Chapter 98

• Howard's shock lingered, the words "foster kids" echoing as Ruby beamed beside him in the humming pediatric ward. He cleared his throat, glancing at the foster mom with quiet intensity. "What about her parents?" he asked softly, voice edged with genuine concern.
• The woman sighed, kneeling to Ruby's level, her weary eyes softening. "Her mother couldn't care for her—overwhelmed, unable to afford treatment for Ruby's heart condition. That's why she was given to me." She squeezed Ruby's hand gently. Howard nodded, processing, then pressed further: "And her father?"
• "No information about him," the foster mom replied sadly, shaking her head. "Never in the picture." She stood, holding Ruby's tiny hand. "Come on, sweetheart, back to your ward now." They walked away slowly, Ruby clutching her pink bunny, waving back with a trusting smile.