Ann smiled and said in a childish voice, "Mommy, if I really go to heaven, you and Daddy can't be sad.
"In the next life, I will still be your child. I will become an angel in heaven and protect Daddy and you."
Julianna's eyes turned wet in an instant, and her tears streamed down uncontrollably. "Ann, your illness can be cured. You will not leave me.
"We will be together for a long, long time."
Ann's eyes lit up. "Mommy, are you going to remarry Daddy? After I recover, will we never be separated again?"
Ann looked at Mommy expectantly.
"Yes." To comfort Ann, Julianna nodded heavily.
"It's a deal then. Mommy, don't lie to me. When I get better, you have to remarry Daddy."
"Okay, I won't lie to you."
"Let's pinky swear," Ann said and stretched out her pinky.
Julianna paused for a moment, but she still hooked her pinky with Ann.
"Hurry up and sleep."
"Okay!"
...
The next day.