Loretta looked at Sheldon for a long moment. She could see the desperation in his eyes now. The pride he had carried into the room was gone, replaced by the fear of losing his daughter.
Still, Loretta did not immediately respond.
"I heard your apology," she said calmly. "But there is no rule that says I have to forgive you simply because you apologized."
Sheldon froze.
He had not expected her to say something like that. He thought that as long as he lowered his head, she would give in.
"I know," he said, his voice low. "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness."
Sheldon clenched his jaw before finally lowering his pride completely.
"My daughter is dying."
Loretta's expression changed.
"Your daughter?"
"She was poisoned," Sheldon said, his voice becoming strained. "The doctors have been trying to keep her alive, but they can't stop the poison. We have searched everywhere for the antidote, but we can't get it in time."
