89 Light up the world

Hazel crossed her arms in front of her chest and thought carefully, "Let's start with the bad news."

Renly couldn't help but smile. The choice wasn't surprising; facing pain first and then welcoming happiness was unlike most Americans. Despite her young age, Hazel had matured quickly due to her condition. The Gradual Freezing Disease had gradually sapped her vitality. As an observer, Renly couldn't truly feel Hazel's pain. The only help he could offer was the companionship of a friend.

"I'll be leaving New York for a while, probably not as long as the last time, but at least a month or two," Renly carefully studied Hazel's expression. His previous departure without notice had been a blow to her, so this time he chose to inform her in advance, hoping to provide some mental preparation.

Unexpectedly, Hazel nodded, her expression calm and composed. "Then, what's the good news?"

Now Renly was a bit puzzled, but he continued, "I'm about to star in a new project. This time, it's a film."

"So, you're leaving to go on a journey to shoot this film?" Hazel immediately grasped the situation.

After watching "The Pacific", Hazel understood that Renly's departures weren't abandonment but rather chasing dreams courageously. Wasn't that a good thing? At least one of them was running tirelessly. So, upon hearing that Renly was leaving again, Hazel felt a bit disappointed but also happy.

"Yes, the film will be shot in Spain," Renly could sense the mixed emotions in Hazel's eyes—subtle excitement intermingled with a slight sense of loss. But at least it was a positive signal. "The production budget is tight, so we can't afford to rent a studio in Los Angeles or Toronto. Instead, we'll head to the investor's base in Spain, where we can rent all the necessary equipment at the lowest cost."

The filming location for "Buried" was in Barcelona. Although Renly and Rodrigo had to fly to Europe, incurring travel expenses, it was still far cheaper than renting a studio in Burbank. Next week, Renly and Rodrigo would fly to Spain together.

"Haha, does this mean I'll get to see you on the big screen?" Hazel was only fifteen after all, and her emotions couldn't help but turn cheerful. "Seeing a friend I know on the big screen? My God, this is probably the coolest thing in my life. I must post about it on Facebook and make my classmates jealous."

Renly didn't burst Hazel's dream bubble. "Buried" was an independent film. Whether they could find a distributor was a question, and even if they did, it was likely to be a limited release, making widespread distribution difficult. The most realistic outcome would be landing a spot in art theaters.

But all of that was for later. Seeing Hazel's excited smile now, why bother analyzing all those uncertain future details?

"I'll show off my most handsome side, making your friends jealous to the point of stomachaches!" Renly clenched his fist, his expression determined, causing Hazel to burst into laughter. "Alright, let's temporarily set aside the boasting. We should head back now." Renly pointed to the two figures by the gate who hadn't left yet. "I'm not sure whether your parents are worried about your health or worried about me doing something out of line."

When it came to speaking nonsense with a straight face, Renly was undoubtedly a genius. Hazel was laughing so hard that she couldn't even speak.

Renly stood up and reached out his right hand toward Hazel. "What do you think? Should we let them continue to be on tenterhooks? Keep the suspense until the end?"

Hazel's smile paused at her lips. She knew that Renly was giving her an out.

Her legs were already a bit swollen; standing for too long today had exceeded her capacity. Yet, she was unwilling to admit her weakness because she hadn't felt this happy in a long time—whether it was flying kites or listening to music.

Now, in a half-joking manner, Renly was extending a helping hand to her, resolving her dilemma. However, looking at Renly's eyes tainted with a smile, Hazel still blushed and her heart raced.

She cautiously lifted her right hand and placed it in Renly's palm, attempting to stand up. Unexpectedly, her first attempt caused her to tumble back onto the bench. The pain in her legs crushed over her weak muscles, erasing all her emotions in an instant, leaving only unrestrainable agony.

Hazel involuntarily shut her eyes tightly.

"Come on," she heard Renly's voice again, and she opened her eyes once more. She saw Renly's broad shoulders turned towards her, the guitar now in front of him. "Although I don't want your parents to misunderstand, it seems that the white knight must take the field now."

His teasing words made Hazel burst into laughter again. Refusing words were at the tip of her tongue, but she ultimately swallowed them. Then she slowly leaned forward, her entire body resting on Renly's back. His solid and warm back felt like a calm harbor, making her let out a gentle breath.

