Only a day after Nico left for business out of town, the atmosphere at home began to feel different. In the living room that was usually filled with neatness and busyness, Celine sat drooping on the sofa with a pale face. Her stomach felt uneasy and the nausea that never subsided forced her to look down, until finally vomiting on the white handkerchief lying on her lap.

"Mommy, why do you look so sad?" asked Calvin in a worried tone as he approached, his big eyes showing genuine concern. The six-year-old little boy stood by his mother's side, clutching his favorite doll as if to channel deep concern.

Celine tried...