No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Could it be the funeral arrangements for Judie that were troubling?

My mind raced with possibilities, but the real answer was something only Mack could provide.

It seemed I'd have to wait for another opportunity to ask him.

But then again, there might never be another chance.

Even though Mack and I had crossed paths twice, I knew it was only in this hospital setting. Once Judie was gone, it was unlikely Mack would have any reason to show up here again. In this vast sea of faces, ours were unlikely to meet once more.

I took one last look at the surrounded hospital bed and silently wished in my heart: Judie, rest in peace.

After leaving, I went to look for Fanny, but luck would have it she was back in surgery. I didn't head straight back to the room but decided to visit the garden outside.

"Ms. Hudson," someone called out to me.

I turned and saw Joseph, alone and seemingly having rushed over, catching his breath.

His appearance didn't surprise me. "Uncle," I greeted him.

"Sorry, Ms. Hudson. Lily... she's taken it hard,” Joseph started with an apology.

I shook my head gently. "Uncle, I understand."

He sighed, "She was our only daughter. Now that she's gone, it's like we've lost our daughter forever."

The despair in his words left me speechless.

Looking at him, a man in his early fifties but with hair already graying at the temples, I saw the toll the past two years had taken. Judie had been in a state where she couldn't speak to them, couldn't even call them mom and dad. This silent agony had been their torment for nearly two years.

At that moment, I somewhat understood their decision to let go of Judie.

Because Judie would never wake up, and keeping her like this meant she couldn't rest peacefully, and it was draining them as well.

"Ms. Hudson," Joseph looked at me, his lips quivering, "who are your parents? If you don't mind me asking?"

I knew why he was here asking this

question, seeking to understand why I resembled their daughter so much. I had g to hide. "Uncle, my

parents have passed away

Shock registered on Joseph's face, followed by an apology, "I'm sorry, child. I didn't know..."

"It's okay, Uncle," I said with a smile. "I've seen Judie. We do look very much alike."

"Yes, too much alike," he looked at me, "It's like seeing Judie alive again."

Thinking of their loss and grief, I offered some solace, "Maybe this is fate's plan For me and Judie to look so alike yet be strangers, and for us to have met. If it comforts you can visit you whenever you miss your daughter."

If my presence could offer them even a sliver of comfort in their grief, I was willing to be Judie's stand-in.

"That would be... good," Joseph

nodded eagerly, his eyes glistening with tears, "It must be Judie's way of

telling us not to be too sad, letting us meet you, Ms. Hudson."

"Yes," I smiled, "You can call me Felicia or just Fee.”

“Alright, Felicia..." His eyes shone with unshed tears, and he sighed, "You smile just like our Judie."

Hearing that, my smile brightened even more.

I exchanged phone numbers with Joseph before he left.Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

Watching his retreating figure, my heavy heart felt a little lighter.

Looking up at the sky, much like Mack did that morning, it felt as if I could see Judie's smiling face telling me, "Felicia, I'm so glad to have met you."

Leaving the garden, I headed back to Susie's room. But before I could get there, my phone rang. It was Grant.

“Director Hudson, there's someone at the office looking for you. Can you make it back now?" Grant got straight to the point.