No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Why on earth would you make wishes for everyone?" I asked, puzzled.

The smile slowly faded from Fanny's face. "Felicia, over the years, I've seen too much despair in women battling cancer, too many babies who never got the chance to see the world, too much of life's hellos and goodbyes. Every time I see it, it just breaks my heart. So, I figured if I don't have to see that anymore, my days would be a whole lot brighter."

After saying this, Fanny took my hand. "So, in making wishes for everyone, I guess I'm also doing it for myself."

In that moment, as I looked at Fanny, she seemed almost otherworldly, radiating a kind of light.

She seemed oblivious to it and asked, "Are you still planning to go up? If not, a little prayer here wouldn't hurt. It's the thought that counts, right?"

"I'll go," I suddenly found myself saying more decisively than I'd felt before.

"Are you sure you're up for it? Why don't you just come back with me?" Fanny looked concerned.

I nodded, saying, "I'm sure."

Looking up at the church at the mountaintop, I said, "I'll go and make your wish again."Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Fanny chuckled, "Well, then I'm grateful, but I really can't join you."

She wasn't one to leave me behind, especially when she was worried. Sensing something was off, I gave her a concerned look, "You're not hiding something, are you?"

Fanny playfully slapped my arm. "What could possibly be wrong? I just hate hiking. You know the last time I tried, I nearly killed myself from exhaustion."

"Ugh," Fanny sighed, "I've got a real aversion to climbing mountains."

Respecting her feelings, I nodded, "Okay, you head back. I'll go up myself."

Fanny glanced at the mountain, "But I'm worried about you."

"It's okay, we'll keep in touch. If anything happens, you can call for help," I reassured her, reaching out my hand.

Fanny looked at the church, then clasped her hands together in prayer, "May the angels watch over you."

After a high-five, I started my ascent.

The path, damaged by a recent storm, was tough to navigate, but driven by Fanny's prayers, I persisted. Somehow, she had deeply moved me today.

There was this fiery feeling inside, like something had been ignited.

The climb was challenging, but I made it.

Upon entering the church, I knelt and prayed, wishing for a world without suffering, where families remain together, and kindness prevails.

After praying, I went to see Father Mathew, who was cleaning the chapeland tending to the candles

instead of his usual scripture

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Von

Seeing the rows of vigil candles, I remembered Herschel lighting one for me Sure enough, there was a

candle with my name on it, and next to it, candles for my parents

In that moment, my heart felt like it was in a vacuum, compressing.

"Since you're here, why not help out?" Father Mathew handed me a cloth.

As we cleaned, he shared the stories behind each candle.

In that instant, I truly understood the depth of Fanny's wishes.

This world is filled with joy and sorrow. Harboring resentment solves nothing; letting go allows us to move beyond past grievances.

"Come, it's time for the service," Father Mathew led me to the chapel.

But as I entered, I saw a familiar figure kneeling there.

Father Mathew, noticing my shock, whispered, "Been there for a day and a night."