Fasting

Mrs. Harris, her eyes still glistening with tears, gently laid Emma Hart on the bed. 

She couldn't hold back any longer and spoke up, "Miss Emma, why can't you just be a little more compliant? You wouldn't have to suffer so much if you were." 

Gently, Emma Hart reached out her hand, touching Mrs. Harris's face and wiping away a tear.

 "I'm sorry, Mrs. Harris, I don't want to live that way. Please don't be sad for me…" As she spoke, Emma couldn't stop her own tears from falling.

"I'll go get you a glass of water," Mrs. Harris said, dabbing at her tears, unable to bear looking at Emma's tear-streaked face any longer.

Soon, Mrs. Harris returned, accompanied by a private doctor. 

"Mrs. Harris, this is…" Emma started.