Ch. Ch 26 Don’t come back Ch 26

“For every dollar the price drops, perhaps one more patient might find hope to live on.” 

“Ember, this is your father’s and my hope as well.‘ 

They departed abruptly with their wish unfulfilled. 

Now, I had finally completed the final chapter for them. 

Perhaps in the afterlife, they could finally rest in peace. 

I accepted flowers from patients and interviews from reporters who flocked around me. 

Amidst the crowd, my gaze suddenly collided with a familiar pair of eyes. 

Across the surging mass of people, I unexpectedly saw Axel and Ryker in the distance. 

Twelve years without seeing them, and they had begun to age, just like me. 1 

They were both over forty now. 

Fine lines had appeared around Ryker’s eyes, his face weathered and tired. 

And Axel, though only forty–two, already had white hair at his temples. 

1/2 

Our eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like another lifetime. 

In my memory flashed images of my big brother who skipped work to attend my parent–teacher meetings, my second brother 

who stood on stools to cook meals for me. 

The mischievous, playful young Ember. 

Now, we had all grown old. 

They tried to smile at me, though it seemed they might cry instead. 

After twelve years apart, they watched me intently from a distance. 

But in the end, they didn’t take a single step closer. 

I returned their smile, feeling only peace within. 

Twelve years hadn’t erased the grievances and hatred. 1 

Instead, they had finally brought me true acceptance. 

As the press conference ended, I left with my colleagues and mentors. 

Behind me, suddenly came a man’s hoarse and urgent voice: “Em…. 

Ember.”