Afternoon, girlies. Nurse Rita came bursting through the door. Shane and Carmen both heaved a big sigh of relief.

You are going to be transferred back to your ward. Now dont you worry, blackouts are not uncommon amongst patients taking a break from the drugs

As Nurse Rita continued to blabber whilst busying herself with the preparations, Carmen looked intentively towards the door, expecting her mother to walk through it anytime. What if momma comes in and sees Shane? Carmen stole a glance at Shane, who was asking the usual questions about Carmens illness. Do I hide her like my dirty laundry?

Carmen was really tired of this cat and mouse game. But the prospects of losing her family were too much to handle now. Suddenly, she turns towards Nurse Rita and asked tentatively. Do you know where my mother is?

Mrs. Morales? I think I saw her heading to the cafeteria with Nurse Jan. Nurse Rita answered absentmindedly as she instructed Shane to help Carmen sit up.

You can walk? Or do you need a chair? The small thin Filipina nurse asked.

Walk

She can walk.

Both the love-birds answered at the same time.

Ah, so cute, okay walk. Nurse Rita smiled slyly. You lean in close to your darling, okay.

What if Momma comes back for me? Carmen asked, she felt really torn between Shane and her mother, wishing a miracle happens and she somehow can have both their support at the same time.

Dont worry yourself, dearie. Nurse Jan will bring her to you.

As Carmen made her way off the bed towards the door, leaning heavily on Shane, a sick sinking feeling washed over her. She didnt know if it was because of the illness or some premonition, but she wasnt about to tell Shane about it. Shane has too much on her plates without this added burden to deal with.

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As they made their way down the corridor, Shane felt a pair of eyes staring at them. She twisted a little to look behind her.

There, she saw a figure disappearing into the corner of the corridor, almost as if the person was afraid to be spotted. A cold shiver jolted from her neck to the base of her spine. Was that who she thought it is? Shane paused in her steps as her mind when into overdrive.