During my visit to his family home, I knew Susie must have spilled the beans to him.,

"If you like it there, maybe in the future...

" he started, then paused, leaving his sentence hanging in the air., I quirked an eyebrow.

"In the future, what?

", Ernest swallowed hard,

"In the future... we could retire there.

",

"Just me?

" I blurted out before my brain could catch up.,

"I'd be with you, if you want,

" he shot back, always one to cut to the chase., But at that moment, I balked. Who knows what the future holds, especially something as distant as growing old.,

"I talked to a specialist for Susie. Send me her medical records,

" I quickly changed the subject., Just last night, I was internally mocking Fanny for being an ostrich, burying her head in the sand. Turns out, I'm not so different. Sure, I might be a bit of an ostrich sometimes, but I've also got other things on my plate, like playing hard to get with Ernest., Fanny once said the reason Conrad always seemed so nonchalant, taking me for granted, was simple. I was too easy to get., People tend to value what they have to work for. Like when you're given a piece of fruit, you wouldn't hesitate to toss it if you don't want it. No big deal. But if you bought it yourself, even if it tastes off, you'd probably eat it anyway., Ernest fell silent, and recalling Susie's concerns, I knew he was worried.,

"I'll have someone review her records first, assess the surgical risks, then you can decide,

" I said, giving him the decision power.,

"I've had it looked into. The risks are significantly higher than standard heart surgery because of her rare blood type, and...

" Ernest trailed off,

"she's got other issues too.

", I was taken aback. Susie only mentioned her problematic blood type, not any other ailments.,

"What other issues?

" I pressed for details., It was crucial to know everything to better assess her condition., Ernest stepped aside, leaning against a railing. I followed, seeing the seriousness on his face, my heart tightened,

"Ernest...

",

"She also has a brain tumor,

" Ernest's voice was so low,

"and it's inoperable.

", Although I wasn't well-versed in medical knowledge, I understood that a brain tumor was bad news., I looked at Ernest's stoic face, struggling for words,

"When was it discovered? Or is it...

",

"Congenital!

", Both the heart condition and the brain tumor were congenital., So, Susie, this angelic girl, was doomed by fate from birth.,

"The doctors said she wouldn't live past twenty,

" Ernest's voice was barely a whisper, stifling., That's when I realized I hadn't asked Susie her age during the days we spent together. I glanced at Ernest's profile,

"How old is she now?

",

"Nineteen!

", It meant she only had a year left., I was stunned, unable to imagine that such a vibrant and radiant girl had so little time left in this world.,

"That can't be right. She looks healthier than any of us. Don't believe everything the doctors say,

" I couldn't accept it and retorted., Ernest's eyelids drooped as he said,

"More than anyone, I wish for her to have a long life. If it were possible, I'd gladly give her some of mine.

", My heart ached at his words. I stepped closer, my hand landing on his wrist, wanting to say something but at a loss for words., Finally, I gave his arm a tug, and when he turned around, I wrapped my arms around him., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.