Due to some difficult-to-discuss reasons, I had my uterus removed.

As I emerged from the operating room, I overheard my mom asking the medical staff to keep it confidential.

"My daughter was once a public figure; these things must absolutely be kept secret."

"She has suffered enough; she can't endure more gossip."

...

I turned my face, tears streaming down.

My mom took my hand, "It's okay, Mom will stay with you, always."

Her hand was always warm.

Just as I began to feel a long-lost comfort, the girl rushed in again.

"Mom! Is my sister okay? I heard she was..."

"Shh, Nancy, stop it. Your sister is still very weak; you need to leave now."

"But I want to be with her." The girl pouted, looking particularly innocent.

Her vibrant and lively presence made my heart ache.

Seeing my pained expression, my mom finally sent her away.

"Don't hold it against Nancy; she's just a child."

My mom's voice was tinged with affection.

"Who is she? Why does she call you Mom?" I asked, my nails digging into the sheets, unable to hold back.

"She... she's the daughter Mom adopted, named Nancy..." My mom took a deep breath. "You have no idea how hard it was for me while you were gone..."

She hugged me and cried again.

But not long after, her phone rang, and she rushed out in a hurry.

A long time passed, and she still didn’t return.

Unable to get out of bed, I could only wait anxiously.

At that moment, my phone rang.

It was the one my mom had left beside me for company. I thought it was her calling, but to my surprise, it was an unfamiliar number.

When I answered, I still heard the voices of three people.

My mom's voice was concerned: "Nancy, eat more."

Nancy pouted: "No, I’m on a diet…"

Luke: "So thin, and still dieting."

It felt so warm.

In contrast, my hospital room seemed colder than ever.

I suddenly understood—Nancy had always been deliberate.

She was afraid of me coming back…