Clara descended the huge staircase of her mansion, elegantly in a pink silk robe. The early morning light streamed through the tall windows, shining on the pristine clean marble floors and expensive architectural designs. Seated on a plush, ivory sofa, was her best friend Eva, who watched her approach, with a steaming cup of tea held tightly in her hands.“Good morning, Clara. You look rested,” Eva said with a warm smile on her face.“Eva. To what do I owe the pleasure of this early morning visit?” Clara replied politely, but in a distant manner as she glided toward the bar to pour herself a glass of mineral water.“I was in the neighborhood and thought I would check on you. And on Daisy, of course. How is she? Any improvements?”Clara’s posture became stiff as she took a slow sip of water before answering dismissively, “Daisy is….fine. It is not important.”Eva smile faded from her face, and it was been replaced by a look of disapproval. “Clara, darling, she is your daughter. You can

For a moment, the only sound that was heard in the corridor was the faint, distant beeping of a monitor. Then, the two police officers took a step forward to Dante, with their hands resting on their belts. “Sir, we are going to need you to come with us,” the older of the two officers said to Dante respectfully. “No. I do not think so,” Caleb’s voice was smooth, but sharp as steel. He stepped forward also as he shifted his posture from a concerned friend to a respected legal person instantly. He took out a leather wallet ID from his breast pocket, and flipped it open to reveal his credentials. “Prosecutor Caleb Walker, and Dr. Vance here is my client. You will understand that a man of his standing, a renowned scientist who has contributed more to this city’s medical world than anyone in this hallway, should not be treated as a flight risk. If you want a statement, you can summon him through the proper channels. You do not arrest him in a hospital, in front of his critically ill ch

Inside the quiet ward, the soft buzzing noise of the medical pod was the only noise that was heard, and Daisy’s eyes were open, as she silently watched Doctor Alice make notes on her digital book.“Doctor Alice?” Daisy called out softly, with her eyes wide open.Doctor Alice looked up, softened her face expression instantly, and replied with a huge smile on her face. “Yes, sweetheart? What is it?”“Are my daddy and mummy okay?”The question, which was so innocent and direct, made Dr. Alice froze with her writing. She carefully set the chart down and moved closer to the pod and asked gingerly, “Why would you ask that, Daisy? They are both fine.”Daisy narrowed her brow with a concern which was far too old for her age. “They have not been here together for a long time. And when Mummy comes….it feels like a storm. I hear them sometimes. Their voices were loud like thunder.” Then she looked down at her small hands and continued, “I wish I was stronger. They they would not have to come her

Doctor Alice was so occupied with the digital numbers of a research paper when a soft, urgent knock sounded at her door.“Come in.” She called out, without looking up from her screen.The door opened a little and Nurse Eva peeked in gingerly, with a troubled expression on her face. “Doctor? There is a situation which requires your attention.”Dr. Alice finally looked up, as her professional instincts kicked in, and asked sharply, “What is it? Is it Daisy? Has her status changed?”“No, no, her vitals are very stable,” Nurse Eva reassured her quickly. “It is….there is a woman. At the ward door, and she is demanding to see Daisy.”Dr. Alice sprang to her feet instantly and moved toward the door but paused, with her hand on the handle. Then she looked back and asked slowly, “Is it Clara?”“No,” Eva whispered. “It is someone else. She is very….insistent.”After taking a deep breath to prepare herself, Dr. Alice stepped out onto the corridor to see a woman standing there indeed, with a perf

Clara walked into the opulent sitting room to find Eva perched on the edge of a velvet chair, with a half finished glass of orange juice in her hand and a deep scowl etched on her face. Clara laughed airily as she glided toward the crystal jugs on the bar. “Pouring yourself juice? Oh Eva, I know that look. You only drink juice when you are very furious. What is the problem this time?” She poured herself a generous measure of red wine and downed it in one gulp.Eva laid her glass down with a sharp click and asked slowly, “when was the last time you visited your daughter, Clara?”Clara groaned and rolled her eyes as she poured herself another glass. “Oh please. Do not start. Not you, too.”“I went to the hospital today?” Eva said stiffly. “To see Daisy. And do you know what happened? Your ex husband blocked my entry. He stood there like a guard dog and told me I was not getting anywhere near her.” She leaned forward as she stared at Clara with her sharp eyes. “And then he and that doct