Part 2The Star that Blooms in Darkness

Mom's salary was barely $3,000 a month, and my rehabilitation fees alone were over $2,500.

Even with rehab, the chance of me being like a normal child existed only in theory.

Mom came out of the rehab center, her eyes red.

Just then, I tilted my head in her arms and called out, "Ma... Mama..."

Her eyes instantly lit up like morning stars.

"I knew it!"

"My Holly is the smartest!"

She pressed her forehead against mine, secretly vowing, "I will cure you!"

From that day on, Mom went to the rehab department after work to do odd jobs.

She wanted two things: to reduce fees through labor and to learn the techniques secretly.

The therapists didn't understand why, but seeing she was a hospital employee, they turned a blind eye.

But the Director of Rehabilitation, Dr. Zhao, was a principled woman.

After kicking Mom out for the third time, Dr. Zhao warned her, "The hospital is for treating patients, not for pulling strings. If you come again, I'll talk to your supervisor."

Mom slowly lowered her head, her hands clenched tight.

The next day, she paid off all the arrears and didn't enter the rehab room without permission again.

During that time, she only ate two meals a day.

"You spend all your money on her, what do you eat and use?"

The nurses couldn't stand it and shared their food with Mom.

The head nurse quietly went to Dr. Zhao but was scolded back.

Someone advised Mom, "Give up. She's not your own flesh and blood. What if the rehab doesn't work and she's disabled? Are you going to support her for life?"

Mom smiled. "Then I'll support her for life."

The person didn't persuade her anymore, only silently packing her child's outgrown clothes for Mom.

Neither of them noticed Dr. Zhao standing around the corner, listening to the entire conversation.