No More Waiting, She Chooses Love



"Cough, cough..."

In the dead of night, I started coughing-probably caught a cold. My respiratory system has always been weak, and a cold invariably leads to a cough. It must have been the running around today coupled with the chilly mountain air that got me sick.

"Cough, cough..." My throat felt as if something was lodged in it, despite having drunk water.

Just as I was coughing, there was a knock at the door. Normally, a knock in the middle of the night would be unsettling, but since I was in a retreat center, I felt no fear.

Before I could even ask, a middle-aged woman's voice came from the other side, "It's Aurora from next door."

Aurora is Mrs. Clark's spiritual name. She's so dedicated to her spiritual path that she's practically a lay disciple now.

I got up and opened the door, greeting her with a nod, "Mrs. Clark."

"I heard you coughing terribly. I brought you some honey-lemon elixir," Mrs. Clark said kindly. Her hair was tied back, looking every bit the benevolent soul, despite being married to a man with quite the reputation and having a son who's no angel either.

This was my first time meeting her, and she wasn't quite what I expected.

"Thank you, Mrs. Clark. Sorry for disturbing your rest," I said respectfully, genuinely grateful for her kindness.

It's like they say, sometimes what you're looking for comes to you without any effort.

My illness seemed to have brought me the opportunity to connect with her.

Every cloud has a silver lining, indeed.

"Did you catch a chill? The mountain air is quite cool, and you young girls don't dress warmly enough," Mrs. Clark observed, glancing at my bedding.

I nodded obediently, "Yes, I didn't bring any warm clothes."

I played the sympathy card intentionally, hoping to have more interactions with her.

Mrs. Clark, at her age, probably sees

me as one of her own. And fromě what Shirley mentioned, Mrs. Clark is known for her kind heart. Otherwise, Nancy might not have been so fortunate.

"I'll bring you an extra blanket," she fell right into my little plan.

"Thank you, Mrs. Clark," I replied, showing my best grateful and well-mannered self.

Mrs. Clark looked at the syrup in my hand, "Mix it with warm water; it'll soothe your throat."

"Will do," I quickly agreed and went to fetch water, asking her, "Would you like some water, Mrs. Clark?"

"I don't eat or drink after nine at night," she shared her health regimen.

I laughed, "That's impressive. I need

my three meals a day, can't miss any, and sometimes even crave midnight snacks like grilled skewers."

This was something her generation typically frowns upon. I had deliberately brought it up, knowing it would prompt a discussion.

As expected, she shook her head, "You young people really don't know how to take care of yourselves, bless you."

After mixing the syrup with water, I took a sip. The sweet and sour taste was comforting, a familiar flavor.

།

Back when was with the Wagner family, Jacqueline used to prepare it for me at every change of seasons. I'd have it first thing every morning.

UMS

Now that I've left, no one prepares it for me anymore.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

"I'll go get that blanket," Mrs. Clark said, turning to leave.

"No, let me come with you," I quickly set down my cup and followed her.

Her room wasn't different from mine, but it felt distinct, almost ethereally clean.

She opened her wardrobe and took out one of her coats, "Here, use this to keep warm."