Ms. Fielding rolled her eyes at the doctor. “Ignore her.” To Sherry, she said, “Honey, I told you already that I’m gonna pay for this. As long as our little one is taken care of.” Ms. Fielding’s gaze drilled into her as if she wanted to burn a hole into Sherry’s head.

Honey? Our little one?

Ms. Fielding raised her arm as if she wanted to lay it over Sherry’s shoulder but seemed to think better of it because she let it fall to her side like a log.

Was this supposed to be a bad joke? If she refused to join in, would this mean that Jake wouldn’t be taken care of? God, I wish I knew what’s going on.

Before Sherry could decide what to do, Doctor Bennet asked, “Does Jake suffer from any serious sicknesses or allergies we should know about?”

Sherry shook her head. “His tonsils become infected every now and then, and he gets a cold easily, but that’s it. No allergies I know of.”

“Has his heart been checked out in the past?”

“His heart?” Her own started beating faster. “No, why?”

Dr. Bennet gave her a smile that probably was supposed to calm her down but failed miserably. “Just a precaution. I would like to keep Jake here to run some tests. And if you agree, we would like to give him an antibiotic to help reduce the infection. As soon as the infection is down, I’d like to get his tonsils removed for good.”

This sounded like a dream. But it was just that: a dream. She would never be able to afford such treatment.

Jake tried to smile at her, but his face contorted into a painful grimace instead.

As much as she wished she could agree, Sherry had no idea what this woman wanted her to do in exchange. And judging from Ms. Fielding’s arrogant smile, she had a feeling she didn’t want to find out.

She took a deep breath. “I think I can’t do th—”

“Honey, could I talk to you for a second?” Ms. Fielding asked. “Outside,” she hissed.

Why not? It couldn’t hurt to find out what this was all about. After all, this wasn’t about her; this was about Jake. “Okay.”

Ms. Fielding addressed the doctor. “Go ahead. We’ll be right back.”

The doctor nodded.

Ms. Fielding grabbed Sherry’s arm and pulled her toward the door.

Sherry broke free of her grip and hurried back to Jake. She took his chin between thumb and forefinger. “I’ll be just outside.”

“Okay, Mom,” Jake croaked out.

It took all her will to let go of him, kiss his forehead, and follow Ms. Fielding out of the room.