, It was clear to me that Susie was acutely aware of the gravity of her condition. She knew that if the surgery went well, she'd have a chance at a new beginning. If not, her current reality would soon become nothing but memories.,

"You've got plenty of life ahead of you to live like this,

" I said, nudging her gently with my head.

"Trust me on this.

",

"Licia, my brother can be such a pretender sometimes. He's stubborn and not the best with words. Don't take it to heart, okay?

" Susie suddenly got all emotional., I thought she was worrying about her surgery and was about to comfort her, but then she added,

"You've been giving him the silent treatment these past few days as punishment, haven't you?

", Caught off guard by her observation, I poked her lightly,

"Young lady, don't overthink things.

",

"Licia, don't underestimate me. I've read my fair share of romance novels. I get it, I really do,

" Susie said with a confidence that surprised me., I couldn't deny it,

"Well, he asked for it. Besides, he's been a bachelor for over thirty years; a few days won't hurt. Don't feel too bad for him.

",

"He's my brother. He'd do anything for me. How can I not care?

" Susie said, taking a lick of her ice cream.

"He's the best brother and the best man in the world.

", Her words almost brought me to tears,

"I'll take good care of him, I promise.

",

"I know. I could tell the moment I saw you,

" she said, always knowing what to say to make someone feel good.,

"Just focus on getting better. Once you're healthy, we'll both spoil him and make him the happiest brother in the world,

" I encouraged her.,

"Deal,

" Susie said, extending her hand for a pinky promise.,

"Such a kid,

" I laughed, locking pinkies with her.,

"Licia, can you take me to the hospital today? I want to get better sooner,

" Susie's request took me by surprise.,

"No rush. Let's stay at a hotel today,

" I suggested, wanting to give her more new experiences in this dazzling world., It wasn't about vanity for her, merely curiosity, like a child discovering the world for the first time., Susie shook her head,

"I'll stay at a hotel once I'm better. The best one where you can reach out and touch the stars.

", Her childlike wish made my eyes water,

"Okay, you'll lie in bed and watch the stars.

", When it came time for Susie to go to the hospital, Ernest and I couldn't talk her out of it, so we took her there., I, I had texted Fanny earlier, and when, we arrived, she led us straight to the, est went to complete the, admission process. , Once everything was set, Susie urged us to leave,

"Bro, Licia, you should go back.

",

"I'm staying here,

" Ernest couldn't bear the thought of leaving Susie alone.,

"Bro, if you stay with me, what about Licia?

" Susie's words made Fanny snort with laughter., Susie continued,

"Bro, you need to, be with Licia. Remember, you promised to give me a little niece or nephew, so you two better get moving. But, you know, you're the one who needs to work hard.

" , I couldn't help but laugh., Ernest, with both Fanny and me laughing, turned red to the tips of his ears., He stepped forward and tapped Susie on the forehead,

"Zip it.

", Susie looked at me,

"Licia, my brother's being mean.

", I was about to intervene when the door to the room opened, and Yates walked in., Dressed in his white coat, he looked like he stepped out of a movie, causing me to do a double-take., Fanny seemed surprised too,

"Yates, what are you doing here so late?

",

"I came to check on the patient,

" Yates said, approaching the bed. Susie's eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, followed his every, move. bed et, én.swnovels, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.