Afterward, Renly stood up and walked calmly toward the hospital.

Renly didn't speak, because Hazel was really light, as if she had no weight at all. She was fifteen after all, an age when she should be growing taller and gaining weight. This settled Renly's mood. Even though he had long grown accustomed to the ups and downs in the hospital, it was a lesson he could never truly learn, and each bout of heaviness and sorrow didn't diminish.

In just fifty yards, Hazel had fallen asleep on Renly's back, sound asleep.

Hazel's father, Derek Cross, greeted them and intended to take over Renly's work. However, upon seeing Hazel asleep, and with Renly's insistence, he didn't press further and accompanied them back to the ward.

Ellie Cross called a doctor to perform a simple check on Hazel. Fortunately, there was no major issue; there was just a bit of swelling. A massage and rest would resolve it.

"Thank you, Renly," Ellie walked Renly out of the ward, expressing her gratitude with a smile. "Thank you for the kite you gave to Hazel. She really likes it. In fact, if it weren't for this kite, she wouldn't have been willing to try getting out of bed today."

Renly waved his hand, denying repeatedly, "The kite is just an excuse. What really helped her was everyone's joint effort." Putting aside his usual banter, Renly scratched his head. "I hope Hazel's physical therapy will make progress from now on."

The symptoms of ALS were merciless, and there was no cure available. Currently, the only way to maintain muscle function and slow the deterioration of the condition was through physical rehabilitation. Hazel had previously resisted rehabilitation, resulting in the rapid progression of her illness. However, today she was willing to get out of bed—a positive sign.

The Cross couple had to work long hours to cover Hazel's medical expenses. Nevertheless, they never confused their priorities. They worked together in tandem, juggling work and spending time with their daughter, guarding her side unwaveringly. Frankly, Renly couldn't imagine how they could do any better.

"Thank you," Ellie expressed her gratitude once again.

Renly and Ellie walked together to the nurses' station. Ellie was going to inquire about dinner arrangements, as Hazel was still asleep, and dinner would likely be delayed. Renly walked to the elevator, pressed the button, but couldn't help glancing back at Ellie. She was diligently and earnestly asking about all the relevant instructions. Her elegant face seemed untouched by any influence, but her slightly clenched fingers betrayed her maternal concern.

This reminded Renly of his mother. Not Elizabeth Hall, but his mother from the previous life, Ding Yanan.

Noble families demanded restraint and reserve, never easily displaying emotions in any circumstance. Even in arguments, they were incredibly patient. Often, the flames of contention were suppressed before they even ignited. As a result, every member of their family seemed distant and polite, or one could say, insipid.

Ding Yanan was different. Her emotions were fervent, rich, and exposed. After the car accident, he had blamed his mother for all the arrangements that had confined his wings, robbing him of his childhood, youth, and ultimately his future. Yet, Ding Yanan never complained. Silently, she shouldered his emotional burdens, persistently accompanying him for ten years, truly, day by day.

One night, he woke up thirsty and saw his mother sitting by the window, gazing blankly into the darkness outside. The desolation and bewilderment seemed to lack direction. The vague silhouette conveyed an indescribable loneliness.

Only at that moment did he truly understand his mother's deep love. Perhaps she had made the wrong choices, and maybe he had lost his childhood, youth, and more, but at least they still had each other.

Ding Yanan and Ellie were both mothers, but they were also ordinary people, capable of making mistakes, feeling regret, excitement, anger, and hurt—ordinary people.

Ding! The elevator arrived.

Ellie heard the sound and turned around, waving goodbye. Renly smiled and nodded, then entered the elevator. The doors slowly closed.

"Renly, Renly!" Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a clear voice called out. Renly quickly pressed the open door button, causing the elevator to open again. He saw Annie Silliman's petite figure, her whole being jumping with joy, her face radiant with a brilliant smile. Her bright eyes outshone even the North Star. Her joy-filled voice overflowed with delight. "I've had a bowel movement! I've had a bowel movement!"

"Way to go, girl!" Renly also burst into laughter, immediately raising his right hand. Annie rushed forward, accurately giving Renly's hand a firm slap. Renly raised his thumb. "See, who's the best now?"

"Annie! Annie!" The little girl excitedly jumped around, then dashed out like a whirlwind, shouting loudly, "I'm the best!" The entire world brightened up in that moment.