Willard Kraft crept cautiously down the hall carrying the purchases that he had made earlier that morning. He hoped that the nurses didn't spot him again. They had been furious when they found him after Hilda had kicked him out the day before and had threatened him with restraints if he moved from his bed.

'What do they think they're running here, a prison?' he thought. He couldn't believe how long it had taken for him to find his wallet, not to mention his pants. Somehow, he didn't think they would have let him into the hospital gift shop dressed only in a hospital gown that would get him convicted of indecent exposure if he was seen in public in it. He finally made it to Zelda's room without detection and cautiously pushed the door open hoping that Hilda wouldn't be there. He stopped when he saw a woman that he assumed was Zelda's mother sitting beside her holding her hand and crying. He hated to disturb her but he knew that this might be his only chance to see Zelda without Hilda being there to prevent it.

"I'm sorry," he whispered as he crept towards the bed. Zelda's mother looked up and acknowledged his presence but she was so caught up in her grief that she didn't reply. Willard quietly sat down in one of the chairs beside Zelda and took her other hand. "I never meant for any of this to happen. If I could take her place, I would in an instant."

He opened the bag that he had been holding and took out a single red rose. He placed it carefully on the pillow next to Zelda's cheek so that she would be able to smell the fragrance easily. Then he took out a small brown teddy bear with a red ribbon around it's neck and a small heart in one hand. He tucked the bear into bed next to Zelda so that her hand was resting on top of it. Tears were rolling down his face as he looked at her, knowing that her condition was all his fault.

"Please wake up, Zuzu," He whispered as he pulled the blankets up around her. She felt so cold and lifeless. What would he do if he lost her.