Nicole stretched out her hand and shook it in front of her eyes. "Mommy, what's the matter with you?"

"Ah? Oh, I...I'm fine. You're about to have surgery. Are you afraid?"

Nicole shook her head. "I'm not afraid at all because I have you and Daddy!"

"Nicole, you brother is here too. Do you want to see him?"

Nicole's eyes lit up instantly. "I want to meet you! Where is he?"

"Hush... Keep your voice down, this is a secret between us, and no one else should know."

Nicole covered her mouth, and