors opened, revealing Doctor Harold. He seemed to be leaving, but a smile touched his lips as he entered.

“Hi,” he said.

We were alone. I smiled back. “Hi, I was just coming to see you.”

He wasn’t surprised. “Why didn’t you come earlier? I was waiting.”

“I didn’t want to disturb you during work.”

He chuckled. I shook my head. “Actually, I didn’t want to leave Auntie Grace so upset.”

He glanced at the bouquet. I immediately handed it to him. “It’s for you. Thank you for everything five years ago.”

He looked amazed. Holding the bouquet, he asked softly, “Did your children…”

Before he finished, I said, “They survived.” I knew what he was asking.

He looked at me for a moment. The elevator bell rang, the doors opened.

We stepped out. I was about to leave, but he stopped me.

“Natalia, let’s have lunch together.”