, Ernest glanced over and asked me,

"You wanna head over?

", I shook my head gently. Right then, Mack needed solitude more than anything., Ernest said nothing more. After a few seconds, I averted my gaze,

"Let's go.

", As we drove away, I caught a glimpse of Mack through the rearview mirror, still standing there, motionless. The image of him, as if howling at the sky in despair, seemed almost tangible., Ernest's presence had me distracted all the way to Susie's hospital room., He didn't say a word, but as we entered, he took my hand., The moment our fingers interlocked, I understood his sentiment and flashed him a smile,

"I won't be a bother to Susie.

",

"I just don't want to interrupt your meal,

" he squeezed my hand gently,

"Everyone has their own grief to bear, best to navigate it on their own.

",

"Mhmm,

" I said, pushing open the door to the hospital room., Susie was reading a book but immediately dropped it and ran towards us when she saw us,

"Bro, Licia.

", She seemed even more lively and enthusiastic than back in that idyllic little courtyard, like a bird freed from its cage.,

"Why are you guys here so early? Did you bring me something to eat?

" Susie wrapped her arms around me, her eyes darting to the food container in Ernest's hand.,

"It's not just for you; we're going to eat together,

" my words made Susie's eyes sparkle., She rested her head on my shoulder,

"Then I can definitely eat an extra muffin.

",

"No muffins for you. You need to cut back on greasy foods, stick to a light diet,

" Ernest replied, making Susie frown.,

"I feel like I'm turning into a monk, I want meat,

" Susie was just like a stubborn child., Ernest set down the food container and tapped her forehead,

"At most, you'll turn into a nun.

",

"Licia, look at my brother,

" Susie complained to me.,

"After your surgery, he'll cook meat for all your meals,

" I told her, patting her hair,

"Your surgery is scheduled in three days.

", I was certain this news hadn't been shared with her before, to prevent her from getting too excited.,

"Three days? Weren't they saying... it's postponed indefinitely?

" Susie's disbelief was evident.,

"It's back on. So, you need to take, good care of yourself these next few, days. No getting sick, catching a, cold, or eating greasy foods,

" I pulled her close, looking at her youthful, radiant face,

"Just hold on a little longer.

" FindNovel.net, Susie looked at me, then turned to Ernest. Seeing him nod, she burst into a joyful smile., But as she smiled, tears welled up in, her eyes,, and she hugged me,

"Yo, two are so mean, knowing all along, and only telling me now.

", I couldn't help but smile at her words,

"Yes, we're the bad guys for not telling our little beauty Susie right away.

", After breakfast, I went to find Fanny, but my mind kept replaying the image of Mack standing on the steps., A bad feeling nagged at me, prompting me to take a detour to Judie's hospital room., This visit was unlike the last; the room was bustling with several people, even some visitors., I stood silently at the door, observing as everyone inside wiped away tears., Mack, not, Sole standing quietly,, Ja word, his gaze fixedet, the person in the bed as if was his entire world., If I couldn't confirm Mack's feelings for Judie from this, then all my years of understanding love were for naught.,

"Please leave,

" suddenly, a middle-aged woman addressed Mack., But Mack, as if he hadn't heard, remained still, without a response.,

"Mack,

" the woman raised her voice a bit,

"Please go.

",

"Do you really have to do this to her?

" Mack finally spoke., No one answered him. Mack then turned to a middle-aged man,

"Mr. Sears, are you really going through with this?

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