Chapter 1619

Lily poured herself a glass of water, gulping half of it before regaining her composure. She took a deep breath, still shaken by the lingering nightmare. She knew the virus would affect everyone, even if it didn't transform people into monsters. Take Burnkwen, for instance. The pandemic raged there, and despite government-imposed lockdowns in various areas, the spread continued unabated. Sometimes, the origins of infection remained unknown.

“We detected and contained cases early,” she recalled, “but who knows if it will worsen? And finding a cure is difficult; everyone responds differently to the virus.”

The lingering sleepiness had vanished as she massaged her temples. Yet, her heart ached for those suffering from the virus. She dressed, left her room, and approached the patients' area. She paused outside the partitioned room, observing for a moment.

The little girl was awake, sitting on the bed, playing with a Barbie doll. She wasn’t hooked up to an IV drip. Dr. Morris had mentioned her mother had given it to her. But from the child's expression, Lily could see she was happy. She looked pretty and adorable, her face beaming. Lily couldn't help but smile as she stood outside the door.

Suddenly, the little girl looked up and saw Lily. Surprised, she grinned and waved. Lily waved back, then opened the door and entered.

"Doctor..." the girl began.

"Just call me Lily," Lily corrected her gently.

"You're so pretty, Lily," the little girl said, revealing a sweet smile that warmed Lily's heart. But a moment later, the girl frowned and began to cough. Lily's concern grew.

"Are you feeling unwell?" she asked.

The little girl coughed a few more times, patted her chest, and smiled. "It's okay. I feel better after I cough a couple of times."

"Debbie," Lily murmured, remembering the name from the file. "Is Debbie your name?"

"Yes," the little girl nodded obediently, her large eyes blinking. "Lily, do you think I will live? Will I be able to leave this place?"

Her innocent question filled Lily with sadness. Lily smiled reassuringly, sat beside the bed, and stroked the little girl's hair. "Don't be silly! Of course, you'll live. You're just sick; you can go home when you're well."

Debbie's smile faltered at the word "home," and she frowned. "I-I don't have a home."

"How can you not have a home? Everyone has a home. Even though your mommy is no longer around, what about your daddy? Grandparents?"

Lily realized there was no such information in Debbie's file. Despite her extended stay, no one had called to inquire about her well-being, let alone visit. Debbie looked pitiful as she shook her head, her thin brows furrowed.