Redmption 211


    Ellie wasn’t just Brandon’s little sister. She was practically his daughter, as he had raised her since


    she was a child.


    Their bond was so deep that it exined why Brandon was so cautious and hesitant when it came


    to Ellie’s matters.


    Ellie shared stories about her and Brandon. She told me about this little courtyard and how every


    brick and tile was built by Brandon himself. She also mentioned how Brandon used to catch fish and


    grill them for her, and how he became an excellent cook from trying to make good food for her.


    I learned more about Brandon as Ellie shared stories about her and Brandon. They were stories


    that tugged at my heartstrings. His Independent character was forged from years of responsibility


    and loneliness.


    As Ellie continued talking, she eventually drifted off to sleep. I had a sudden urge to call Brandon


    after looking at Ellie sleeping peacefully.


    I wanted to tell him that from now on, I would take care of him and he wouldn’t have to be the only


    one always caring for others.


    However, that impulse passed as quickly as it came. I didn’t act upon that thought. Some intentions


    were better shown through actions rather than words.


    I didn’t give Brandon a call. Instead, I dialed Lisa’s number.


    “Where are you?” Lisa’s voice sounded tired.


    I noticed something was off. “What’s wrong? Did you just get off surgery? You sound exhausted.”


    “I’m sick.” Lisa’s words caught me by surprise.


    However, given how she overworked herself, it wasn’t all that surprising. After all, people aren’t


    machines, and even doctors can fall ill.


    “What happened? Have you taken your medicine?” I asked with concern.


    “I have. It’s nothing serious. I was just overworked, Lisa replied before asking, “But you haven’t told


    me about your whereabouts yet. Did something happen?”


    Iughed. “Do I seem like the kind of person who will run away when something goes wrong?”


    “Nope.” Lisa knew me well.


    “Liz, I need a favor.” I exined Ellie’s situation, but Lisa didn’t respond for a while.


    I started to worry that I was putting her in a tough spot. “You don’t know anybody who can help, do


    you?” I asked.


    -do,” Lisa finally said with a hesitant voice. “And based on what you told me, I think it’s possible.”


    “Thanks, Liz.” I didn’t notice anything strange in her tone.


    “But I don’t want to talk to this person.” Lisa’s words caught me off guard.


    I paused for a couple of seconds. “Do you have some sort of grudge against that person? Or is it


    something more personal?”


    Lisaughed at my question. “I don’t hold any grudges.


    Then it must be something personal.” I suddenly remembered that Lisa had a crush on a senior


    during


    our school days. That crushsted throughout her entire youth, but she had never let her feelings


    be


    known.


    The reason Lisa gave, and I quote, was, “He deserves better.”


    Lisa was capable of love, but she had her own limits.


    “Is that senior married now?” I asked.


    Lisa went silent for a couple of seconds. “I don’t know, I stopped keeping tabs on him after I


    graduated. I only came across published papers. He’s be a world–renowned expert in


    cardiology.”


    Upon hearing that, I knew there was hope for Ellie’s heart condition.


    “Liz, just ask him, please. Saving a life is more important than anything else,” I pleaded. This was


    my first time pushing her.


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    I wasn’t entirely selfless. A part of me was thinking that maybe the senior hadn’t found his “perfect


    match” yet. They could reconnect through Ellie’s situation and maybe there would be a new


    beginning for them.


    Lisa sighed. “Madeline, you really know how to prioritize romance over friendship.”


    Through her words, I knew she was going to help.