| THE NEXT MORNING |

Desmond dragged his weak legs towards the ward he was pointed to. His chest feels heavy. Even though he was told that the surgery was successful, he still couldn't stop the pounding in his rib.

He grabbed the knob hesitantly, opened the door, and stepped in.

Tessa looked up then and their eyes met.

His fingers twitched. His lips parted slightly as his gaze fell on her pale face.

She looked so exhausted, with her eyes red and puffy, which showed she had been crying. She also has dark circles indicating that she hasn't slept.

‘ Is.. she.. Tessa?’ Desmond wondered, striding into the room....