As the Kingston family bid their farewell, a profound quiet blanketed Alice's hospital space.

"Isn't the Kingston family too nice?" Skylar said.

"Certainly, they do. Grandma used to whip up nourishing meals for me even back then..." Alice's reminiscing was abruptly halted by the sound of her ringing phone.

She widened her eyes, seeing 'Do Not Pick' Monica's number flashing after so long.

"Yes." Alice still didn't forgive her and was not interested in her snobbish rambling.

"I'm well aware, Alice, that you put good words for me before Mason's parents, leading to Mason's return to US a few days ago. I won't be offering my thanks for this." Monica...