Chapter 120

Miriam asked , “ Are you leaving Nareigh ? ”
“ I’m not , but I won’t bother Teresa anymore , ” Jonathan replied .
Miriam paused , unsure of how to respond . “ You want to remarry , but Teresa doesn’t . Benny and I have tried everything to bring you two together , but you know how stubborn she is . Even though you’ve built a successful career , it doesn’t change . anything ,” she said .
Maybe it’s time for you two to let go and start over with someone else , ” Miriam added .
Jonathan remained silent for a long time , his expression clouded . Finally , he asked , She wants to be with that Truman guy , right ? ”
Miriam frowned , saying , “ I don’t know that person as Teresa never mentioned him . But what I meant wasn’t that she has found someone new , just that it might be best for both of you to move forward separately and let the past go . ”
“ I understand , ” Jonathan responded .
Miriam observed Jonathan as he walked away , wondering , ‘ Does he truly understand ? I hope he doesn’t overthink . Did I say the right thing ? ‘
After a feverish night and day , Teresa finally felt a bit better by early morning . She got out of bed , pulled a jacket around her shoulders , and went to get some water but bumped into the couch .
Miriam , disturbed by the noise , opened her eyes with a yawn . “ You’re awake ? How’re you feeling ? I kept your food warm in the pot . I’ll get it for you now ,” she said concernedly .
Jonathan had prepared everything for her – thick , creamy gruel that was golden and fragrant , rousing her appetite , stir – fried vegetables , and pudding . Knowing her sore throat , he also peeled her an orange
Teresa sat down , coughing lightly , and croaked , “ Why’d you call him over ? It feels awkward . ”
Miriam folded her hands together , looking helpless . “ I didn’t know who else to ask . You don’t have anyone besides me , and , regardless of how he was , Jonathan’s a great cook . I figured eating your favorites would help you recover faster . ”
Miriam pushed the food toward Teresa , coaxing , “ Here , eat something . ” But Teresa looked pale , her appetite completely gone .
“ Even if you’re not hungry , just ea successfully unlocked ! d softly . “ For Jonathan’s sake . He spent two hours cooking this . He even lied the oranges into pieces for you . Show him some appreciation . ”
Teresa finally gave in and had some gruel . Despite her cold , it tasted sweet and
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comforting .
Miriam had something she wanted to say , but seeing how exhausted Teresa looked , she decided to wait until she recovered . After finishing her meal , Teresa fell asleep for several more hours .
When Teresa woke up again , her mind felt clearer , but her hand was still clasped in a tiny , warm grip . Surprised , she looked down to find Michael with his head resting by her bedside . She hadn’t noticed when he had come in , but there he was , holding her hand tightly .
She ran her fingers through his hair , stirring Michael from his sleep . He rubbed his eyes , saying , “ Mommy , you’ve been sleeping a long time . ”
Teresa’s heart warmed as she asked , “ Why are you sleeping here ? ”
Michael pressed her hand to his face and said quietly , “ I was afraid you’d leave me . ” Hearing this , Teresa was torn between laughter and tears .
Michael sniffled and leaned his forehead against hers , adding , “ I don’t want you to be sick . I want you to be okay . ”
Teresa brushed his hair gently , soothing him , “ I’m okay . It’s just a little cold . I’m all better now , aren’t I ? ”
Teresa had always thought of death as just a quiet end . But now , realizing that she had something worth holding onto , she couldn’t leave Michael alone in this world . She decided to stick around a little longer – at least until he grew up .
With something to live for , Teresa felt much better . Michael also promised he’d take care of everything if she got well .
“ Deal , ” Teresa agreed .
In the afternoon , they ventured to Druobridge to shop . Michael stuffed the items into his small backpack but was quickly weighed down by it .
“ You meanie , you’re making me work too much , ” Michael grumbled .
Teresa tried not to laugh , teasing him , “ Didn’t you say you’d help with everything ? A little weight is too much for you now ? ”
Michael plopped down on the pavement , stretching his legs out . “ I’m too tired to walk , and I’m starving , ” he complained .
With a smile , Teresa stopped teasing and picked up the backpack , suggesting , “ How about we stop for a burger ? There’s a place just up ahead . ”
“ Sure ! ” Michael cheered , bouncing back to his feet .
After they’d finished eating , Teresa and Michael started heading out when a red Toyota slowed to a stop in front of the mall . Its driver – Jennifer – stepped out , looking as if she had been waiting for them . With hands in her pockets , she greeted , “ Teresa . ” Teresa stopped , still holding Michael’s hand . “ Dr. Nelson ? It’s good to see you again . ”
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She lightly tapped Michael’s head and encouraged him to say hello ..
“ Hello , ” Michael greeted .
Jennifer smiled warmly at the child , her eyes examining him briefly . ‘ He doesn’t look much like Teresa , she noted inwardly . ‘ He must take after his father . Bright eyes , double – lids , a well – formed nose , and a confident look for someone so young . Quite
charming . ”
“ I’m here to pick up some things for the holidays , ” Jennifer explained . “ Those facial masks you gave me last time were fantastic , and I’m almost out . Can I buy a few more boxes ? ”
Teresa replied , “ Sure , but let me grab them from my car first . They’re in the trunk . ”
Jennifer walked alongside Teresa , using the excuse of the facial masks to observer Michael more closely . ‘ He seems just over two , yet he’s already speaking so clearly and walking with confidence . Such a spirited little one . ‘
“ You should consider buying a house , ” Jennifer suggested . “ Living at a friend’s place with a child might give people the wrong impression . ”
Teresa smiled and said , “ I’m actually moving out tonight . ”
Jennifer asked , “ Where to ? If you need help , let me know . My schedule’s open , and honestly , I don’t have many friends to hang out with . ”
“ Thanks , Dr. Nelson , ” Teresa responded . “ But I’ve already hired movers , and there’s not much to bring . ”
“ If you’re sure ,” Jennifer responded . She stopped by a stall and bought some caramel popcorn and roasted sweet potatoes , offering them to Michael after Teresa politely declined .
“ Mike , ” Teresa reminded . “ Say thank you to Ms. Nelson and goodbye . ”
“ Thank you , Ms. Nelson . Bye – bye , ” Michael mimicked .
-With Michael safely strapped in the child seat , Teresa started the car and drove off .
Jennifer watched the car fade into the distance , her longing thoughts interrupted by a phone call , summoning her back to the hospital for emergency surgery , to which she quickly agreed .
After the successful surgery , Jennifer stood at the sink , fatigue etched into her face . Suddenly , a handkerchief appeared in her line of sight .
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