Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1597

Evan nodded. "I… I'll remember! But I… I don't want Bernard to die… I'm scared! I'm so scared! Great-grandpa, I'm scared…" The little boy was crying so hard his whole body trembled violently. It was a stark contrast to his usual bright, optimistic, and fearless self. Today, he was small, helpless, and pitiful… Not a child genius, just an ordinary five-year-old. The person who loved him most was dying, and he was heartbroken. Bernard’s tears streamed down his face again as he tried to comfort him. "But if Bernard doesn't die, it will hurt so much. Evan, I'm sick. The sickness is deep in my bones, and it's unbearable… Dying is like falling asleep. Bernard won't hurt anymore…" Evan’s lips trembled. "You wake up from sleep. When you're dead, you don't wake up…" Bernard asked, "So, do you want Bernard to be in pain?" Evan shook his head frantically. "…" "Since you don't, then don't be sad. Just think of it as Bernard falling asleep." Evan’s lip quivered, looking utterly wronged and miserable. "Then… what do I do when I miss Bernard? What if I want to hear Bernard’s voice? What if I want Bernard to tell me a story? I… I…" Evan was sobbing his heart out, and Bernard's own heart ached for him. He wanted to wipe away his tears, but after trying for a long time, he couldn't even lift his hand. A wave of frustration washed over him… He couldn't even raise his hand anymore. He used to be able to hook a finger in Evan’s clothes and carry him all over the mountain. Now, he couldn't even wipe away his grandson's tears… After a long pause, Bernard gathered his strength to speak. "Evan, if you miss me, you can talk to me anytime, anywhere. I won't be able to answer, but I will definitely hear you and see you. I will always be with you…" "You are my pride, Evan. Having you in my life... it was the greatest gift I ever received. Be brave for me, okay?" "Evan, you have to be good. Grow up healthy and strong. Love your country and your family. Be a man who can stand tall and proud…" "And you have to help me take care of your great-uncle Jeremy. When I'm gone, you'll be his only family…" "That's right, his name is Jeremy Warner. He's from the Warner family… the once-great Warner family… If you can, help me and Jeremy make the Warner name mean something again…" "And… don't live in hatred. You must love yourself. Loving yourself is the same as loving those around you. When you are happy, your mommy and the others can be happy…" "Evan, you can think about avenging your grandmaster and his wife, but not now. Remember, don't be reckless. Staying alive is the top priority…" As he finished, Bernard used his last ounce of strength to raise his hand, trembling as he touched Evan's little face. He smiled and said, "If there's a next life… let… let Bernard meet you again… Bernard loves… loves… loves Evan…" "Bernard wishes… wishes… wishes Evan… a peaceful… and happy… and smooth… life…" As Bernard’s voice trailed off into a whisper, and the hand that had held so much power and love finally stilled, slipping lifelessly from Evan’s tear-stained cheek. "!" He stood frozen for a full minute before letting out a heart-wrenching scream. "BERNARD—!" Hearing the cry, the others rushed back into the room. Bernard’s eyes were tightly closed. He was no longer breathing. The old matriarch checked his pulse, then felt for breath at his nose, and shook her head sadly. "Bernard… is gone."