No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Got the iced lattes, let's head in," Ernest announced, his arms full of groceries as he acknowledged my presence.

He didn't ask any questions, yet I had the feeling he had seen everything. But with my heart racing and my mind elsewhere, I wasn't in the mood for explanations. So, I followed him into the hospital room.

Susie greeted me with excitement, "Licia, the lattes are here! I've been waiting just for you."

Ernest had already made his way to the kitchen with the groceries. I glanced his way before approaching Susie.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

"Licia, I've got everything ready, just waiting for you to divvy up the lattes," Susie said, arranging several cups on a small table.

I really wasn't in the mood for lattes right now. "Don't worry about it, you drink them."

"Really?" Susie's eyes sparkled before she laughed, "I don't have that much room."

Still, Susie divided the lattes, mumbling, "Licia, what took you so long? My brother was worried about you. He dropped off the groceries and went looking for you."

"Ran into a friend on the way," I offered as an explanation.

"Licia, you have so many friends. I hope to make lots of friends too," Susie pushed a divided latte towards me.

"With your personality, you're bound to make plenty," I said, taking a sip of the latte.

Susie didn't hesitate to taste her latte either. "Licia, this flavor is so good. There are so many types of lattes, I want to try them all, Licia..." "Licia?" Susie waved her hand in front of my face. "You seem out of it, are you feeling alright?"

Before I could deny it, Susie called out to the kitchen, "Bro, come check on Licia."

At her words, Ernest emerged, hands full of washed cherries and peeled lychees.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice as he placed the fruit down to check my forehead with a cool, comforting hand.

"I'm fine," I said, taking Ernest's hand and pulling him to sit beside me.

Ignoring Susie's presence, I leaned against Ernest's shoulder, "I went to see Judie, you know, Mack's mentor."

I didn't need to explain much for Ernest to understand.

"Did you see something upsetting?" Ernest asked softly.

He wasn't upset, just concerned. I leaned closer into his shoulder, "Judie's family is giving up on her. Mack is devastated, and I... it's hard to bear."

No life deserves to be given up on, but in Judie's state, not giving up seemed pointless too. Ernest didn't respond, simply comforting me by nuzzling the top of my head with his cheek. "Ernest, we need to cherish every moment," I tightened my grip on his arm, turning to Susie.

She sat quietly, watching us, her latte forgotten.

I reached out my other hand to her, and Susie took it. "Licia, what happened to Judie?"

"She's sick, been asleep without waking up," Ernest answered gently, sparing Susie's feelings.

He was careful not to upset her, remembering she was also facing a major surgery with uncertain outcomes.

"Coma?" Susie understood immediately.

Ernest softly confirmed, and Susie moved closer, grasping both our hands. "Bro, Licia, there's somethings I want to talk to you about today."

Her usual cheerful demeanor was replaced by seriousness, prompting Ernest and me to exchange a look. I lifted my head from Ernest's shoulder to give her our full attention.