Dr. Ellis stepped outside briefly to call India.
Within minutes Dr. Sumitra answered.
"How is she?"
"Stable."
"Good. I'm transferring the money immediately."
Alankrita immediately sat up.
"No."
Everyone turned toward her.
"I already paid."
Silence.
Dr. Ellis looked surprised.
"You did?"
Alankrita nodded.
"Professor article payments."
"Research work."
"Bookshop profits."
"Savings."
She looked slightly embarrassed.
"I had enough."
For several seconds nobody spoke.
Sara smiled quietly.
Sam looked proud.
Mei Lin looked emotional.
Thousands of kilometres away...
Dr. Sumitra remained silent on the phone.
Finally she spoke.
"Our little girl grew up without asking permission."
Alankrita laughed softly.
Then cried immediately afterward.