Evil longing.

The next day clock ticked towards lunchtime as mom and dad, putting aside their worries, bought hot oatmeal. As they reached the VIP room, they saw, their son and daughter getting along well. Jack took a few days off to accompany her since he is restless after the media barging in incident. It brought a warm feeling, but it also made them feel sad for Rose, feeling sorry they weren't there for her when she needed them most. If they hadn't left, her back at home than she wouldn't have met with that accident. Just before this Doctor has finalized her condition and is confirmed that she is diagnosed with CIPA. This is terrifying.

The parent's caring hearts were deeply troubled by Rose having a disease like CIPA, a really unfortunate situation. Rose glance towards the door and smiled at her parents who brought her oatmeal. She knew her condition, CIPA. It spared her from feeling pain in her past life. Now that they knew about her condition, would they allow her to go to school? They definitely won't! They also won't let her be uneducated. It is also clear. Her mother is strong, and she believes that every person must study given in any situation. Be it poor or rich, disable or able. They are not deprived of education. It all depends on the person.

In past life too her mother was very angry at her because she denied going to school. It was to play with Boyle. Boyle as a year older is naturally one class higher than her and thus they won't meet at school. Even though she stayed at home things were same, but Boyle said, "If you don't go to school than you won't have to do homework. If so, we can play at home during your homework hour." A foolish girl she was, she never once question about her thoughts and confronted her parents. That was another act of disappointment she had done. After this countless other followed which eventually led to her parents leaving her within Amber mansion to live separately. Rose sighed ruefully.

They were in the VIP room at BAILEY hospital, known for being the best hospital in the entire Eastern country. Everyone knows that she is in this hospital and the danger is still lurking. But today her test results are out so they have decided to stay here. The walls are soundproof and have a facility that may be not found even in some famous resorts. The security is also very good, and since no one visited here there is no way to have any camera and recorder to hear their conversation. So, Catherine didn't care about being overheard by others and inquired about her, "Sweetie, can you feel any pain or discomfort?” while saying this her tone slightly trembled and was also hopeful. She wanted her to feel the pain because if not then it would be very concerning.

In a composed tone, Rose reassured her mother, gently expressing, "I'm not feeling any pain or discomfort at all. I truly feel alright." She bit her pink lips and asked, "Can't we leave the hospital?" Her fervent desire to swiftly leave the hospital was fueled by her eagerness to resume school, yearning to break free from the need to be befriend Boyle.

The color drained from her parents faces, leaving them ashen and visibly distressed. Catherine and Leo, known for their directness, found it excruciating to withhold words from Rose. Despite their reluctance, they felt compelled to share the news of illness with her, understanding that without her awareness, she would be left vulnerable. The unique condition of CIPA demands complete isolation, rendering trust in others impossible.

As Rose anticipated, her father's voice resonated with mix of concern and caution, gently urging, "My dear, we need to wait for all the tests to conclude. Dr. John's explained that you have an exceedingly rare condition- unable to feel any pain. That's why, it's not advisable for you to leave the hospital. Let's give it a few more days." Leo did his best to appear normal while discussing the saddening news, yet it was challenging to mask the heaviness of the situation in any tone.

Jack's complexion drained of color, leaving his face as pallid as paper, a stark reaction to Leo's words. Almost involuntarily, he pressed further, his voice tingled with desperation, "Sister, isn't there even the faintest hint of discomfort? Anything else you're sensing besides pain?" His desperation stemmed from his intimate knowledge of her condition. He couldn't bear the thought of Rose forsaking her desires, of concealing herself from the world. It wasn't just about her hiding; it was about shielding her from life shrouded in the constant dread towards people.

Rose after seeing their reaction doesn't know how to respond. She slowly pinched her hands tightly, but she didn't feel anything. Turning herself toward her parents and brother she smiled and confessed “I didn't feel anything including pain and tickling. It doesn't matter I'll just stay at the home and will read books instead of making friends.” She said it while smiling and didn't take any notice of her parents and brother. Her head still lowered.

In a poignant moment, Catherine, the usually composed mother, found herself, unable to halt the waves of tears, her vulnerability laid bare in the presence of her children. Leo and Jack, known for their unwavering calmness, now shared in her emotional vulnerability, their usually resolute gazes softened, their eyes reddened by unshed tears. Amidst this, young Rose, a nine-year-old in body but with a heart well beyond her years, couldn't bear witnessing her family's sorrow. With a voice filled with determination she spoke, her words a balm to their collective pain; "It's okay. I'm alright. Please, don't cry. If you cry, mama, then I'll cry too."

Rose, an endearing girl, possesses stunningly deep blue eyes like boundless ocean, complemented by porcelain-like skin- a daughter cherished by all. However, she now has this treacherous illness, a reality so heart-wrenching it's nearly impossible not to be moved to tears. Witnessing their beloved child endure such hardship leaves Catherine's eyes sore and swollen from relentless weeping, a witness to the depth of their pain and concern.

