This was what Michael feared. He knew that Jacob cared about Sara but was unable to express his love to her. And because of his inability to communicate, Jacob might hurt Sara more.
Michael knew that some wounds never healed. The more Michael thought about it, the more concerned he became that Jacob's bad temper would drive Sara away. He sighed at the thought. But that was more stress than his body could take. Michael burst into a coughing fit.
Michael's head slumped back on his pillow as his cough subsided. He took a shallow breath only to wince as pain coursed through him. He knew that he had no energy to address such an emotionally exhausting issue with Jacob. After all, he was already fighting for breath, and any that he took could easily be his last. Even if he tried to delay the inevitable, it would mean more suffering. Suffering in exchange for his life? Michael didn't know how much more he could take.
When he glanced around, Michael saw the concern reflecting in everyone's gaze. Sorrow filled his heart. There was nothing he could do to ease his pain. However, he couldn't bear to see the people around him suffering too. He had to do something to stop this. Perhaps it was time to end his life. He used all his strength to ring the bell by the bed.
The second the bell sounded, Jacob's head shot up. His mouth opened in a silent scream as desperation coursed through him. His father had made his decision. Now, the bell would summon the doctor, and that meant he would never see his father again. A deep sense of powerlessness swept over Jacob.
Sara, who had been standing by the door, was unaware of what had happened. To her, the bell sounded like any other in the hospital. However, to Jacob, it sounded like a death knell. Sara frowned when she saw Jacob's face suddenly turn deathly pale.
An ominous premonition rose in her heart, and she controlled herself from rushing in. The doctor said that Michael needed to stay in a quiet environment, which is why only one person was allowed to go in to see him.
That was why Sara could only stand at the door and wait anxiously. Meanwhile, James struggled to appear calm. However, he couldn't hide the complex expression in his eyes. He knew that his brother had made a choice that ordinary people could not make.
And although he knew what it meant, James had no intention of changing his brother's mind. Had it been him lying in the ICU, he would have made the same choice as Michael. But, he still couldn't accept that his brother had made a choice.
Ever since Michael had fallen ill, he had aged over ten years. He had grown so weak and incapacitated that it was hard for James to look at Michael without pity. He could understand his brother's situation, even if he didn't want to accept it. Michael had decided to call the doctor to save his family from more emotional trauma. Could there be a nobler sacrifice?
James closed his eyes as despair saturated every cell in his body. It had been many years since Michael had first been diagnosed with cancer. From that fateful day until now, James had steeled himself for this situation. The time when Michael would draw his last breath. James thought he was ready. And yet, a profound sense of loss and sorrow still filled him.
Upon thinking that Jacob had no choice but to accept the decision, tears welled in James's eyes. The only other time James had shown such deep emotions was when he received the news of the death of the woman he loved. This was the second time in James's life when tears spilled down his cheeks.
The overwhelming emotions took James by surprise. He didn't expect himself to cry as he had been prepared for this eventuality for a long time. Or so he thought. Perhaps, when the average person was afraid of death, the great people had already decided to sacrifice themselves.
This was the difference between ordinary people and great people. Even though Michael might not deserve to be called a great man, his brother was a hero in James's heart. If James could be regarded as a hero in the past, then Michael must have gone further than him.
The thought made James sadder. He felt pity for his brother. It was not his brother who made a choice, but fate. If the cancer hadn't relapsed, his brother might still be standing before him full of life, like he once was.
However, people can't change reality. Maybe one's destiny was set at the beginning of their life.
James knew his brother had been the reason for his recovery. But now Michael was leaving, and he could do nothing to help. There are always so many things beyond people's ability to change.
James closed his eyes with difficulty. He didn't want to take his eyes off Michael, and yet, he couldn't see the scene in front of him again. A few seconds later, he returned to his chair.
Sara looked at James in surprise. "What's wrong, uncle? Why have you returned?"
"I just need to rest. Don't worry." There was no emotion in James's voice. This was the first time that Sara was seeing him like this. It sounded as if he no longer cared about the world. This attitude was a little strange to her.
At least he had his son by his side now, even though this was their last farewell. Even though Michael wanted to reach out and touch Jacob, he couldn't muster the energy to move. Something inside him wanted to tell his son that everything would be all right, and yet Michael couldn't find the words.
He seemed to be thinking about something, and finally, he nodded. Each time he tried to swallow, he felt that his throat was on fire. The pain coursing through him made Michael feel as if he were going to die. He understood that he had no choice.
He was not afraid of death. After all, he was already at death's door. By making this decision, Michael was taking the initiative to end his life. If nothing else, he would die with whatever little dignity was possible in such a situation.
However, it didn't mean that his family would suffer any less. They would still feel sorrow and grieve for him. Michael clung to the hope that their suffering would be short-lived.
Jacob restrained his emotions as his father's decision continued to turn his world upside down. He knew that no matter what he said or did, Michael wouldn't change his mind. Jacob hesitantly reached out and took the consent form. Tears blurred his vision as he tried to read what was written on the form. Finally, after several long moments of hopelessly trying to read the document through the veil of tears, Jacob signed it.
"What is Jacob signing? Uncle, why does the family have to sign that document? What does it say?" Sara frowned as she questioned. When she received no response, she turned to look at James. He narrowed his eyes even though he had been blankly staring into the distance. Sara didn't understand. How could she? No one would tell her what was happening. How could she help and protect Jacob if no one would tell her anything?
When James heard her question, his body trembled. He tried to calm down, but he could still feel his breath getting heavier. When he heard Michael ring the bell, he had guessed what was coming. And now, he knew that he had been right.
Michael had made his decision. It was, indeed, a sad day for everyone. But did he really have a choice? James tried his best to stay calm, but his efforts were in vain.
Everyone would leave one day. And that day had come for his brother. He chose to end his life on his own.
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