The door to the mansion slowly closed, and Estella’s tiny figure disappeared from Roxanne’s sight. Roxanne missed the little girl dearly. Taking a deep breath, she fought back tears. They had spent considerable time together, and Estella had clearly grown fond of Roxanne and her boys. Furthermore, Estella's illness showed signs of improvement. Roxanne wished she could continue caring for Estella until her complete recovery. She longed to hear the little girl speak in full sentences.

Unfortunately, this wasn't possible. As Archie and Benny followed Roxanne and Estella down the stairs, the boys sensed their mother's sadness. Though equally saddened, they remained silent. Seeing their mother's distress, they snuggled into her arms, promising, "Don't be sad, Mommy. We promise we'll always be with you." Roxanne hugged her sons, her heart warming.

Although reluctant to part with Estella, her demanding job prevented her from managing other commitments. She was preoccupied with work daily. That day, Roxanne followed her usual routine, leaving the research facility to pick up her children from kindergarten. En route, she received a call from Larry.

"Hi Larry, what's up?" she asked.

Larry's voice sounded troubled. "Are you free to talk? I'd like to ask a favor."

Sensing something was amiss, Roxanne readily agreed. "Ask away."

"It's easier in person," Larry replied. "I'll send you a location. Let's meet there."

Roxanne agreed, hung up, and drove quickly to the kindergarten. After dropping the children off at home with a babysitter, she hurried to the restaurant Larry had chosen.

Larry was already there, his expression grim.

"Sorry to ask you to come out of the blue," he said upon seeing her.

Roxanne smiled. "It's fine. I'm free tonight. So, what do you need?"

A server arrived with their food.

"I planned a short stay," Larry explained, "but an elderly family member suddenly developed a brain illness. I'm the only medical practitioner in the family, so I stayed to help. He needs a craniotomy, but he's too old, and the risk is high—only a 20% success rate."

Both working in healthcare, Larry succinctly explained the situation. Roxanne immediately understood his request.

"We worked together overseas," Larry continued hesitantly. "Of all the doctors I know, you're the most skilled in this area. That's why I hoped"

Craniotomies were difficult and risky, incredibly stressful for the surgeon. Roxanne had no obligation to take such a risk. She understood Larry's concern about burdening her. Before he could finish, she said, "Where's the patient? I should check his condition. I specialize in this; perhaps we can find another solution, even avoid surgery altogether."

Larry, still formulating his request, was startled by her immediate agreement. Had she just agreed to help?