All the children became teary-eyed as he left. Roxanne, too, bowed her head, trying to conceal her sorrow. Jack's voice reached her then. "There are many similar cases, and all we can do is help them as much as possible. It's okay to be sad, but don't let it overwhelm you."

Roxanne understood the logic, but coping with it remained difficult. The child had been so polite and kind; his fate was especially hard to accept.

Jack said little more, leaving her with a simple, "There are other children waiting for you." He returned to his seat.

Roxanne took a deep breath and looked down at the children beside her. Each one gazed upward, their large eyes filled with a primal fear—the fear of death. They worried about the boy who had left and feared a similar fate.

Their terror compelled Roxanne to suppress her grief. Crouching, she looked into their eyes and comforted them softly. "Don't worry, children. We're here to protect you; everyone will grow up safe and healthy. Your friend will be back soon."

She turned quickly, unable to maintain eye contact. She stumbled slightly as she rose, but maintained a calm façade as she patted the bed and asked, "Okay, who's next?"

A considerable time passed before a child fearfully climbed onto the bed. Roxanne glanced at him; her heart ached as she treated him. Fortunately, the remaining children had minor ailments she could treat. However, the three other doctors faced many seriously ill children. Periodically, a child would leave for the hospital.

Each departure brought understandable distress. Daniel watched, his frown deepening with each child's departure. Despite his traditional medicine background—and occasional arrogance and jealousy—the inherent kindness of a doctor remained. They worked until the orphanage served lunch in the cafeteria.

Roxanne and the others stopped, their hearts heavy. They finished with the remaining children and escorted everyone to the cafeteria.

No one knew what had happened. Perhaps the children who left Roxanne's and the others' cubicles had spoken, but nearly every child in the orphanage stared at Roxanne during lunch. The other doctors, too, were curiously observant.

Sensing their gazes, Roxanne felt acutely uncomfortable.

"Miss?" a child asked, cautiously approaching while holding his food tray.

Roxanne turned, smiling. "What is it?"

The child paused before asking, "The others said the candy you gave out is delicious. Can I have one?"

Roxanne was momentarily stunned, then smiled. She retrieved sweets from her purse. "Here are a few flavors. If you like them, I'll bring more next time."

The child grinned shyly, taking a drumstick from his tray. "Thank you, Miss. I know you've been working hard, so here. I love drumsticks, but I'll give this one to you."

Roxanne was surprised. Smiling, a complex emotion welled up within her. "Thank you."

The child smiled shyly before turning and leaving.