I rubbed against Gary's hair . " I will come . But I still wish you health and long life . " Gary's health had worsened lately . Since his serious illness carly this year , the dark circles beneath his eyes never faded . He aged suddenly , becoming listless . That illness terrified Christine too . Whenever she's home , she'd watch Gary finish three full meals daily . She'd also remind him to sleep on time every night . " Rest properly , and Mom might visit you . " Christine always told him this . Gary's medicines and tonics became constant companions . Yet hospital checkups showed nothing concerning . " Get more rest daily , don't overthink . " The doctor repeatedly reminded him . After Christine left for college , Gary's bedtime kept delaying . Christine would text to check , but Gary ignored messages if staying up late . Later she started video calls , watching him climb into bed . Watching Gary's sorrow worried me , though he couldn't hear my scolding . He'd sit on the tatami gazing at the sky , at my photos . 0.0 % Chapter 24 Tears streaming , he'd ramble similar words repeatedly . And I'd ramble replies back to him . I couldn't stand that pitiful look of his , like a lost puppy . " Jessica , I miss you . I want to see you . You've been gone far too long . " " It has been long . I miss you too . " " Christine's all grown up now . Why haven't you come to see me ? " " I watch over you both every day . You just can't see me . " " Are you still upset with me ? You hate me now , don't you ? " " It wasn't your fault . How could I ever hate you ? " " Or is it because I'm old ? You don't like me anymore ? " " You are old , but I still love you . You're still a handsome old man . ' 11 " After that serious illness , I stopped feeling your presence . Did you really leave ? " " I never left . Your heart's weakened , and you refuse to rest properly . " " You must find me annoying now . ' I sighed , hoping Christine would come home for vacation and straighten him out . Gary's constitution remained strong , and Christine kept close watch over him . His health held no major concerns . 20.1 % Later , Christine graduated college and married the boy she'd loved for years . At the wedding , Gary untied the blessing bracelet from his left wrist and fastened it around Christine's . Later at home , he wrote to me : " I've given Christine the blessing bracelet you tied around my wrist . " " You walk her down the aisle , I'll lead her to the altar . This time , no one will miss it . " I smiled and replied , " Sweetie is luckier than all of us . " Now there's another person at home keeping Gary in line , and I'm really envious . " Never married or had kids , yet you have both a son and a daughter . Gary , I'm a bit jealous of you . " I poked Gary in the back . Gary's face lit up with more smiles . Sweetie was very happy after marriage , and soon we had a little granddaughter at home . At mealtime , everyone sat around the table , and they still kept a seat for me next to Gary . The little granddaughter would tug at Gary and call him " Grandpa . " Gary would also take out my photo and teach her to recognize people . " This is Grandma . " The little granddaughter shook her head . Then , imitating him , she pointed at the photo and called out , " Pretty sister . " Gary couldn't win against his granddaughter , so he wrote to me about it . " Jessica , we're in different generations again . " " Now you're the pretty sister , and I'm the grandpa . " But Gary's health was getting worse . He often sat on the tatami mat on the balcony , staring blankly at the sky . 40.2 % 09:56 My heart ached watching him , but I couldn't do anything . One day , Gary sat there as usual , his eyes a bit dazed . Suddenly , he said softly , " Jessica , I think I'll be seeing you soon . " My heart clenched as I floated to his side . " Gary ... " My voice was thick with tears . Gary gave a faint smile . " Jessica , all these years ... I'm finally coming to find you . " My eyes stung as I stared at him intently . Gary closed his eyes gently . " I've missed you so much . " " All this time , I kept waiting ... waiting to dream of you . " " But not even an illusion appeared . " I couldn't hold back anymore - pent - up emotions surged through me . " Gary , open your eyes and look . " " I'm right here . I've come for you . " Gary reached out , as if trying to touch me . " Jessica ... is that you ? " He struggled to open his eyes , but his gaze remained unfocused . He still couldn't see me . " Jessica , if there's a next life ... let me confess to you first . " " Even if you'd refused me ... I'd have no regrets . " I watched him in panic , powerless to stop it . His hand fell limp . His eyes never opened again ; his chest stopped rising . I desperately wanted to shake him awake , but my hands passed through empty air . 68.5 % Chapter 24 " Gary , I'm here ! I would've said yes ! " Suddenly , a voice came from above . " Jessica ? You really were here all along . " I looked up and saw Gary hovering above me . " You ... what's ... " I was stunned . Gary looked like his youthful version . His soul manifested exactly as when we first met . Gary shook his left hand wearing the wedding band , then stepped forward to hold my hand . " Let's go . Together . " -THE END 91.8 % 09:56 Title: Caution! Cute Baby Alert! In "Caution! Cute Baby Alert!" by CrushReel, Scarlett's life takes an unexpected turn after a night with the enigmatic billionaire, Robert, leaves her pregnant and alone. Rejected by her parents and believing her baby to be lost, Scarlett's world unravels. Little does she know that secrets lie beneath the surface, waiting to be unveiled. Exploring themes of love, loss, and newfound strength, this modern romance novel delves into the complexities of relationships amidst wealth and power. Scarlett's journey from abandonment to resilience resonates with readers seeking a tale of redemption and hope. Set against the backdrop of luxurious mansions and high-stakes office drama, the story weaves a captivating narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. What sets "Caution! Cute Baby Alert!" apart is its ability to blend heartwarming moments with gripping twists, creating a unique reading experience that lingers long after the final page. Available to read at CrushReel, this sweet romance promises to tug at your heartstrings while delivering a compelling storyline that defies expectations.