Through teary eyes, Rose sought to reassure her family, her voice quivering slightly as she spoke. "It's just a disease, I'll be okay as long as I take care of myself." With trembling smile, she pleaded, "Please don't cry, Papa, Mama, Brother, I'm very much fine." Her attempt to console them faltered as her own emotions overwhelmed her, tears streaming down her cheeks as she tried to stifle her sobs.

In the midst of tearful sobs, three of them, unable to bear the continuous lamenting, shifted their focus toward consoling Rose with gentle coaxing. As the cries subsided, Leo, being the first to regain composure, tenderly planted a kiss on Rose's forehead before softly prompting, "Darling, please tell Papa who pushed you into the Pond." The intensity of curiosity and concern mirrored in Catherine and Jack's unwavering gazes fixated on Rose, both eager to unravel the incident that had transpired.

In the hush of the moment, her voice trembled softly as she began recounting the incident, her words weighted with hidden urgency. "It happened while elder cousin Boyle and I were playing by the side of the pond." She murmured, a hint of vulnerability threading her tone. "She insisted on playing near the water, saying it would be more fun to see our reflection in it. I consented, but as we stood there, she suddenly pushed me. Instinctively, I reached out and grasped her sleeves, but it was futile. We both tumbled into the water."

Her recounting was punctuated by visible sense of distress, as if the memories were still vivid in her mind. "Cousin hurried out, helped by her attendant, leaving me in the water, promising to seek help. Time passed but no one came." She still remembered the feeling of abyss closing in, nearly succumbing to the depth of the pond's embrace. "If not for the sudden arrival of elder brother, I feared I might have..." Catherine intervened abruptly. Her hands hushed silenced Rose, not letting her complete her haunting recollection. She is very terrified that her hands are shaking.

The atmosphere was thought with tension as Father, Mother and Brother Jack all shared a singular intention-to seek explanations from their 'beloved relatives'. Their demeanor exuded as icy coldness that sent shivers down Rose's spine, causing her to tremble ever so slightly in response to the palpable intensity in the air. They witnessed Rose's frail condition, a wave of affection surged within the hearts of three. Contemplation intensified their grief-stricken minds as they realized that had it not been for the presence of those relatives, the insidious diseases would have never ensnared Rose. Each thought led the wise elders of Rose to solemn conclusion-they could no longer risk being in proximity to their cherished relatives, sacrificing their closeness for Rose's well-being.

Joy illuminated Rose's heart as she beheld a future where two stately Amber houses would grace the future, a prospect that filled her with eager anticipation. Her heart swelled with evil longing for the imminent reunions- her beloved cousin, the elderly couple who held her dear, and her treasured second uncle and aunt. With this moment, a new phase, laden with promises, dawned upon her life. In the intricate web of relationship, Leo and Catherine stood as an indomitable due, their bond an example of unwavering strength. Alongside them Jack, an enigmatic figure of striking allure, added an intriguing dimension to their familial tapestry. Regret lingered like a bitter aftertaste, thinking what might have happened had Rose not distance herself from this formidable trio. The cruel hand of fate seemed to paint a tragic portrait, starkly contrasting what might have been a less dismal conclusion.

In her previous life, she bore the burden of CIPA, telling Boyle under the impression that no one cared for her well-being. Her trust in her was unwavering, naively believing in her sole protection from the people around her. But this altered soul, shaped by the vicissitudes of time, now inhabits an innocent façade concealing a heart bereft of warmth, shrouded solely in an icy indifference despite the appearance of purity.

Leo and Jack console her and Catherine's gaze softened as she returned to the same thought, her concern for Rose evident in the lines etched on her face. In her mind, Rose appeared fragile, a gentle spirit burdened by the weight of bullying endured. This perception stirred a deep resolve within Catherine, urging her to contemplate a thorough investigation into the matter once Rose was discharged. Her words emerged slowly, imbued with tenderness and worry, as she proposed, "Shall we eat first? Our Rose needs strength. My precious has grown slender. I fear she lacks essential nourishment."

After their meal, Leo went to complete the discharge paper himself, regretting the absence of his trusted assistant. The decision weighed heavily on him as he mulled over the idea that there is little difference between remaining in the medical or at home. The notion of keeping Rose at home seemed far better prospect. Leo's mind while handling the papers tussle with the realization that the state of his beloved child is linked to his stepmother and his own father, causing a chill to settle over his heart, his heart icy. The nurse and doctor walking by him were stunned by his cold aura.

Rose was happy to hear that they will be going back home. The earlier incident happened without her doing anything. It never happened before. This time her parents must have made arrangements to catch the culprit and Rose is very happy regarding this.