Chapter 1474
Bernard didn’t respond verbally but gave a slight nod of his head. At this moment, all he wanted was for Eleanor to wake up, and he was willing to do anything for that.
Hailey, though incredulous, didn’t hesitate and promptly gave Bernard the address. Bernard, upon receiving it, rushed off to what he believed was his last hope.
There was a belief about the Chapel, nestled atop a hill, that every step up its steep path, taken with a genuflection and a bow, could grant any wish. Bernard, who had never been. a spiritual man, would have scoffed at such superstitions before, but not now…
Dressed in his finest suit, Bernard shed every ounce of pride, discarded all arrogance, and began his ascent. With each step, he knelt; with each level, he bowed, until his knees ached and his forehead bled, but he did not yield.
It wasn’t until he reached the top, until he knelt before the god, that he collapsed onto the cushioned kneeler, pale-faced, hands clasped in prayer, under the watchful gaze of all the saints and amidst the swirl of countless lit candles. He closed his eyes slowly…
He, Bernard…
First, for Eleanor to wake up. Second, for their child to be healthy. Third, for mother and child to enjoy long lives.
Nothing more did he ask for.
If the heavens willed it, he was ready to donate all his wealth.
If the heavens deemed wealth trivial, he was prepared to trade his life for theirs.
With this fervent wish, Bernard knelt before every holy figure in the chapel.
A monk, moved by his devotion, brought him a prayer ribbon. He instructed Bernard to write the names of those he wished to save and hang it at the highest branch, where it would catch the saints’ eyes.
Bernard, after expressing his gratitude, took the ribbon, wrote his heartfelt plea, and, with legs shaking from fatigue, climbed a ladder to tie his ribbon at the very top.
As he secured the knot and was about to descend, he glimpsed through the dappled branches an old, frayed ribbon with his own name on it. It fluttered briefly before his eyes before the wind lifted it…
Back on the ground, Bernard searched through the surrounding ribbons until he found the one with his name. The tall man, with slender fingers, held the ribbon and read…
First, for Hailey’s safety. Second, for Garett’s health. Third, for Bernard’s happiness.
Seeing the graceful handwriting and the familiar names, Bernard knew without a doubt who had written it.
08.06
Chapter 1474
His eyes unexpectedly reddened as he read the date on the last line of the prayer ribbon. Eleanor had been blessing him all this time, holding him dear in her heart-only that explained her wish for his happiness.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: A Second Chance At Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard)
Loved the story, many times caught in so much actually crying with the situation. Wish had more chapters to a better ending....
It's weird that the story went from narrative to slang use. Good story so far though...