Chapter 459

Alex woke up at 5:00 am. The nurse finally agreed to let me enter the ICU with Aunt Tina after our desperate pleas. The anesthesia had worn off, and Alex was staring at us with her big eyes. "Nance," she whispered. Her voice was soft, but the joy in her eyes was palpable. I could no longer hold back my emotions and sobbed, "Does it hurt?" Alex shook her head and replied solemnly, "It doesn't." She said this through gritted teeth. She was clearly trying to reign in her pain with a strong front. She was just over two years old. "Don't cry, Nance." Seemingly to have sensed my turmoil, she cautiously patted the back of my hand. Concern filled her eyes. I forced my tears back and assured, "Don't worry, Alex. The doctor said you can be discharged in another two weeks." Aunt Tina immediately chimed in, "Jack has prepared a beautiful room for you. You'll love it." "I want to go to the aquarium." Alex chanced a glance at me and continued, "With the whole family." "Sure," I said,