Jamie shook her head. "I'm just really tired right now."

"Then keep sleeping. I'm relieved to see you're okay." Winnie stood up to leave, not wanting to disturb her further.

She headed downstairs to make breakfast and set the table, then called Ben over to eat. After all he had done for her, she felt it was only right to show her gratitude by taking care of these small things.

Once breakfast was over, Ben left for work, and Winnie sat on the couch, watching TV. Jamie continued sleeping until she woke up naturally.

Glancing at the time, she quickly got ready and hurried downstairs. "Winnie, I overslept. I need to get to the hospital now."

"Wait, I already packed breakfast for you. Take it with you to eat on the way. Skipping breakfast will upset your stomach, and you know how sensitive it is." Winnie dashed into the kitchen and returned with the packed breakfast. "I made two portions. One for you and one for Charlie."

"Thank you," Jamie said, taking the breakfast but unable to meet Winnie's eyes.

She left the house quickly, breathing in the fresh air outside as if it could cleanse her. If only Ben would suddenly replace it in his heart to leave her alone. But she knew it was a foolish hope.

It was already late, and just as she arrived at the bus stop, a bus passed by. Waiting for the next one would mean another 20 minutes, and she didn't want to keep Charlie waiting alone in the hospital.

Steeling herself, she hailed a cab, spending the little money she had left. After paying the fare, she saw that her bank balance had dropped to just a few dollars, barely enough to buy Charlie a nutritious meal.

To make matters worse, a nurse

entered the hospital room with a bill in hand, urging her to settle the fees. "Miss Lewis, your son's medical funds have run out, and there's still an outstanding balance of $100. Please try to pay it by the end of the day."

"Could I possibly get a few more days?" Jamie could only plead with the nurse.

Since Charlie fell ill, Jamie had been the only one running around the hospital, occasionally joined by Winnie. As for Charlie's father, it was as if he had vanished, never once showing his face.

The nurse, sympathetic to her

struggles as a single mom, said, "I understand, Miss Lewis, but it's hospital policy. If you can't settle the bill by today, we'll have to discharge him Please try to replace a way to pay, at least for the outstanding amount."

"I understand. Thank you." Jamie didn't blame the nurse. She only hated how helpless she was.

Why, at her age, was she still struggling over a mere $100?

"Mommy." A soft, adorable voice sounded behind her.

Jamie turned to comfort her son. "Charlie, be good. Let's eat first. Mommy will figure out the money."

"No." Charlie put down his bun, shaking his head seriously. "I want to be discharged. Those medicines taste awful, and the shots hurt. I don't want treatment anymore."

"But what will we do if you don't get treated? Charlie, you're all Mommy has. I can't lose you." Jamie looked at her son, her heart breaking.

Charlie was her only reason to keep going. Without him, she might have ended it all a long time ago.

"Mommy, you could have another

healthy baby A healthy baby

wouldn't need so much care and wouldn't cost so much. You wouldn't have to work so hard." Charlie grasped her hand, his face filled with

guilt. "It's all my fault. I'm the one who's been such a burden to you."

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