Few medical personnel stayed behind for the follow-up rescue in Hezhou County. Lin Mengmeng was the only pediatrician, diagnosing many patients every day. By the time she returned to her lodging at night, it was always late. In the quiet night, just as Lin Mengmeng was about to lie down to sleep, she suddenly felt her body stiffening, overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. She knew she was having another episode! Habitually reaching for her medicine, she found the bottle empty. The stiffness spread, slowing her thoughts, and she belatedly remembered that her medication had run out days ago. Being too busy, she had forgotten to call Chen Zhe. Her only movable hand seemed to lose strength gradually. Lin Mengmeng slid down beside the bed, biting her lip to maintain her last bit of consciousness. For a moment, she was suddenly very afraid, fearing that she might not have the strength to get up the next day.
Like a statue, she endured the entire night, relying on the pain to keep her body rigid. It wasn’t until the next morning when the sun slowly rose outside the window that her body began to regain strength. She quickly grabbed her phone to call Chen Zhe: “Doctor Chen, I’ve run out of medication. Could you send some more?” Chen Zhe’s voice on the other end was grave: “I understand, but your episodes are becoming more frequent. You should come back as soon as possible.” Lin Mengmeng gave a low response: “The follow-up rescue is almost over; I’ll be back soon.” After hanging up, Lin Mengmeng was too weak to go to the clinic and had to rest in her dorm.
Winter snow arrived swiftly in Hezhou County. Even on sunny days, the cold wind was relentless, quickly filling her room with chill. Sitting by the balcony, Lin Mengmeng watched the snow outside, lost in thought until evening. After some time, her phone rang, showing “Shao’s Mother” on the caller ID. Lin Mengmeng paused, then answered.