Hearing Lily's voice, Charles put down the document in his hand and gently held her in his palm, stroking her. "Stop worrying so much. There will be a way, trust me."
As Charles's hand stroked her body, he realized the once soft, fluffy little mouse was gone. He could clearly feel the bones beneath her skin.
"Mr. Charles, I don't even dare look in the mirror anymore. Do I look terrible now?"
"Not at all. You're still our adorable little Lily." Charles bent down and kissed her sunken cheek. "Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?"
"I'm not hungry. I'm a bit sleepy... I'm going to take a nap." After she spoke, her eyes slowly closed and her limbs went limp.
Seeing this, Charles quickly licked his finger and anxiously placed it under Lily's nose. He let out a sigh of relief when he felt a faint breath.
He placed Lily on the pillow with the utmost gentleness, then tiptoed quietly out to the balcony.
