I felt like I had been struck by lightning, freezing in place as a chill enveloped me.

Ivanna was too impulsive! At this age, couldn't she think more empathetically? Couldn’t she consider what she could do to fight for herself?

I sensed an unprecedented sense of helplessness.

Seeing me standing there like a statue, the medical assistant seemed a bit startled. She looked at me and asked, "Are you okay? Do you feel unwell? Do you need help?"

I collected myself, shook my head numbly, and weakly asked, "How long ago did she leave?"

She seemed a bit perplexed by my question. "Are you talking about Ivanna?"

I nodded.

She responded indifferently, "She left quite a while ago."

I thanked her in a soft voice. She just raised an eyebrow and continued with her work, paying no further attention to me.

As I turned around in a daze, I pondered. She must have gone home by now. At this moment, she must be feeling lonely and helpless, needing care more than ever.

With these thoughts, I ran out