"Felicia, thank you for loving my brother, for accepting him!

", As Susie said this, she raised her hands, offering me a mug of tea with utmost respect, her eyes brimming with tears., In that moment, a wave of emotion hit me, too., But I couldn't help but smile.

"Listen to you, talking as if your brother was the last man on earth.

", Susie pouted, and I took the mug from her, taking a sip., The clear, floral fragrance of the tea enveloped my taste buds, unlike anything I had ever experienced before., It was like morning dew, a divine elixir, extraordinary in every sense.,

"Felicia, my brother put off dating because of me. He was worried his future wife wouldn't treat me well, would disdain me...

" Susie's voice trailed off., I knew why she suddenly stopped., She was afraid Ernest hadn't told me about her illness, afraid that knowing she was sick, I would look down on Ernest., I couldn't help but take another sip of the heavenly tea.

"Look down on you because of your health? Do I look like someone that shallow to you?

" With those words, I made Susie laugh and breathe a sigh of relief., Yet, she asked again,

"Felicia, did my brother tell you about my condition?

",

"Of course, why else would I come all this way? I came to see you and then...

" My voice trailed off as I looked around and shook my head gently., Susie's eyes were filled with curiosity,

"And then what?

", I could feel her sensitivity, especially about anything related to her brother, so I continued,

"Then to take you back with me. But seeing your Eden here, I feel I have no right to take you away.

" Even though I had a place for her, protected from the elements, what kind of life would that be compared to this freedom, this joy?, Now I understood why Ernest left her here, not willing to take her away., This place, with its serene mountains and waters, was the most soothing, the most nurturing.,

"If you're taking me, Felicia, I'll go,

" Susie said with unexpected eagerness., I was taken aback.

"You'd leave this place?

", She didn't answer, quietly sipping her tea., Seeing her like this, I realized she was torn. She cherished her freedom here, yet part of her longed for something else., It's a common human dilemma, wanting to have it all., It's not greed but instinct, a desire for the unattainable, always stirring within us., Susie's condition meant she couldn't live like other girls, go wherever she wished. Perhaps the life I envied, her fairy-tale existence, was her prison.,

"Felicia, I want to get better, to stop my brother worrying,

" Susie shared., Now that she brought up her illness, it was easier to discuss,

"Hasn't your brother sought treatment for you?

", As I asked, I remembered my deal with Ernest. I'd finance his sister's treatment in exchange for his debt.,

"We've looked into it, but it requires a heart transplant,

" Susie bit her lip.

"But the surgery's risky, and with my rare blood type... my brother... he's afraid to take that risk.

" Holding the mug, my hand trembled slightly. Ernest was so afraid of losing her that he hesitated to opt for surgery., He must be terrified of losing her!, Otherwise, why not take the chance?, Without surgery, Susie's life hung in balance, but as long as she wasn't stressed or overly excited, she'd remain alive before him., Yet, despite the high hopes pinned on the surgery, there was a risk it could mean losing her forever. My heart felt as if it had been bitten, aching.,

"Your brother's scared of losing you,

" I voiced Ernest's fears., Susie nodded,

"I know, but I want to be healthy, not have him worry about me every day.

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