Leaving was the best choice for Winnie.
“But that’s all in the past. You can’t stay away forever. Winnie, you’re my only sister,” Jamie said, her throat tight, her voice heavy with emotion.
Ben, overhearing her conversation, gently patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging look.
Jamie hesitated but quickly made up her mind. “Winnie, wait for me. I’m coming to see you now. If you’re really going to leave, you at least owe me a proper goodbye in person.”
Without waiting for a reply, Jamie dashed out of the hospital room, leaving Ben, Mrs. Lucas, and Charlie behind.
Charlie wanted to go with her. He adored his aunt, and she had always been so kind to him. But he held himself back, knowing now wasn’t the time to cause trouble.
*
Winnie wanted to take their mother away, and Jamie was sure that Winnie was with Linda now.
Jamie hurried to where Winnie was, her heart racing. When she arrived, she spotted her sister immediately.
Winnie smiled. It was a bittersweet expression that tugged at Jamie’s heart. Though Winnie looked different now, for a fleeting moment, her smile brought back memories of the sister Jamie once knew.
Winnie smiled. Though she looked different now, in that brief moment when she smiled, Jamie felt a fleeting glimpse of the sister she once knew.
“I didn’t even plan for you to come. Why did you? Don’t you think it’s a hassle? You’ve got work, and Charlie to take care of,” Winnie said lightly.
“I told you last time, I’m over it. Do you really think I’d still hold onto those things?” she added.
“No,” Jamie said firmly. “You leaving alone is bad enough, but taking Mom with you? I haven’t even had the chance to ask her everything I need to, and you haven’t told me the full truth either. I can’t let you leave. Winnie, stay.”
Jamie’s determination was clear, and Winnie understood her sister’s feelings. But Winnie had already made up her mind. Staying would only prolong the pain and torment for both of them.
Winnie patted Jamie’s shoulder gently. “I’d love to stay, truly. But it’s not that simple. Even if no one recognizes me, I’m still Winnie, and that will never change. Eventually, someone will figure it out. I can’t let that affect you.”
Her voice softened as she continued. “You and Ben worked so hard to be together. Do you want to risk losing that because of me?”
Jamie’s breath caught in her throat. She didn’t want to lose Ben, of course. But how could she let her sister leave her home, possibly to a difficult and lonely life?
“Winnie, you…” Jamie’s words stuck in her throat, leaving her struggling to respond.
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