In the time that followed, Amanda Smith was surrounded by a circle of doctors checking her condition, and Samuel Johnson was pushed aside and couldn't get in.
After a slew of examinations, Amanda Smith drifted off into a dozy sleep again, and Mrs. Johnson came in from outside, tugging at Samuel Johnson's hand, whispering, "Samuel, you should go rest for a while. I'll stay here and watch over her."
Samuel Johnson stared at Amanda Smith for a long moment, his gaze falling on her wrist wrapped in bandages, his eyes contracting violently as if pierced by some object. He bit down on his teeth, nodded to his mother, then opened the door and left.
He went to the restroom, splashed his face forcefully with cold water, and saw a young face reflected in the mirror, pale and drawn, bloodshot eyes abound.
Drying off his face, he leaned on the edge of the washstand and lit a cigarette.