Faith leaned against Nicole, who carefully supported her. At that moment, she felt a motherly care she had never experienced.
Tears fell as she forced herself to speak. "Maybe I wouldn't have been pushed to such length if my mother was even half as kind as you.
"I often think maybe I'm just a terrible daughter, and that's why they don't love me."
She was about the same age as Nicole's children, and Nicole couldn't help but feel heartbroken for her. "Some people are simply unfit to be parents. This isn't your fault, it's theirs.
"You're welcome to come over for dinner anytime once you recover, Ms. Moore."
The light in Faith's eyes had long faded, but it flickered back to life when she heard those words. "Really?"
She was so mean toward the Morgans in the past. It seemed impossible to be invited over despite that.
Nicole carefully adjusted her. "Of course. You and Lila are about the same age. Maybe you two can even be friends once things settle down.
"We also have a child at home, Yasmin. She's a very sweet girl. You can come by and play with her anytime."
She was afraid Faith might not make it through. Despite being a woman of few words, Nicole was now desperately searching for things to say.
Lila was equally anxious. What had always felt like a short drive suddenly seemed to stretch on today.
Faith had already passed out when they arrived at the hospital.
She was in the emergency room for a long time. When the doctor finally emerged, both Lila and Nicole hesitated to speak.
The doctor gave them a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, her condition isn't too serious. The wound has been re-stitched, and she only lost consciousness due to her blood loss.
"The patient also suffered abdominal trauma from the impact, so we'll need to run some additional tests. Her family should keep a close eye on her."
Lila asked nervously, "Doctor, when will she wake up?"
"If everything goes well, she should regain consciousness by this afternoon," the doctor informed.
Both women sighed in relief.
By coincidence, Faith's hospital room was assigned right next to Matthew's.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)