Sharon’s voice continued from above. "It seems that Miss Helena's illness isn't cured at all. She probably needs another three years."
Hearing that, I collapsed into silence, curling into a ball, trying to shrink into the corner.
At that moment, Sharon ran down the hall to Lucas, who had just arrived. She threw her arms around him, saying, "Lucas, you're finally here. We’ve almost finished eating."
"Sorry, I got held up." He looked at her tenderly. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you. Is that a gift for me?" She snatched the paper bag from his hand, peeking inside and exclaiming, "Wow, it's my favorite brand! Thank you, Lucas!"
"As long as you like it," Lucas replied softly. He hadn’t noticed me trembling in the corner. It wasn’t until Sharon pointed me out that he looked over, shocked to see me.
He pulled me from the corner, his grip firm but not painful. "Helena, why are you here?"
His voice was filled with surprise and concern as he examined me closely. He held me tightly, his hand gently patting my cheek in an attempt to bring me back to reality. "Helena, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you speaking?"