Three long days had passed. Though the hospital room had been quiet and comforting in its own sterile way, Millie was thrilled to be going home—especially with Ted having spoiled her every day with her favorite snacks and comforting company.
"I'm so happy to be out of there," Millie sighed as she stepped outside the hospital doors, stretching her arms toward the sun. "I hate hospitals so much."
Rachel chuckled. "I know, but you were super brave."
Millie's dad nodded in agreement. "Yes, very brave."
Millie beamed. "That's because I have the best people around me—who love and support me. How could I stay sad? No matter what happens, I'll be strong. Just like Mom promised."
Rachel pulled her into a tight hug.
"That's the spirit," her dad said. "Oh—and I have a surprise for you girls."
Rachel and Millie exchanged excited glances. "What kind of surprise?" they asked in unison.
He grinned. "You'll see when we get home."
When they arrived, Millie's dad unlocked the front door—and both girls froze.
Standing in the entryway was Rachel's father.
"Dad!?" Rachel gasped.
"Uncle!?" Millie echoed. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace.
"Hey, little one," Rachel's father laughed warmly. "Long time no see."
"I'm not little anymore!" Millie said with a playful pout. "I'm a grown woman now."
"Oh wow," he chuckled. "I can see that."
Millie spun toward Rachel, practically bouncing on her toes. "Look! It's really him! Aren't you happy? Say hi!"
Rachel's smile faltered. She mumbled, "Hi, Dad."
He offered her a gentle smile. "Hey, you. How've you been?"
"I'm doing great, thank you," she said stiffly. "I'll… go make something to eat. Please make yourself comfortable."
Millie's excitement dimmed slightly as she watched Rachel disappear into the kitchen. Something wasn't right.
Her dad clapped his old friend on the back. "Come on—let's catch up."
"Wait—Rachel!" Millie called, hurrying after her. "Let me help!"
The rest of the evening passed in laughter and storytelling—at least for everyone but Rachel. Her father chatted animatedly about the countries he'd visited and the research he was working on, but Rachel stayed mostly silent, barely touching her food.
Later, she quietly excused herself and retreated to her room to study.
As night fell, Millie collapsed onto her bed, only to bolt upright.
"Class! Tomorrow!"
She groaned and turned her head—then paused.
A notebook sat neatly on her desk.
Frowning, she picked it up and flipped through the pages. Her heart skipped.
Wait… this is the hospital note.
Her pulse quickened. Who put this in my room?
The next morning at school, Millie found herself in the teacher's office, seated across from her homeroom teacher.
"If you have any difficulties," the teacher said warmly, "or need anything at all, please let us know. We're here to support you."
Millie forced a small smile. "Yes, ma'am. I will."
Across the room, Alex stood near the desk, handing over paperwork. His sharp gaze flicked toward Millie, quietly observing the exchange.
As she stepped out into the hall, Alex was waiting.
"Did you really have to put on such a fake smile in there?" he asked bluntly.
Millie's expression crumbled. Her eyes welled up.
Just then, He raised an eyebrow. "Hey… you're not about to cry, are you?"
Tears spilled over before she could answer.
Without a word, Alex reached for her wrist and led her down the hall, away from the noise, into a quiet corridor with tall windows and a view of the treetops swaying gently in the breeze.
They sat down on a bench, silence stretching between them. Millie sobbed softly, while Alex leaned back, arms crossed behind his head.
After a while, Millie sniffled. "Do you pity me, too? Do you think I'm going to die soon?"
Alex scoffed. "Wrong person to ask that, don't you think?"
She wiped her cheeks. "I hate this. Everyone looks at me like I'm going to break—even the teachers. I just want to live normally. I want to plan my future—not be afraid of it."
Alex didn't respond immediately. Instead, he pulled out his earphones, popped one in, and handed the other to her.
Millie blinked, surprised. "What…?"
"I don't know why," he muttered, "but this song always helps me forget things for a while."
She hesitated, then placed the earbud in her ear. The music was gentle, calming.
Alex leaned closer, voice low. "Next time, tell them, 'I don't have that sickness. It was only my mom.' And if they still don't listen—scream it. Scream it loud enough for the sickness itself to hear. Because it's not getting to you."
Millie stared at him, stunned, the words sinking deep.
"Thank you, Alexander."
He leaned back again, looking up. "Let me know when you're ready to go back." Letting her time to calm herself.