No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Indeed, it was the highest point, and through a video call, I saw the amusement park under the glow of lights. Overall, it didn't look bad, but it was a far cry from the original design, which featured gradient blue, reminiscent of the ocean transitioning from night to dawn.

But it was just a solid, deep blue, no gradient, just a monotonous shade. Though rich in color, it lacked soul.

"Hey Felicia, this is the situation. I'm unsure if it's the contractor's fault or an issue with the lighting supplier," Deborah's voice came through. "Have you talked to both parties? What did they say?" I asked.

"The contractor claims they followed the plan, and the supplier insists they made the lights according to our specifications. Neither admits to any wrongdoing, so I'm at a loss," Deborah sounded frustrated.

"Felicia, come back. I can't seem to handle this, and I know how much you've put into this amusement park. You wouldn't want it to turn out this way," Deborah urged me again.

"Fine, I'm coming back," I said without further ado.

After ending the call, I booked a flight and received aerial shots of the details from Deborah, confirming the issues were significant.

The following morning, I was up early, packing my bags for the nine o'clock flight.

"Licia, you're up so early. What's the rush? Working on your yoga poses again?" Ethel asked upon seeing me.

I had been practicing yoga in the yard these days, and Ethel always cautioned me not to injure myself.

"No," I approached her, "Ethel, I have to leave."

Ethel paused, then lamented, "But you said you'd stay longer."

"There's a problem with a project at work I need to handle. I might come back to visit after it's settled," I said, only committing to a possibility.

Though I was leaving Conrad's company, I still had my career to think about. I needed to support myself.

"Off you go then. Everyone leaves eventually. Here I am, stuck in place," Ethel's words struck a chord.

But it also sparked a bold idea in me. "Ethel, why don't you come with me?"

"Take me with you?" Ethel was surprised.

"Yeah, let's show you the hustle of the big city." I said with a smile, excitement bubbling inside me.

Over these days, I had seen Ethel as my grandma.

But Ethel

used to be. I'd only be a bat they ag ook her head. "No, dear

At my

my age, my legs aren't

"Not at all, Ethel. Don't say that. Come on, just for a few days," I coaxed, linking my arm with hers.

She looked at me. "Thank you, dear,

for your kindness. But I'll stay hereet

When you have the time, come back and visit."

Her words made my heart ache.

I hugged her tightly. "Ethel, I'll miss you."

"Me too. But you should think of

Ernest, a fine young man you

drove

away, Ethel's words caught me off

guard.

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Was Ernest gone because I hadn't reciprocated his feelings?

Before I could respond, Ethel patted my hand. "Licia, Ernest is a good man. Give him a chance."

"Okay." I agreed.