Dinner was over, hygiene done and Jillian returned to her bed. She was listening to her companion talking about the her daughters going out to buy something when someone entered her hospital room.

"Well, Jillian. Tomorrow morning, you'll be discharged from the hospital." Bernard Pendergast said as he gave the papers to Jillian. "I can't believe you never have insurance. Good thing you're not paying the bills."

Jillian took the papers but didn't read it. As a nurse who worked in a hospital before, she knew what was written. She's already glad that the doctor's ordered to the remove the IV line attached to her hand and granted her request not to be bothered, with the exemption of the nurse to check on her wound dressings every six hours. She remained sitting upright on her bed and merely smiled at Bernard. "Thank you. I never got insurance because my wages cover my bills, food, and my boys' schooling. But enough of that, shouldn't the Special Forces be the one doing this paper work? After all, they will pay for the bill."

Bernard chuckled and continued to talk as he took the papers and gave it to his wife, who's sitting on a chair and watching over sleeping Bernard Junior. "True, true. They are going to cover all expenses and act as your body guards, but they're not going to follow-up on your papers. And that's the job of the watcher. Don't worry, I'm communicating with the SF. By the way, patients do need a watcher as companion and attend to their needs, yes?"

Jillian never asked the Pendergasts to be her watchers, rather, they volunteered. "Not all patients are fortunate to have people to be their watchers. In my case, it's not necessary that you have to act as one." Secretly, she was grateful for their thoughtfulness.

"Oh, that's nonsense, dear!" Carol Pendergast scoffed. "You're not one of those unfortunate patients without a watcher. And we're friends, aren't we? It's been eight days now. The doctors said you would've been discharged earlier if you weren't undergoing stress. If we haven't appeared, you would've just continued to waste away."

"And don't forget Colonel Blade. She also assisted us in convincing Jillian here to raise her spirit." Bernard reminded his wife.

Jillian remembered. What the husband and wife said were true. They did help in encouraging her, but what made a great impact was Colonel Blade's assurance.

...

(Three days ago)

The liver is a unique organ. It has a lot of blood vessels coursing through it compared to most organs of the body. When wounded, the liver bleeds profusely. However, because blood also carries nutrients, it also helps in healing and regeneration, and the liver heals and regenerates faster compared to other organs. Usually, it only takes one or two days, depending on how severe the damage.

In Jillian's case, the major artery and vein connected to her liver were not severed. Undergoing operation, blood transfusions, medications, and care, Jillian's liver can heal fast in two days time. Her stab wounds on her muscles may take a while but can be attended at home. On the second day she regained consciousness and learned she was admitted to the hospital and guarded by the Special Forces.

Yet, Jillian's emotions were complicating her recovery. Tormented by her worries and worst case scenarios over her sons, her wounds continued to bleed. It got worse when she cried and ate less, making the doctors worry. Instead of two days recovery, her days in the hospital extended to four.

On the fifth day, the Pendergast family arrived. They told Jillian they weren't able to visit her because of 'Special Forces protocols'. Upon learning her status, they started to encourage her.

"Miss Jillian! Please, don't give up hope! You must keep believing!"

"Chance and Chase are smart and brave. They're not easy to get caught. You've just got to believe."

"Dear, please don't cry. All of us are worried. Please, you must stay strong. Not for your sake, but for your boys, too."

"Jillian. I've seen what happened in the school, and what I saw and heard from witnesses confirms what I think... Your sons are special... If they can defeat a group of assassins, their chances of survival are high. Don't worry. I'm sure the SF will find them first. When you're united with them, do you think they'll be happy when they see their mother so weak? I don't think so. If you don't want them to see you like this, better start getting well."

Jillian listened to the Pendergast family. Yes, she knew she have to stay strong but it seems so hard. She even knew that when she'll open her mouth to reply, she would cry. So she just gave them a weak smile to convey she understood but hiding her worries.

A knock sounded from the door before it was opened. A blonde woman in her early forties, wearing military uniform and cap appears. After giving orders to her guards, she closed the door behind her and approaches Jillian's bedside.

"Jillian Neves?" The blonde woman asked. After Jillian nodded, she continued. "My name is Colonel Sonya Blade of the Special Forces. I'm fully aware what you're going through so I'll be direct: the father of your sons, is his name Sub-zero?... Ah, judging by your blank stare, I'm guessing you never knew. You see, Sub-zero is another name for Kuai Liang."

Jillian was shocked to learn that someone connected Kuai Liang and his sons. She wanted to ask, to know more, but she can't or she'll break down.

Sonya understood what Jillian wanted when she gave a sympathizing smile. "I know Sub-zero, ah, Kuai Liang and his ice powers. He's a man of honor and a valuable ally of the SF. When I learned about the Red Dragon's attack on the school and their purpose, I've studied about your family's background and I can see the resemblance of the twins with him. The Red Dragon has a grudge against him and wanted revenge. I don't know how they learned about your sons but they wanted to use them against him. And looks like it got back fired.

"If you want assurance, I can give you that. I've alerted Kuai Liang about this." Sonya paused when Jillian gasped before she continued. "As I said earlier, I know Kuai Liang. The SF are willing to do the job in searching for your sons but he insisted to join, saying these words... 'Upon learning this, I neglect recalling a part of my past that has alleviated my sufferings, and I regret it so much. But I will not wallow into it. What I can do now is make it up to her... I will bring my sons back to her. That is a promise.'"

The last two sentences, Jillian could imagine Kuai Liang speaking those words with strong conviction. And she couldn't contain the overwhelming emotions she bottled up anymore.

"Oh, Kuai Liang..." Jillian buried her face with her hands and wept.