Just after delivering my baby, my 8-year-old daughter arrived at my hospital room. She softly pulled the curtain shut and murmured, «Mom, hide under the bed, quick.» Together, we slipped beneath, hearts racing, barely breathing. Then, footsteps drew near, and she gently pressed her hand over my mouth…

Along with fear, there was determination in her daughter’s eyes. Lily gently pointed to her mother’s arm, showing the watch-like nurse call button attached to it. Deborah understood and nodded slightly.

It was a race against time. From their limited view under the bed, they could see Rachel’s and Michael’s feet still facing each other. You promised me a future together.

Rachel’s voice was growing louder. If she were gone, we could be a perfect family. Are you crazy? Michael’s voice shook with anger.

I only said I wanted to end our affair. I never talked about hurting Deborah or Lily or the baby. Under the bed, Deborah stiffened at hearing her name.

Beside her, Lily silently wept. Deborah gently embraced her daughter, trying to encourage her. Thomas remained with his eyes closed, barely breathing.

Break up. Break up with me. Rachel’s voice turned cold and sharp.

Didn’t you tell me things weren’t going well with your wife? That you didn’t want a second child? I did say that. But it was from pre-birth anxiety. The moment I saw Thomas, my thinking changed, Michael’s voice had regained its composure.

Rachel, calm down. Nothing irreversible has happened yet. Put down that syringe, and let’s talk.

Deborah had complex feelings about her husband’s words. She couldn’t forgive his infidelity, but at least now he was trying to protect his family. Rachel’s foot stepped forward.

It’s too late, Michael. I’ve planned everything. Deborah’s illness, the overdose of medication, it’s all my doing.

I’ve prepared it so no one will question if she dies from complications. Michael could be heard gasping. You, are you sane? Love sometimes drives people mad, Rachel’s voice had regained a strange calmness.

If you love me, you should understand. This is for our future. Deborah felt the blood in her body freezing.

Rachel was completely insane. And she was desperately thinking of a way to escape this situation. She had pressed the nurse call button, but how long would it for hospital staff to arrive? Rachel, you’re sick.

You need help, Michael’s feet stepped backward. I will never allow you to hurt Deborah. So.

Rachel’s voice echoed coldly. Then you’re an obstacle too. Footsteps moved, and it seemed a struggle had begun between them.

Deborah couldn’t see what was happening, but she heard something fall to the floor. Michael let out a pained sound. Rachel, stop.

Lily’s hand gripped Deborah’s arm tightly. Deborah sensed her daughter’s terror. She was trembling with fear herself, but she had to appear strong in front of Lily.

Just then, the hospital room door was flung open. Is everything all right? The nurse call. Another nurse’s voice could be heard.

Then, a moment of silence, followed by a surprised voice. Rachel? What are you doing? Don’t interfere. Rachel shouted…